When use an electric boat?
Generally, electric boats are not used when speed is required. Although an electric motor can easily deliver hundreds of hp’s if required, the limiting factor is the storage of energy onboard. Currently, conventional lead acid batteries prove to be the best and most cost effective way or storing energy onboard. However in the future, new technologies such as lithium-ion batteries or fuel cells could drastically improve the energy storage facilities onboard electric boats. Usually electric drive systems are used in boats with a so called ‘displacement hull’. This is a hull that is designed to push the boat through the water, instead of lifting it our of the water and ‘planing’ over the surface.

Why use an electric boat?
Electric boats are QUIET. This makes boating extra-ordinarily pleasant. You can converse easily. They do not frighten wildlife, fish or the neighbours.

This makes electric power ideal for fishermen, for eco-tourism and for commuter boats.

Electric boats are CLEAN (truly “ZERO EMISSION”). They do not pollute the waterway or the air. No fumes, no oil, no dirt. They are suitable for use in the most sensitive environments.

Electric boats are EASY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN. They are ideally suited to family use or boat hire operations. They are particularly safe, there are no inflammable fuels.

Electric boats are very ECONOMICAL. Although the initial cost of an electric boat can be slightly higher than the equivalent internal combustion (petrol or diesel) boat, fuel and maintenance costs are a fraction of those for internal combustion. Over the life of the boat the extra initial cost will be repaid many times over. Analyses show that a commercial tour ferry operation will recover the extra initial cost in less than a year, and over a 10 year save tens of thousands of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions:
How fast can an electric boat go ?
Generally an electric boat will have a cruising speed that is similar to a vessels ‘hull speed’. For most recreational boats, this is between 4 to 8 knots, depending on the length of the boat’s waterline. Depending on the hull shape, top speeds up to 10 knots can be reached.

How long will an electric boat run ?
This depends on the speed that the boat is travelling at. The rule of thumb with all electric boats is: the faster you go – the exponentially faster your batteries will be drained. The slower you go – the longer the electric motor will run and the further the distance that can be covered. With an electric boat it’s all about finding the balance between travelling speed and range. If the boat is well set-up it will generally travel all day at it’s hull speed ( eg up to 8 hours at 4 to 6 knots) before it needs to be recharged.

What are the running costs?
Compared to a boat that is fitted with a combusion engine, electric boats are very cheap to run. The initial costs of fitting an electric drive system and battery bank are similar or in some cases slightly higher than for combustion engines. The initial investment is easily recouped as recharging of most electric boats costs less than one dollar and electric motors require hardly any maintenance. No quarterly service or winterizing is required and with proper care, a battery bank will last up to some 750 charge cycles, which equals 5 to 7 years of recreational use before replacement.

How far can an electric boat go?
Again, this depends on the speed that the boat is travelling at. The table below will give you an indication of the performance of a typical recreational electric boat, fitted with deep cycle lead-acid batteries :

	Speed in knots	Range in nautical miles	Running time in hours
Full throttle	6	12	2
Half throttle	4	40	10
Slow speed	2	80	40