"Electric boats only go slow!", "Electric boats do not have enough range" and "They are not cost effective"
Electric Boats Can't Go Fast
Many believe that with the weight of the battery, there is no way an electric powered boat can reach speeds comparable to an internal combustion engine. While it's true that batteries do add to the overall weight of the watercraft, innovative hydrodynamic hull designs play a key role in helping electric boats achieve speeds of 30 knots or more. These hulls minimize drag by optimizing water flow and reducing resistance, allowing the boat to glide efficiently despite the added weight of batteries. Combined with advanced electric propulsion systems, these designs prove electric boats can rival traditional combustion-powered vessels.
Electric Boats do not have enough range for the average boater.
Just like all electric vehicles, they don't make sense for everyone, but most often it's not because of the range. Most of our boats, excluding picnic cruisers like Vision Marine Fantail, have estimated range of 30 NM. That fits most boaters use cases for typical for a day.
X Shore, has a range calculator on their website, so you can actually see how far you can go depending on your speed. It's a must try tool if you are new to electric propulsion and curious about determining boat range.
Electric Boats are not cost effective.
According to
research conducted by PEW Research Center, the price of new technology is
initially
higher when it first comes to market. With that said, upfront costs are only half of the equation when it comes to the cost of boat ownership. Operating costs and the cost of maintenance are crucial factors that drive the
overall cost of ownership up.
With electric boats requiring less maintenance, and having significantly lower operating costs, they can save a typical buyer anywhere from 60%-80%. You can think of it as instead of paying average of $3/gallon for gas you are paying the equivalent of $1/gallon of gas when you switch to electrically powered watercraft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electric boats are breaking outdated misconceptions about speed, cost, and performance. Thanks to advancements in hydrodynamic design and propulsion technology, they can now rival traditional boats in speed while significantly reducing long-term operating costs. Although the initial investment may be higher, the savings in maintenance and fuel expenses make electric boats a smart and sustainable choice for modern boaters.
As the marine industry continues to innovate, electric boats are proving to be not just an alternative but a superior option for those looking to embrace the future of boating.
