Electric Versus Gas Boats: A Practical Evaluation

The best that can be said is that options are increasing but there’s a very long way to go. There are only a few electric boat and/or electric outboard/inboard motor manufacturers, which is a small fraction of their gas- or diesel-fueled counterparts, and the range of uses is far more limited.

The fact is that in this context we are really talking about propulsion systems (i.e. electric power versus gas power). A boat that is maneuvered with an electric trolling motor, like a small fishing boat, is not what the boating industry would consider an “electric boat,” even though powered by 12 volt batteries.

Can You Compare Electric Versus Gas Boats?

You can with respect to some of the benefits and drawbacks, as well as upfront cost, but the sample size is low. And much comparative info is hard to grasp; comparing speed and horsepower, for example, is confusing. Many products are relatively new so is a short track record to evaluate. This is especially true with respect to lifespan, long-term reliability, cost savings, resale value, and the long-term ownership costs of electric boats. Also/, a limiting factor in electric boat development is battery technology.

Types of Electric Boat Motors

There are both inboard and outboard electric boat motors. Many electric inboards are used on cruiser-style boats meant for fairly short-distance leisure trips on relatively protected waterways and at slow speeds, although there are some more powerful electric inboards that can accommodate greater speed and distance. Transom-mount electric outboards are coming on strong and probably will eventually dominate this category. Prominent manufacturers include Elco, which offers electric outboards from 5 to 50 hp (as well as inboards); Mercury, which introduced its first such models in 2023 and has models up to 14 hp; and Torqeedo, which has a wider range of outboards, as well as inboards and hybrid systems.

The Benefits of Electric Versus Gas Boats

• Electrics are touted as being friendlier to the environment, which they may be with respect to petrol production and use, the lack of fuel spillage, and zero emissions. Of course, they use AGM and lithium deep-cycle batteries and how their manufacture and disposal or recycling factors into this evaluation is unclear.

• You could make the case that near-silent operation is the main electric boat benefit. Electric-powered motors are much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts.

• If electric rates remain cheaper than gasoline, then cheaper operating costs is surely among electric boat benefits since you don’t have to refuel constantly with gas or deal with ever-fluctuating prices.

• Lower maintenance and repair costs.

• Suitable for use in places where gasoline motors are prohibited.

The Drawbacks of Electric Versus Gas Boats

• Limited range is a major and primary drawback for electric boats whereas greater range is one of the chief gas boat benefits.

• Battery charging times can be quite long and inconvenient, which limits distance travel as well as spontaneous voyages of any significant length.

• While there are high upfront costs with electric boats and/or electric boat motors, so too are there with gas-powered boats, so that’s a bit of a wash. Batteries and battery charging systems/devices, however, are a routine issue and demand constant attention.

• It feels like you have to be an engineer to grasp all of the techno talk that goes with electric boat products, from battery types/ratings/amp hours to propulsive power versus horsepower or thrust. Or a mathematician to figure out cruising range at different speeds, battery life at different power demands, charging times at different draw rates, etc.

• Lower power and speed, which limits water sports activities. You’re not towing tubers all day or running 50 miles offshore to fish.

If you’re an angler who fishes from a small boat and doesn’t have major distance needs, the low-horsepower electric outboards now available are worth considering if you’re outfitting a new boat or replacing an older motor. Quiet operation and not having to regularly refill a gas container or tank is very appealing. No doubt there will be significant advances in the electric boat motor in years to come.