Quiet, Convenient, Reliable and Easy-to-Use

In the popular 2-4hp category, the latest electric outboards – with their integral and rechargeable lithium batteries – have transformed the market, rendering petrol motors all-but obsolete. Advantages include:

Ease of Use

Switch on, twist the tiller handles, go. Almost anybody can do it; no experience, mechanical knowledge is needed.

Ease of Handling

The batteries are removable, and the “pass up and down” weight (the shaft/motor assembly) is then 10kg or less.

Ease of Storage

These electric motors divide into components, don’t leak oil or petrol, and don’t mind which way up they’re stored.

Quietness & Smoothness

Electric motors are a delight to use.

Power

Forget slow speed “trolling motors”, these 1kW electrics have huge torque (more like a 3hp petrol).

Range

There are many variables, but most users achieve at least 9 to 10 nautical miles per charge, at 4 to 5 knots (2.5m inflatable dinghy). Much more if you slow down a little.

Reliability

Many outboard motors don’t get used very often, and small petrol motors hate this. Electric outboards have fewer parts in general, and in particular there’s no carburettor to “gum up”.

Of course, it’s not all perfect. The range may still not be enough for some users. And they’re undeniably More Expensive than petrol outboards, mostly because lithium batteries are expensive. But that extra upfront cost is largely offset by their Lower Lifetime Running Costs, including (almost) No Servicing.