What voltage?

The higher the voltage in a system, the more energy can be passed through it. When it comes to electric outboards for tenders and small day-sailers, as opposed to the models for much faster speeds, the maximum is usually 48V, mainly because if an open circuit is touched, the shock is non-lethal. Smaller ‘trolling’ type motors are very often 12V. For motors whose battery is built in, or a proprietary unit, 48V is most common. Some outboard manufacturers can even customise a motor to the voltage available on your boat. US-based Stealth, for example, can offer voltages from 24V-150V.