Electric Outboard Motors Prime Electric Auto

Electric Outboard Motors Are you in the market for a new boat motor? Consider going electric! Electric outboard motors have been getting more buzz recently due to their smooth ride and no need for fuel. If you’d like to learn more about electric outboard motors, RJ Nautical has compiled a guide with everything you need to know.

Let’s look at electric outboards more in-depth and discuss why they’re so popular with boaters of all experience levels. Going electric could be the right choice for you, too!

How’s the Ride?

The boating world appreciates electric outboard motors for their low noise levels and smooth operation. If you plan to take your boat out fishing, an electric outboard will be less likely to scare the fish away than a trolling motor.

An electric outboard also provides a more seamless sailing experience. You don’t have to switch gears or wait for the glow plugs to heat up—just turn it on and go! You can go as slowly as you need to in shallower waters, then quietly speed up when you’re ready to hit your stride.

How Far Can an Electric Outboard Go?

When switching from gas to electric power, many boaters hesitate when they see the battery. How far will a battery-powered motor get you before you need to recharge it?

The answer depends, of course, on how fast you’re going. If you like to speed across the water and feel the wind on your face, you’ll run through the battery more quickly. On the other hand, if you prefer slow and languorous fishing days on your boat, you can save battery power by moving at lower speeds.

Outboard manufacturers know how important it is to stay prepared on the water. That’s why many electric models, like Spirit electric outboard motors, have a visible display that shows you how much battery power you’ve got left. The user interface is easy to read and provides valuable information to help you plan your day.

If you switch to electric power for the first time, you may be tempted to keep an extra battery aboard your boat in case of emergencies. It’s always better to overprepare than underprepare, but many boaters find that a single charge lasts them for a full day of marine activities. Spend the day enjoying your smoothly powered boat, then plug your battery into the charger when you return to the marina in the evening.

More About Battery Power

Are you still curious about how your battery will affect the runtime of your outboard motor? Consider the C-rate or the rate at which a battery can put out power without damaging it. 1C means the battery puts out one amp of power for one hour, while 2C puts out two amps for only 30 minutes. A higher C-rate means more power for you—but shorter battery life. Most portable batteries are rated at 1C.

If you have a lead-acid battery, feel free to charge it to 100 percent after every excursion on your boat. However, lithium-ion batteries don’t react as well to regular full charging; the more you charge it, the shorter its lifespan will be. If your electric outboard uses a lithium-ion battery, wait for it to approach zero power before plugging it into the charger.

Pro Tip:

Electric outboard manufacturers like ePropulsion recognize the importance of quick and regular charging; an ePropulsion battery will significantly reduce your charging time. Some ePropulsion models, like the Evo, also feature hydrogeneration, which allows your battery to charge using the wind power captured by your sails!

How Much Maintenance Does It Need?

Electric outboard motors are well-loved among boating enthusiasts because they cost almost nothing to maintain! There are fewer moving parts in an electric outboard that need service and maintenance.

Depending on the model you purchase, you may need to replace the water pump impeller or add fresh gear lubrication every few months. These steps are only required for outboards whose motors sit near the top, resembling gas outboards.

If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, an electric outboard is a convenient choice, as they won’t need winterization at the end of the boating season.

How Much Will It Cost?

Because you’ll be using your electric outboard motor for years to come, let’s break this answer down into two parts: the short term and the long term.

Short Term

The up-front cost of an electric outboard motor is still higher than that of a gas outboard. The technology is still relatively new! Be prepared to pay a little more upfront for an electric outboard motor, especially one with enough power for your boating needs.

In addition, make sure you factor the cost of the battery into how much you’re willing to spend on an outboard motor. Some outboards come with the battery included, while others do not. Consider whether you want to purchase a spare battery to keep aboard your boat as well.

Long Term

The most significant cost savings with an electric outboard come slowly, but the longer you use an electric outboard as opposed to a gas-powered model, the more savings you’ll see. For example:

• Fuel costs are much lower! While charging your outboard’s battery will still put expenses on your energy bill, it’s cheaper than buying fossil fuels. Gas-powered outboards can leak some of their fuel into the water, polluting it and wasting money you’ve spent.
• We’ve already discussed electric outboards’ lower need for maintenance. You save valuable time and money with an electric outboard motor because you won’t need to buy and install replacement parts on a regular basis.

If you are considering replacing your old outboard motor with a new electric model, bookmark this guide and keep it handy as you shop. Prime Electric Auto carries various electric outboards from various manufacturers; you’re sure to find the perfect motor for your boat in our selection.

Now that you’ve read everything you need to know about electric outboard motors, shop for the outboard of your dreams with confidence!