Electric outboards are a rapidly growing segment of the personal watercraft market. They have been around for several years but have only recently gained enough momentum to become a serious alternative to gas-powered engines. If you’re interested in buying an electric outboard engine, there are several factors that you need to consider before making a purchase decision. This article will cover some of the most important features and differences between gas and electric outboards.
6 Features of Electric Outboards:
- Battery Powered: The first visibly obvious difference is, of course, the engine itself. It does not use combustible fuel instead of relying on rechargeable batteries stored in a sealed compartment.
- Quieter: Electric outboards are much quieter than gas engines, especially while the engine is idle. This makes them more suitable for larger vessels or when you require peace and quiet to use your watercraft.
- Low Maintenance: The absence of moving parts for fuel delivery means no carburetor, spark plugs, or oil changes. The engine only requires an annual cleaning to prevent corrosion.
- Weight & Portability: These outboards are lighter than gas engines and can be easily dismantled for storage or transport in small spaces. This makes them easier to use on smaller vessels, such as kayaks, canoes, small sailboats, etc. They can be easily removed from a larger vessel for transport or storage as well.
- Variable Speed: Electrical outboards have variable speed control that allows you to adjust the engine’s responsiveness to conditions on the water. Gas engines only allow acceleration through a throttle lever, whereas electric motors can be throttled up and down at any time with a twist of the throttle ring.
- Price: According to a recent survey, the average consumer expects to pay about $1,300 for an electric outboard. Depending on your needs and requirements, you can purchase gas engines from as low as $700 up to over $5,000. However, it is important to mention that the gap between electric and gas outboard prices is rapidly closing due to technological advancements in battery technology.
Overall Conclusions: Electric outboards are a good alternative for those who want the independence of their own watercraft but do not expect to spend more than an hour or two on the water at once. An electric outboard is a great choice if you spend most of your time on short trips or only require a small vessel for some occasional recreation. Electric units are also a good choice for those who want a quieter, non-polluting watercraft that requires low maintenance and provides more control over the water.