Do you dream of quiet and ecological sailing without the unpleasant smell of exhaust fumes and noise that wakes up not only sleeping fish? An electric boat motors may be the answer to your needs. Is it worth betting on this technology for a sailing yacht? We present the possibilities, advantages and disadvantages of electric motors — decide for yourself if an electric boat is for you!
What are the capabilities of an electric boat motors?
Many people mistakenly associate electric boat motors only with small motorboats used on shallow lakes or in areas where internal combustion engines are banned. Today, thanks to technological advances, electric motors are offering better performance, top parameters and wider applications.
Electric motors now power small motorboats and pontoons, as well as inland boats. They are also so efficient that they can also form the heart of sea and ocean yacht mechanisms. They also work well on long voyages and are appreciated by owners of boats with sails.
What are the advantages of an electric motor for a yacht?
Electric motors for yachts have various advantages. The most important are described below.
Quiet operation and no emissions
The vibrations and sounds of an internal combustion engine can effectively spoil the atmosphere of an idyllic lake or sea cruise. That’s why more and more sailors are opting for an electric motor for their yacht. They run almost silently, don’t interfere with your leisure time on board and don’t disturb the animals.
Electric motors do not emit exhaust fumes. This means that they aren’t a source of unpleasant odor and that they don’t emit substances that are harmful to both humans and the environment.
Versatility
You can go anywhere in a yacht with an electric motor, but isn’t the case with boats with internal combustion engines. Zones have been set up both in Poland and throughout Europe where noisy motorboats and other vessels that harm the environment are not allowed. This includes yachts with internal combustion engines.
In Poland, you can’t sail on such vessels in Masuria — on Lake Nidzkie, Lake Wojnowo and Lake Goldopiwo, among others. Such a ban also applies in the northern part of Italian Lake Garda.
Use of renewable energy sources
Electric motors can be recharged not only on shore, this can also be done while cruising. This is possible because modern yachts are equipped with solar panels. Thanks to the PV system, sunlight is converted into electricity that powers the motor.
Possibility to get rid of the gas installation
Having an electric motor, and therefore a capacious battery for electricity, you can also provide power to, for example, the induction hob in the yacht’s mess hall. This means that you don’t have to install the gas system needed to power a gas stove on the boat. You can also power an on-board coffee maker and even an electric grill with electricity from an eco-friendly source.
Electric motor for yacht — disadvantages and limitations
Before you decide to buy a yacht with an electric motor, you should also learn about the downsides of this solution.
Smaller range
With electric motor yachts, the biggest problem is energy storage. Modern batteries, although increasingly efficient, still do not provide the same range as an internal combustion drive. In practice, this means that an electric boat can run shorter on a single charge, especially at higher speeds, than one with a traditional motor.
Charging time
For yachts with an internal combustion engine, all you need to do is refuel the tank and the boat is ready to cruise. In contrast, charging an electrician takes much longer. Of course, this depends on the power of the charger, but don’t expect the boat to be ready after several minutes.
Cost of purchase and installation
The cost of buying a boat with an electric motor can be higher than buying a boat with an internal combustion engine. This is due, among other things, to the need to install charging cables and a PV system.
Internal combustion engine or electric motor for a high-performance boat — which to choose?
The choice of an engine for a sailing yacht depends on personal preferences and the planned use of the boat.
If you cruise mainly on lakes and canals in environmentally restricted areas, a sailboat-electric may even prove indispensable. The absence of noise and exhaust fumes are additional advantages, especially if you value silence and want to move freely in the scenic parks.
The advantages of electric propulsion are also tempting for those who plan to sail near shore. Then, should you need emergency battery charging, you can quickly reach the marina.
However, when the goal is very long and distant trips of several weeks on the open sea, boats with internal combustion engines are indispensable. They offer greater range and provide greater independence from port infrastructure.
Both the electric motor for a motorboat and for a yacht are no longer mere curiosities. This is a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion powertrains. However, when deciding on a yacht with an electric motor, it is important to keep in mind both its advantages and the limitations that come with this solution. Analyze all the pros and cons before you make a purchase, so that the choice you make is that one that fits your needs.
