Electric propulsion is already appealing to more than one American boater
In the United States, electric boating is no longer a distant prospect, but a reality in progress. According to the latest edition of theUS Boat Owners Sustainability Study, conducted by Unmuted Consumer Insights in May 2025 among more than 750 boat owners, 54% of American boaters say they are ready to consider an electric model for their next purchase.
This survey reveals a growing enthusiasm for electric propulsion in boating. The study highlights strong trends:
- The houseboats (80%) and the sailboats (75%) are the most popular vessels for electric.
- Boaters at sea show the highest interest (71%), ahead of those on the Great Lakes (65%).
- In contrast, only 38% of owners on small lakes say they are ready to take the plunge.
Beyond the energy transition, it is a real change in mentality: only 11% of respondents claim they would never consider an electric boat, a figure unimaginable just five years ago.
Would you consider an electric boat for your next boat?
This chart shows the distribution of buyer intentions based on a survey conducted among 750 boat owners based in the United States.
When looking at France: a surprising gap
In France, despite a growing environmental awareness and increasingly strict regulations, the electric boat market is progressing more slowly. Why this gap with the United States?
- A perception still too focused on costs : the purchase price of an electric boat or propulsion motor remains a major barrier for many French boaters.
- Limited charging infrastructure : while American ports are beginning to equip themselves, France is still lagging behind in the establishment of charging points suitable for electric boating.
- A nautical culture focused on performance : in certain segments, such as runabouts or fishing boats, electric still suffers from the preconceived notion of insufficient range.
And yet, France has all the assets to accelerate the transition : an extensive coastline, a dense river network, a dynamic nautical market, and public policies that increasingly encourage the decarbonisation of mobility.
By 2025, France generates approximately 96 % of its electricity from decarbonised sources, mainly thanks to nuclear (around 70 %), hydropower (nearly 13 %), solar (about 9 %) and wind (around 5 %)
This abundance of decarbonised electricity and surplus offers considerable potential to accelerate the transition to electric navigation, by reducing CO₂ emissions and optimising the use of produced energy.
The expectations of boaters: range and battery at the heart of concerns
The American study confirms trends already noticeable in France:
- 73 % of respondents cite the battery range as a determining criterion.
- 67 % mention the fast charging
- Comfort-related criteria (operating silence, connectivity, eco-friendly materials) only come in second place.
These data show that the success of electric boating will primarily depend on reliable, efficient and accessible technical solutions.
Weenav: a committed player in the energy transition of boating
At Weenav, we are convinced that electric is the future of boating. Our mission is clear: to support professionals and individuals in the energy transition, by providing concrete and tailored solutions.
- Eco-responsible electric propulsion : we develop and offer efficient, silent and environmentally friendly systems.
- Support for operators : we work with industry players to facilitate the transition to electric, particularly through collective projects such as the Energy Transition Support Group (GATE).
- Innovation and French expertise : Weenav is part of a sustainable dynamic, providing answers to the challenges of tomorrow for boating, river boats and coastal navigation.
An opportunity to seize for France
The American example proves that a change in mindset is possible and quick. France, a country with a strong maritime and river tradition, must now take a step forward: invest in infrastructure, support innovation and assist boaters in their transition.
With committed players like Weenav, the French boating sector already has the solutions to make electricity the norm of tomorrow. The question is no longer if the transition will take place, but when.
Published on: 02/10/2025
Editor: Sophie Castelain