The essentials you need to know about electric boat motors
The electric boat motor represents the new generation of marine propulsion, offering a clean and quiet alternative to traditional combustion engines. Powered by rechargeable batteries, this electric motor system transforms the boating experience while respecting the environment.
Why choose an electric motor for your boat?
- Absolute silence: Sail without engine noise, ideal for fishing and observing marine wildlife.
- Zero emissions: No greenhouse gas emissions or water pollution.
- Substantial savings: No maintenance and recharging costs up to 80% lower than fuel.
- Consistent performance: Reliable propulsion with immediate torque from start-up.
- Privileged access: Navigation authorised in protected areas and lakes where combustion engines are prohibited.
Who is it for? Recreational boaters seeking peace and quiet, discerning anglers, boat owners looking for an auxiliary solution, and professionals committed to ecological transition. Whether you are considering purchasing a new boat or retrofitting your current vessel, electric propulsion can be adapted to any project.
Key advantages of electric boat motors
Ecology and silent navigation: A new level of comfort
Electric boat motors are revolutionising the boating experience by completely eliminating noise pollution. The silence of electric propulsion allows boats to approach marine wildlife without disturbing it, creating special moments of observation for nature lovers. Fishermen particularly appreciate this discretion, which prevents fish from being scared away.
From an environmental perspective, the absence of direct CO2 and fine particle emissions protects fragile aquatic ecosystems. Unlike combustion engines, no hydrocarbons are discharged into the water, thus preserving the quality of lakes, rivers and coastal areas. This feature opens up access to protected natural areas where combustion engines are prohibited, greatly expanding your boating possibilities.
Long-term profitability: A smart investment
Although the initial investment in an electric boat motor may seem high, it quickly pays for itself. Maintenance is minimal: no oil changes, no filter changes, no complex engine servicing. All that is required is regular rinsing with fresh water and occasional battery maintenance.
The cost of recharging the battery is a fraction of the price of fuel. For a 4-hour trip, expect to pay around £0.50 to £2 for electricity, compared to £15 to £40 for petrol for an equivalent combustion engine. Over a sailing season, the savings can amount to several hundred pounds. Add to this the absence of breakdowns related to the ignition system or carburettor, and you can see why electric boat owners never look back.
Performance and technical practicality
Electric motors deliver instant torque as soon as they are switched on, with no warm-up time. This responsiveness makes docking and departure manoeuvres easier, which is particularly appreciated in crowded marinas. Speed variation is smooth and perfectly controllable, offering intuitive handling even for beginners.
The installation can be adapted to all types of boats. Electric outboard motors are mounted on the transom like their combustion engine counterparts, while inboard systems are integrated under the hull.
Options for switching to electric
New purchase vs. retrofit: two complementary approaches
Purchasing a new electric motor is ideal if you already own a boat equipped with a standard mounting system, or if you are purchasing a boat without a motor.
Retrofitting an electric boat involves replacing an existing combustion engine with an electric motor. Retrofitting reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of a new boat by 56%, while retaining your existing hull and fittings. With the average lifespan of a boat being 30 years, repowering is part of its natural life cycle.
Weenav solutions: French expertise at the service of your project
Weenav, the French specialist in electric boat motors, offers comprehensive solutions for all types of boats, from new projects to customised retrofits.
KRONOS: The high-performance outboard motor
The KRONOS motor is the first 100% electric high-power outboard motor designed and assembled in France. Available in 80 to 300 horsepower versions, it suits everyone from the most cautious to the most daring, offering performance comparable to premium combustion engines.
Technical specifications of the KRONOS:
- Plug & Play configuration with integrated 22kW on-board charger and DC/DC converter
- CCS2 fast charging compatible, enabling rapid charging from 20% to 90% in 20 minutes
- Zyonix batteries by PowerTech Systems with control system co-developed with Garmin
- On an 8-metre semi-rigid boat equipped with a 200 hp Kronos engine, the maximum speed reaches 35 knots.
- Base specially designed to absorb the power delivered by an electric motor
The KRONOS system is quick to install and offers a premium boating experience, ideal for demanding boaters and maritime and river transport professionals.
ARION: The versatile inboard motor
The ARION motor is a 100% electric inboard motor that is small, lightweight and powerful, and can be adapted to large boats. With power ratings ranging from 100 to 500 horsepower, and up to 1,000 horsepower in twin installations, the ARION fits discreetly into the bilge for seamless integration.
Key features of the ARION:
- Compact and discreet inboard installation
- Compatible with all boats originally equipped with inboard engines, in electric or hybrid versions
- Minimal maintenance: first service only after 20,000 hours of sailing
- Suitable for passenger transport, tourist excursions and professional activities
Comprehensive support from the Weenav Design Office
The Weenav design office manages every stage of the design of your electric or hybrid motorisation system, supporting you throughout the project. The team of specialist engineers carries out:
- A personalised analysis including a complete energy assessment and identification of navigation energy requirements.
- Precise sizing of components according to the constraints of your boat.
- Professional installation in 2 days for small boats, up to 1 month for larger boats.
- Comprehensive training on how to use the system and monitoring of the first few voyages.
Investment and profitability: Weenav electric motors cost between €36,500 and €89,900 depending on the type of motor, plus the cost of batteries. Financing solutions are available, including zero-interest loans through organisations specific to the sector.
Certifications and Guarantees : Each motor is waterproof (IP67-certified components) and complies with ESTRIN standards for inland waterways, as well as the relevant maritime divisions depending on the vessel type (221, 222, 223 A and B, 224, 226, 240, 241/NUC, 243, 245, etc.). They also meet European Conformity (CE) requirements.Weenav provides a one-year warranty and remote after-sales support, with the option of on-site intervention when necessary.
Editor: Sophie Castelain
Published on 23/10/25
