Boats are notorious gas guzzlers.
It takes a lot of energy to move a boat across a water surface, and electric boats used to be a pipedream.
However, in recent years, breakthroughs in battery technology have made electric boats possible.
Electric boats have become an increasingly popular choice for boaters.
These vessels offer a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient way to explore the waterways, making them an attractive option for both recreational and commercial use.
In this article, we will explore the best electric boats currently in the market, highlighting their unique features, capabilities, and overall performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting out, this guide will help you find the perfect electric boat to suit your needs and preferences.
In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 5 best electric boats in 2023.
- Pure Watercraft Pure Pontoon Boat
- Ingenity 23E
- Magonis Wave e-550
- Alfastreet 28 Open Electric
- Vita Lion
Electric boats are already significantly superior compared to traditional boats that run on fossil fuels.
As more and more resources are being poured into the research and development of battery technology, we can expect more range to be added into the electric boats.
So, what are the advantages of electric boats over fossil fuel boats?
The first advantage is zero emissions.
Electric boats are powered by energy from their battery pack systems, producing zero emissions.
So, you no longer have to inhale noxious fumes, and there are no more worries of oil or gas spills.
The second advantage is noiseless.
Gone are the days when you need to yell at your friends when you are boating together.
The third advantage is less maintenance.
Electric motors have much fewer moving parts, so less maintenance is required.
What are the 5 Best Electric Boats in 2023?
My top picks are Pure Watercraft Pure Pontoon Boat, Ingenity 23E, Magonis Wave e-550, Alfastreet 28 Open Electric and Vita Lion.
1. Pure Watercraft Pure Pontoon Boat
The Pure Pontoon Boat, a collaboration between Pure Watercraft and General Motors, is a game-changer in the world of electric boats.
With its automotive-grade battery pack, this 25-foot 9-inch pontoon boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers and offers a range of up to 120 miles at an average speed of 5mph.
The boat is powered by single or twin 25kW electric outboard motors, which can reach a top speed of 23 mph with twin outboards or 14 mph with a single outboard.
One of the most impressive features of the Pure Pontoon Boat is its mobile app, which allows you to check charging information and monitor system operation.
System updates can also be sent over the air, making it easy to keep the boat up to date.
The app also provides travel maps and statistics such as energy consumption and top speed.
This electric boat has fewer moving components than traditional boats, which means there are no fluids to check or replenish, spark plugs to replace, or winterization to perform.
This makes maintenance a breeze and reduces the cost of ownership over time.
In addition, the boat lacks an impeller, making it ideal for any type of water and preventing the movement of creatures or species across different bodies of water.
The Pure Pontoon Boat is designed to resist corrosion and can function effectively in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
With its included Level I charger, you can easily connect it to a 110V or 220V outlet for charging.
If you need a quick charge, the boat also supports DC fast charging and supercharging, which can take it from zero to 80% capacity in just one hour.
Specifications:
- Single or Twin 25kW electric outboard motors with power tilt/trim (112 lbs each)
- GM Automotive grade battery up to 66 kWh
- Included Level I charger connects to 110V & 220V outlets
- Top Speed: 23 mph (twin outboards), 14 mph (single outboard)
- Range at top speed: 26 miles (twin outboards), 32 miles (single outboard)
- Range at an average of 5mph: 120 miles
- Bluetooth-enabled throttle
- Pure Watercraft’s standard prop (16″)
- Full Charge Time at 110V: half-to-full charge time: 30 Hours (Level I)
- Full Charge Time at 220V: half-to-full charge time: 5 Hours (Level 2)
- Full Charge Time DC Fast Charge & Supercharging: 1 hour from zero to 80% capacity (Level III)
- Capacity: 10 persons
Visit their website for more information.
2. Ingenity 23E
The Ingenity 23E is an impressive electric boat that boasts a maximum speed of 30 mph and a cruising speed of 20 mph.
It has a carrying capacity of up to 10 people, making it a great option for larger groups who want to explore the waterways.
The boat has a total length of 23 feet and a beam of 102 inches, providing ample space for passengers to move around comfortably.
One of the most notable features of the Ingenity 23E is its fast charging capabilities.
With a Supercharger charging at 80 kW, the boat can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours, while a Level II DC charging at 25 kW takes about 4 hours.
This makes it easy to charge the boat quickly and get back out on the water in no time.
The boat comes with a 63 kWh or 126 kWh battery capacity, offering up to 14 hours of use time.
You can easily check the status of your charge using the Ingenity Connect smartphone app, which also provides over-the-air updates to keep the boat running smoothly.
Specifications:
- Length overall: 23′ / 7.01m
- Length with platform: 24’1″ / 7.35m
- Beam: 102″ / 2.59m
- Charge time: AC: 10 hours at 240V / 50A, DC: 4 hours at 25 kW, Supercharger: 1.5 hours at 80 kW
- Cruise speed: 20 mph
- Top speed: 30 mph
- Capacity: 10 persons
- Use time: Up to 14 hours
- Battery capacity: 63 kWh or 126 kWh
Visit their website for more information.
3. Magonis Wave e-550
Magonis is an innovative company that is revolutionizing the boating industry with their high-quality electric boats.
Their Wave e-550 model is a remarkable electric boat that has a top speed of 22 knots.
It is powered by the Mag Power 30.0, which is capable of delivering the same power as a 20 HP combustion engine.
The boat is equipped with Torqeedo electric boat drives, which are engineered in partnership with BMW, to deliver a smooth and efficient ride.
The Wave e-550 is a small but powerful boat that is perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
It has a dry weight of 435kg and a range of 55km.
The boat can run for up to 10 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for extended outings.
The batteries are IP67 waterproof, ensuring that they are safe from water damage.
The Wave e-550 can be charged from 0% to 100% in less than two hours, making it convenient for those who need a quick charge.
The boat also comes with an app that displays the on-board computer and provides information on functions like the range on a map and the distance to your house.
Specifications:
- 22 knots speed
- 435kg boat dry weight
- 55km range
- 10 hour battery life
- Charging: 0-100% in less than 2 hours
Visit their website for more information.
4. Alfastreet 28 Open Electric
The 28 Open is a spacious and stylish electric boat that offers a comfortable and relaxing cruising experience for up to 12 people.
With a total length of 32′ 2″, this boat features a unique ambient illumination system that utilizes LED technology to create a calming and romantic atmosphere.
The illuminated front console, chairs, and entrance add a touch of luxury and sophistication to the boat’s design, making it perfect for evening excursions or spending time with friends and family.
Powered by a 36kW electric engine, the 28 Open offers a top speed of 14.5 km/h, making it ideal for navigating canals or taking brief excursions on lakes.
At its maximum speed of 24.2 km/h, the boat has a range of 73.5 km.
The display at the wheel constantly indicates the battery’s condition and how long you can continue to drive at the present pace, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring that you never run out of power unexpectedly.
The 28 Open is also equipped with a 2 kW charger that can charge the boat’s batteries in just 8 hours at 70% discharge.
This means that you can quickly and easily recharge your boat between trips and ensure that it’s always ready to go when you are.
With its spacious and comfortable design, sleek appearance, and impressive range and speed, the 28 Open is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable electric boat.
Specifications:
- Length: 28’ 3’’
- Length overall: 32’ 2’’
- Empty weight: 9480 lbs
- Capacity: 12 persons
- Engine up to 36kW
- 73.5km maximum range
Visit their website for more information.
5. Vita Lion
The Lion is a remarkable 10.5-meter electric boat that pushes the limits of electric marine propulsion technology.
With a sleek, modern design and cutting-edge features, it is one of the most advanced electric boats on the market today.
The Lion’s electric powertrain is powered by VITA Power’s latest V4 propulsion system, which provides a cruising speed of 22 knots and a top speed of over 35 knots.
This is a significant accomplishment, given that electric boats have traditionally been limited to much slower speeds.
One of the most impressive features of the Lion is its quick charging time.
With a DC charger, the Lion can charge from 10% to 90% in less than an hour, which is an outstanding achievement in the world of electric boats.
This feature makes it easy to enjoy extended excursions without worrying about running out of power.
The Lion also boasts patented throttle and touchscreen technology, which provides intuitive control over the boat’s electric powertrain.
This allows for precise speed control and ensures a smooth, comfortable ride for passengers.
Additionally, the boat’s sleek and modern design is sure to turn heads and make a statement wherever it goes.
Specifications:
- 1 hour DC charge time
- 10.5 metres
- All electric V4 propulsion system from VITA Power
- Cruising speed of 22 knots
- Top speed of 35 knots
Visit their website for more information.
Summary
In conclusion, electric boats are becoming increasingly popular as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered boats.
The models featured in this article showcase the range of options available, from small and practical boats to larger, premium models like The Lion.
All of the boats offer impressive speed and range capabilities, as well as quick charging times, making them viable options for a variety of recreational boating activities.
Additionally, the use of advanced technology such as touchscreen displays and smartphone apps allows for easy monitoring of the boat’s performance and charging status.
As the demand for sustainable transportation options continues to rise, it is likely that electric boats will become even more prevalent on the waterways in the years to come.
Boats were once thought not suitable for electrification.
But looking at where we are now, I am sure we will see more elegant and silent electric boats that can deliver top performances being rolled out.
