Five of the best electric boats

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While electric is well underway in the auto industry, firmly asserting its case for replacing the combustion engine, electric power has yet to make a significant impact offshore. Like EVs in the early days, the lack of charging infrastructure, coupled with the comparatively lower cruising speeds required to conserve power, have reduced the adoption rate of electric boats, not to mention range anxiety, which takes on a whole new meaning when you’re at sea with a low battery and within 50 nautical miles (57 miles) of the nearest charging point.

But despite the slow start, the tide is turning. The smooth and near-silent electric propulsion systems that are increasingly making their way into powerboats open up a new, cleaner dimension to life on the water. With electric car players like Polestar stepping in to power Swedish electric boat maker Candela and entirely new companies coming to life, there are a plethora of options to consider when contemplating a new boat.

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x shore 1

Competitively priced from €99,000, X Shore’s 1 is one of the most affordable options in the world of electric boats. “We must make electric shipping competitive with fossil fuel ships to speed up the transition,” says Jenny Keisu, CEO of x shore. Founded in 2016, the Scandinavian company hopes to attract a new generation of boat owners by offering fossil fuel-free powerboats at an affordable price.

Sporting a modern, minimalist hull design, the X Shore 1 is powered by an electric setup producing 125kWh, bringing the vessel to a top speed of 30 knots (34mph) and a cruising speed of 20 knots (23mph). The range is 50 nautical miles (57 miles), albeit at low speeds, and the ship can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in 90 minutes when connected to a 22 kW charger, or just 50 minutes with a 45 kW fast charger. Measuring 6.5m, the X Shore 1 weighs less than two tons in open or closed configuration.

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C-8 candle

Setting itself apart from the competition with frustrating boats that “fly” over the water, innovative Swedish boatbuilder Candle is on a mission to prove that electric boating can be fast and fun. Launched in 2022, the C-8 has been powered since the beginning of this year by a 69kWh power pack made by a Swedish electric transport specialist. Polar Star.

Despite a slow start, the tide is turning for electric boats

Measuring 8.5m in length and costing €330,000, the C-8 has a top speed of 30 knots (34 mph) and a range of 57 nautical miles (65 miles), confirming its claim to the title of longest-range electric boat on the market. And thanks to reduced water drag when foiling, the C-8 uses 80% less power than conventional boats of the same size. Sleeping two adults and two children, the C-8 is a family cruiser and the first boat to offer DC charging, just like Polestar’s popular Model 2. She is available as a cruiser convertible, T-top, or hardtop. A limited “Polestar edition” has just been released, in Polestar’s signature light grey, with upholstery based on its car seats and gold-painted airboats (from €400,000).

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Say Carbon Yachts 29 E

The electric version of the German boatbuilder’s 29er say carbon, best known for its light and ultra-fast sports boats, puts speed and style at the forefront. Constructed from carbon fiber, the 29 E is powered by a 360 kW Kreisel electric motor and 120 kW battery, weighing just 1.38 tons.

Self-proclaimed the world’s fastest electric boat under 33 feet, with a top speed of 45 knots (52 mph), range is sacrificed for speed, but the 29 E has a range of 25 nautical miles (29 miles) at 22 knots (25 mph). With a price tag of $520,000, the 29 is far from the most cost-effective or affordable means of cruising on the water, but it will appeal to those looking to push the limits of performance.

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Boesch 750 Portofino Deluxe

With an aesthetic that rivals the timeless elegance of a Riva, a Swiss manufacturer bosch – established in 1910 – still builds its boats exclusively from wood using lightweight mahogany laminate construction. Harkening back to the golden age of travel, the 750 Portofino sports a spacious aft sunshade, retractable soft top and automotive-inspired windshield.

In addition to her twin 50kW Piktronik engines, delivering a top speed of 24 knots (28 mph) and a range of 14 nautical miles (16 miles), the Boesch is built much like a combustion engine vessel with a traditional mid-mounted powerplant, straight shaft propeller and rudder. At 7.5m, the 750 can be used on lakes or seas and is well suited as a ski boat with its flat trim angle. With prices starting at €480,000, the Portofino’s elegance comes at a price, especially when you consider its short range and runtime.

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Cabin Alfastreet Marine 28

boat builder based in slovenia Marina Alfastreet offers its 28 Cabin as an all-electric cruiser (from €165,900), along with petrol and diesel options. Ideal for slow river cruising, the single or twin 10 kW electric motors offer a top speed of eight knots (9 mph) for about 10 hours, or 50 nautical miles (57 mi).

The 28 has a wider body that stays firmly in the water instead of rising up on hydrofoils. This leaves more room inside forward for a king-size bed and a small bathroom, setting the 28 apart from many other day boats with her ability to accommodate a couple on board overnight.

At the top, there is seating for 12 with a lunch table and benches. With the option to specify a nifty hydraulic pop-up roof, the ’28’s party piece is its ability to protect itself from the elements at the push of a button, eliminating rain covers at the end of a day on the water.