101 of Electric Outboard Motors – What Kind of Motor Would Suit My Boat?
An electric outboard motor is a motor that is excellently suited for boating on lake areas and sheltered sea areas. Electric outboard motors have countless advantages compared to traditional fuel motors, but it's important to remember that in strongly windy sea areas or flowing rapids, an electric outboard motor may be insufficient as its thrust is less than that of a gasoline-powered outboard motor. If your plan is to stay away from the aforementioned challenging water areas, choosing a motor for your boat is very easy! When you choose an electric outboard motor, its eco-friendliness and quietness will earn the gratitude of not only yourself but also nature and your cabin neighbors. Explore our selection of electric outboard motors here.
Reasons for Acquiring an Electric Outboard Motor
Why choose an electric outboard motor instead of a traditional fuel motor? There are several good reasons for acquiring an electric outboard motor, which is why more and more boat owners are opting for one.
The list is long: firstly, an electric outboard motor is cost-effective to use, as unlike fuel motors, it saves you from various costs such as regular maintenance and fuel expenses. An electric outboard motor does not require seasonal maintenance like a fuel motor.
It is also environmentally friendly, as it produces no harmful emissions to the environment. Since it does not need refueling, you also avoid the hassle of handling fuel. Compared to fuel motors, an electric outboard motor is almost silent, which greatly enhances its user comfort.
In addition to all the aforementioned benefits, an electric outboard motor is very easy to use. It does not require pulling a cord or using a choke; simply turning a handle is enough to start it. Electric outboard motors are also often equipped with features that protect both the motor and its user.
The cherry on top is the easy removability from the boat and the convenient battery charging – by acquiring an electric outboard motor, you save both time and effort, and you don't have to worry about motor theft!
Choosing the Right Electric Outboard Motor
What kind of electric outboard motor should you choose? First and foremost, it's advisable to start by considering the conditions in which the boat will be used and evaluating the amount of time the motor will typically be used in a single session.
The range of electric outboard motors includes various models suitable for different purposes, from suitability for rowboats and inflatable boats to demanding trolling use. The appropriate size of the motor for you also depends on the size and weight of your boat, and you should also consider the total estimated weight of all passengers typically on board.
Once your usage needs are considered, it is usually best to choose an electric outboard motor one size larger than your needs to be prepared for stronger winds as well as for general safety and added comfort. A general rule of thumb is that the larger the boat, the larger the electric outboard motor should be.
Investing in Quality
Based on tests conducted on electric outboard motors, it can generally be said that the higher the quality of the motor, the better the propeller and the less vibration it produces. This is why it pays to invest in quality—not least for the sake of extending the lifespan. Motors from less expensive brands often lag behind in terms of quality, usability, and comfort. These factors should be considered carefully before choosing an electric outboard motor that suits your needs.
Choosing the Right Battery is Also Important
Most electric outboard motors require a separate battery to operate. The usability of the electric outboard motor is also influenced by the size and quality of the battery. The longer you plan to run your boat, the better features you should require from the battery. For example, when purchasing an electric outboard motor for trolling, you need to consider the continuous running time of the boat and ensure that the desired trolling time is achievable by oversizing the battery capacity.