Electric Pros & Cons

The scoop with electric propulsion

Environmentally Friendly
One of most noticeable benefits of electric propulsion is how much better it is for the environment than using a traditional gas-powered motor. Not only are you avoiding the use of fossil fuels with electric, you’re also avoiding the fumes and smell that come with using gas. A huge bonus is that you are also avoiding the toxic hazards of carbon monoxide emissions.

Easy to Maintain
Because an electric engine is designed without the pistons of a gas-powered motor, you don’t need to bother with oil checks and gas refills, and you’ll never have to worry about leaks or spills. You also don’t have to worry about winterization or the danger of freezing your motor. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Other frustrations you’ll avoid include clogged fuel filters or sand in your water pump—electric motors are air-cooled so you have one less thing to worry about.

Not Too Expensive
Electric motors bring the obvious benefit of saving on the high costs of fuel, which is no small thing. With increased availability, the costs of electric motors themselves are also leveling out, making this a truly affordable option. You’ll also avoid the fees of oil changes and winterization. Even with the cost of battery replacements, you’ll still be spending less than you would on fuel costs.

Quiet and Smooth
One of the coolest benefits of electric powered boats has to be the stealth factor. If you’re fishing, you have a much better chance of sneaking your way into prime fishing waters without disturbing the fish. You can expect a smoother, quieter ride by far than you’d have with a gas motor. For some people, this reason alone is enough to buy an electric-powered boat.

THE CONS

Less Power
On the flipside, electric-powered boats aren’t as powerful as some of the high horsepower gas-powered engines currently on the market. Depending on what your priorities are, this may be a deal-breaker. Even the lack of “rev” that comes from a traditional motor makes some feel like they are being deprived of the full boating experience because they don’t feel the movement in the same way. Electric motors also have less range capacity due to the size of the batteries, though this can be supplemented with solar power. Still, in the end you’ll be guaranteed a longer trip if you go with gas, and for some this is the only thing they need to know.

Difficult-To-Find Parts
In the event that you do need to make repairs to an electric engine, parts and qualified labor may be hard to come by. Electric propulsion is still a new enough concept that the expertise surrounding it is very limited. With time this will certainly improve, but as is the case with all new technologies, there is the risk of purchasing something that not many people can help you with should you run into complications.

What’s New In Electric Propulsion

Many pontoon manufacturers are coming out with new electric-powered boat models for the year 2023 to add to existing lineups. Among these are Crest Pontoon Boats, Coach Marine Group, Godfrey Marine and others. There are also new manufacturers such as electric boat innovator HALEVAI.

Crest is releasing the 2023 Crest Current with a mission to bring a zero emissions option to boaters. The Current features a Propulsion Navy 3.0 motor and E175 battery and comes equipped with a variety of top-grade features with numerous options at a highly affordable price of $49,000 proving the electric propulsion experience can be both affordable and first-rate.

Coach has partnered with Hercules Electric Marine to bring electric propulsion systems to its Coach and Xcursion branded pontoon boats. While details are still being finalized with limitless options for customers, the clear goal is to tailor the Hercules e-Drive system to Coach Marine’s exact specifications to deliver a superior experience for Coach and Xcursion pontoon customers.
The Mighty G by Godfrey Marine is an innovative new craft designed specifically for electric propulsion. The Mighty G is one of the latest innovations from Godfrey Pontoon Boats. Compact and highly maneuverable, the Mighty G is built on a true pontoon foundation, ensuring a familiar and comfortable ride.

HALEVAI is leading the movement in electric-powered boats with their innovative designs and solutions. With a focus on design, reliability, and sustainability, their debut craft, the HALEVAI2050, is an affordable fully electric-powered pontoon with options for various “power” packages” to facilitate a faster ride and charging. They also offer countless features and amenities to make the boating experience comfortable and customizable with a luxe edge.

Whatever your evaluation of electric-powered boating may be, it does look as though it’s here to stay. We believe it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market as there are a variety of unique benefits that can only be experienced with an electric engine.

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