April 2022 - Van Isle Marina

Going Green With Electric Boating

Electric boats come in all shapes and sizes, from small fishing boats to large yachts. They can be powered by either an onboard battery or a plug-in charger. Some electric boats are powered by a combination of batteries and solar panels or are hybrid models with a gas-powered engine as a backup.

Electric boats are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits. They produce zero emissions, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than gas-powered boats.

Looking to buy an electric boat? You’re not alone! Sales of electric boats are on the rise, as more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

What Are Electric Boats and How Do They Work?

Simply put, electric boats are vessels that use an electric engine powered by a battery, instead of a gas-powered combustion engine. They come in a variety of models. These models range from fishing skiffs to leisure cruisers to luxury yachts.

Some things to know about electric powerboats:

Battery Power:

The batteries, usually lithium-ion, come in a variety of strengths. They are measured in kilowatts. The higher the kilowatts, the more power that can be fed to the engine.
The batteries need to be recharged after each use. This can be done using a regular electrical outlet.
Battery bank life is dependent on engine size, weight, size of the boat and what the main use of the boat is.

Electric Propulsion Engines:

The electric power outboard motor is battery powered. Every 1,000w of engine power is equivalent to 3hp of traditional engine power.
Minimal maintenance is required for an electric engine as there are no fluids or oils to top up.

The speed capability of an electric boat can range from 5 knots per hour up to 35-50 knots in the latest high-tech electric foiling yachts.
The more battery power the boat has, the faster it will go. As battery technology develops, more powerful batteries that take up less room will lead to increased capability in electric boats. We’re already seeing this in our smartphones, tablets, computers and even pickup trucks. Compact batteries for boats are sure to follow suit!

The Pros and Cons of Electric Boating

Pros:

Low noise levels: Great for wildlife watching, fishing or relaxed boating.
Environmentally friendly: Electric boats don’t produce any smelly emissions, C02 or nitrous oxide and there is no risk of oil leaks.
Instant torque: Can respond very quickly to acceleration.
Low maintenance: No regular engine maintenance is required, no fluids to check and fill and winterization is not needed.
Low running costs: Charging overnight at regular 110v power (faster with a rapid charger) will cost just a few dollars each time.
Latest technology: New Wi-Fi connectivity allows owners to check power levels and start the engine using an app.

Cons:

Initial cost: At this time, electric boats remain more expensive than other boats. Much like electric cars though, as their share in the market grows and technology develops, prices will start to come down.
Range limitations: The biggest concern for many considering going electric is whether the battery will run out while on open water. Knowing the capacity of your vessel’s engine and keeping an eye on your power gauge is important. The more power your boat needs, the more battery power it will use. It will last longer on a leisurely tour than it would speeding and towing wakeboarders.
Charging stations required: You need to moor or trailer yachts somewhere with electrical hookups available.
No overnight or deep-sea excursions: No electric boat battery bank will currently last long enough for long-haul trips.

Considering an Electric Boat? Ask Yourself These Questions First

Although still a small percentage of overall sales, the number of electric boats being developed and purchased is growing fast. Investments in this technology mean that the performance and quality is rapidly becoming equal to internal combustion engines.

Whether you are a first-time boat buyer or a current boater who wants to change to something more eco-friendly, consider these questions when looking at electric boats.

How many people do you want to transport? The performance of an electric boat is affected by weight. You’ll need to consider the power required for the number of people you want to transport.
Where will you keep your boat? Will you have access to a charging point or fast-charging station at your marina? Do you have room to store it at home?
Where will you primarily use your electric boat? Traditionally, electric boats have been considered more suitable for calm boating on inland waterways and lakes, but newer models perform well on open water without significantly draining energy.
What is your budget? Electric boats do still tend to cost more than a traditional gas engine boat. You need to factor in insurance costs, safety equipment, and storage or trailer. However, electric boats require very minimal maintenance in comparison and have substantially lower running costs.

Ultimately, consider what you want to do with your boat. Are you looking for a leisurely lake cruiser, a fishing trip vessel or a powerboat for watersports? There are electric boat options that are able to do all these things, but make sure you choose one with adequate battery power, top speed and top range for your requirements.

Not Quite Ready to Commit to an Electric Boat?

If you’re not quite ready to go fully electric, there are some hybrid models on the market, which include a gas combustion engine that is used as a backup or to power up the batteries while in motion.

If you already own a yacht or other vessel and don’t want to get a brand new one, you can also consider electric outboard engine replacement. A great option for a renovation or instead of expensive maintenance.

Let Van Isle Marina Find You the Perfect Electric Boat

With so many electric options on the market now, choosing the right one is a big decision. The Yacht Sales team at Van Isle Marina will be happy to help you navigate the choices and find a solution that fits your budget and needs.

At our full-service marina, located in Sidney, BC, electric boat owners can access metered electrical supply in both our marina slips and our yacht park, making for convenient battery recharging.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about purchasing or storing an electric boat at Van Isle Marina.

Technology Can Make Boat Ownership Easier Than Ever

Technology and the Internet of Things impacts every aspect of our lives, home, car and lifestyles. So, it is somewhat inevitable that demand for this type of connectivity would eventually reach the boating world too.

Boat owners are beginning to turn to smart technology on their vessels to monitor, track, protect and enhance their boating experiences. Today’s top technologies allow you to connect with and monitor your boat and its systems while you are away. It also allows you to receive up-to-the-minute information while on the water for things such as bilge level alarms or important weather updates.

Boat manufacturers recognize the interest in this kind of technology. As a result, more boats are now being created with smart technology built in. Just recently, Yamaha purchased one of the front runners in boating connectivity devices, Siren Marine, with the intention of integrating its products on all their vessels moving forward.

So, what exactly is connected boating and what does it offer boat owners?

What is Connected Boating?

Connected Boating is the overarching term for the use of smart technologies to enhance boat ownership and boating experiences.

Just like in other areas of our lives, the boating industry and boat owners are turning to smart technology and connected devices to improve security, monitor systems and offer real-time updates and alerts.

Specific devices or entire systems can be added to vessels that use sensors to collect data which is then sent to an information hub or cloud, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or even satellite technology.

This information is instantly and continuously analyzed. The information is sent back to the owner via an app subscription, downloaded onto their smartphone or tablet. In many cases, the owner is able to control and manage devices and switches directly from these apps as well.

How Can Smart Technology Enhance My Boating Experience?

All boat owners will know the worry of leaving your vessel unattended. Even in secure and safe marinas, issues such as electrical failures, drained batteries, water intrusion or fire could occur.

Smart monitoring devices and systems can give you peace of mind by providing you with information about your vessel even when you are not near it.

A simple connected boating system for your yacht will usually include or have options for:

Positional monitoring and alerts (GPS tracking)
Bilge level alarms
Smoke / fire alarms
Battery level monitoring
Tilt warnings
Security / intruder alarms
Temperature sensors
Loss of shore power alarms

An even more advanced smart technology system may also offer:

Remote controllability of some functions via phone app including:
- Thermostat control
- Ability to turn air conditioning and lights on or off
- Remote engine start
Collision alert warnings and automatic avoidance action
Digital switches – control of main functions of vessel via touch screen
Automated response to alarms – for example automatic temperature adjustments when senses indicate a change outside set parameters.

What Are the Benefits of Using Smart Systems on My Yacht?

People who love technology gadgets such as home hubs, smart watches and GPS in their vehicles will appreciate having similar devices on their boat.

Installing a system with the capabilities listed above, or buying a yacht which has pre-installed connectivity, brings many benefits, such as:

Remote monitoring: If your yacht is unattended most of the time, there are multiple benefits to remote monitoring systems. You can be alerted to early changes, such as a low battery or intake of water early, so you can take action before serious damage is caused or a day on the water is lost.
Control from anywhere on the boat: Use the phone app to monitor and control devices and switches from anywhere on your boat, so you don’t have to walk away from your fishing rod to check your fuel gauge.
Remote control: Imagine being able to turn the air conditioner on from your cell phone, so your cabin is already cool when you arrive. Imagine being able to double-check that all lights are off (preventing battery drain). Connected boating enables owners to easily interact with and maintain the daily workings of their boats and yachts.
Automatic adjustments: As the Internet of Things has developed, smart systems are now able to analyze the data they receive from your devices and systems. For example, the system can identify a problem, such as a drained battery, and automatically take action to solve it, by turning on the engine to recharge the battery.
Reduced insurance costs: Although there is some initial cost to installing a smart system, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, some insurance companies offer reduced rates for connected boats.
Save on maintenance and repairs: Being able to identify and solve issues before they get serious will save in repair bills over the yacht’s lifetime. Some smart systems are even able to monitor and advise when maintenance is required making sure you’re only doing what you need to.

Can I Install Smart Technology on My Yacht?

Although many brand-new yachts now come with smart technology built-in, or the option for it, you don’t have to buy a new boat to benefit from connected boating.

A number of companies are now providing systems, including base, sensors and even in-person monitoring, which you can link to via an app on a smartphone or tablet. These can be installed in any existing boat, even older ones, and you can start benefiting from the connection right away.

Experience Connected Boating with a Smart Yacht From Van Isle Marina

Interested in upgrading to a connected yacht, or installing a smart system to enable your current vessel to be connected? The yacht sales team at Van Isle Marina will be glad to help identify and locate the right solution for your needs.

With complimentary Wi-Fi throughout our Sidney, BC Marina for moored boats and guests, keeping your smart systems connected is easy.

For more information on purchasing a connected boat

Electric Boats: The Wave of the Future?