Battery power has come a long way, whether considering automobiles, power tools, lawn and garden equipment, or marine outboard motors. Cost parity between electric and gas models is nearly at hand in the auto industry, and energy-dense Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04) battery prices are expected to drop 11 percent per year, every year through 2030. The trends “should open a path to large electric yachts becoming not only viable, but more attractive to buyers,” according to marine industry trade publication International Boating Industry.
Initial costs for electric outboards are still about three times higher than comparable gas models, but total cost of ownership can equal out over the life of the product—at least at the low end of the market.
“If you’re looking in the 3-horsepower range, you’re going to pay about $3,000 for electric versus $1,000 for gas, but the additional cost is basically equivalent to what you’d spend on fuel and maintenance of a gas model over seven years,” says Luke Hickling, co-founder of EMO Electric, an electric boat and outboard retailer in East Moriches, NY. That math may not compute for do-it-yourselfers, but if you leave oil changes, storage and (less frequent) water pump impeller, fuel filter and zinc anode changes to the yard, “you’re saving a couple of hundred bucks every year,” Hickling says (and rates at this sailor’s yard confirm that analysis).
Leaving cost aside, for many buyers of electric outboards—and sailors account for a disproportionate share of them— it’s a qualitative rather than quantitative analysis, with clean and quiet operation being the leading selling point. What sailor doesn’t relish the moment when they can hoist the sails and shut off a loud, internal-combustion engine? With an electric model you also won’t risk the dangers of carrying gasoline aboard your boat.
With Practical Sailor readers in mind, this buyer’s guide focuses on outboards suitable for hard dinghies and inflatables as well as larger models suited to powering daysailers and small cruising sailboats up to about 2 metric tons (or 4,409 lb.). Keep in mind that suitability will depend on the weight and load of the vessel and operating conditions you are likely to face. Strong currents, wave action and adverse winds will tax a too-small electric outboard and quickly deplete the battery.
START SLIDESHOW
The models listed in this guide range from 2.5 to 9.9 “equivalent” horsepower. Most manufacturers will tell you that watts are the most consistent and reliable measure of electric outboards, which in this guide ranges from 915 to 6,000 watts. These are that measure the peak electrical power that the motor can consume from the battery. This represents the motor’s energy intake rather than its output performance. Standards bodies, including the International Standards Organization (ISO), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), are in the process of establishing standards for more accurate watt/kilowatt ratings at the prop shaft. Gas outboards have long been measured in watts/kilowatt at the prop shaft, and these ratings are converted to horsepower.
Unfortunately, few electric outboard manufacturers currently publish output ratings at the prop shaft, likely because the comparison with gas outboards would not be favorable. You’ll hear or read claims from manufacturers that a given motor performs more like a higher-horsepower rating at the low end. This is accurate and consistent with the great torque available from electric motors at lower RPMs, but the top-end output will be equivalent to a lower horsepower rating. At this writing, it’s best to compare like-for-like watt/kilowatt ratings across models, such as the input watt ratings provided in this guide.
A Look at the Stats
*Motor weights are based on short-shaft models. Long shaft and extra-long shaft models (if available) will be slightly heavier.
Model HP Input Watts Motor Weight (lbs./kg)* Battery Weight (lbs./kg) Battery location Power to weight ratio (excl. battery) Battery Volts / Watt Hrs Motor price** Battery price**
Torqeedo Travel 903C 2.5 900 24.9/11.3 13.2/6.0 Integral 79.6 watts/kg 24/915 $2,199 Included
ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus/Evo 3.0 1000 23.4/10.6 24.9/11.3 Integral 94.3 watts/kg 48/1276 $1,549 $1,149
Remigo One 3.0 1000 32.0/14.5 Built in Integral 84.7 (incl. bat.) 36/1085 $2,999 Included
Temo 1000 3.0 1100 22.0/10.0 13.2/6.0 Integral 110.0 watts/kg 48 /949 $3,499 Included
Torqeedo Travel 3.0 1100 25.5/11.6 18.9/8.6 Integral 94.8 watts/kg 44/1080 $1,649 $1,399
Mercury Avator 7.5e 3.5 916 43.0/19.5 17.0/7.7 Integral 45.6 watts/kg 48/1030 $3,510 Included
Torqueedo Travel XP 5.0 1600 27.8/12.6 21.1/9.6 Integral 126.9 watts/kg 44/1425 $2,249 $1,799
Mercury Avator 20e 5.0 3081 46.5/21.1 47.8/21.7 Remote 146.0 watts/kg 48/2300 $3,890 $2,187
ePropulsion Navy 3.0 6.0 3000 53.6//24.3 72.7/33.0 Remote 123.4 watts/kg 48/3072 $3,878 $1,999
Torqeedo Cruise 3.0 T 6.0 3000 43.4/19.7 56.0/25.4 Remote 152.3 watts/kg 24/3500 $3,539 $2,999
Elco EP-9.9 9.9 4800 65.0/29.5 56.0/25.4 Remote 162.7 watts/kg 48/6000 $3,450 $4,490
ePropulsion Navy 6.0 9.9 6000 64.0/29.0 167.5/76.0 Remote 206.9 watts/kg 48/8345 $4,579 $4,199
Mercury Avator 35e 9.9 4400 46.9/21.3 95.6/43.4¨ Remote 206.5 watts/kg 48/4600¨ $4,870 $4,983
Torqueedo Cruise 6.0 T 9.9 6000 46.9/21.3 80.4/36.5 Remote 281.6 watts/kg 48/5000 $4,058 $5,199
**Motor and battery prices available from various online retailers in May 2025.
Note: Mercury Avator 35e requires two 47.8 lb./21.7 kg, 48 V batteries (each offering 2,300 watt hours), plus interconnecting Power Center option (online battery prices = $2188 per battery, plus $607 for Power Center option and ~ $380 for 1-meter wiring harnesses).
As you’ll see in the model-by-model descriptions, we’ve done all the conversions to provide consistent data across all models in pounds, knots and nautical miles as well as the more commonly available metric equivalents. Key stats include:
- Motor weight: Weight matters on small boats, as a motor/battery combo that is too heavy can throw off a boat’s balance and waterline. Fortunately, small electric outboards are invariably lighter than their gas counterparts, even before you consider the weight of the gas can. Weights are generally for short-shaft models suitable for inflatables and hard dinghies with 15-inch transoms. Expect long-shaft (20-inch) and (if available) extra-long-shaft (25-inch) versions of these outboards to be slightly heavier.
- Battery weight: Batteries can weigh as much or more than the motor, but small electric outboards offer the advantage of being able to remove the integral battery and carry it separately from the motor. Larger motors at six horsepower and above require heavy remote batteries. When installing remote batteries, consideration must be given to the boat’s waterline, drainage and anticipated passenger load.
START SLIDESHOW
- Battery chemistry/location: Electric outboards demand state-of-the-art batteries, so we list the chemistry, whether it’s lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO), Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFeP04). As you can read in this article in Practical Sailor, these chemistries have different traits and tradeoffs.The battery location is either integral (attached and, in all but one case, quickly removable from the motor itself for easy carrying) or remote, requiring careful installation. With an integral design, recognize that the total weight including the battery will be hanging on the transom (along with the bracket). Remote batteries are bigger and heavier, but they can be installed farther forward. Either way, consideration must be given to the boat’s waterline, drainage and anticipated passenger load.
- Power to weight ratio: This figure gets higher as motors get bigger, but the idea is to compare power-to-weight ratios among motors offering similar power. Higher is better, generally, but that should not come at the expense of ruggedness or quality of materials.
- Battery volts/watt hours: Higher voltage batteries can deliver more power. That’s why electric power tools might take 18-volt batteries while electric lawn mowers and snow throwers might require 40 V or 56 V batteries. Moving water is a high-demand workload, so newer and larger models in this range tend to use 48 V batteries. With all other factors being equal, batteries with higher watt-hour ratings will last longer and take you farther than those with lower watt-hour ratings.
- Motor price*: We list prices found online in May 2025, but with all the talk of tariffs and trade wars, use these prices as a point-and-time reference across models. Expect to pay more soon, with possible differences in price changes depending on the country of origin, whether it’s Torqeedo made in Germany, ePropulsion motors made in China, Temo made in France, Remigo made in Slovenia, or Mercury and Elco assembled in the U.S. with components and parts sourced from undisclosed countries.
- Battery price*: The price of many (though not all) three-horsepower models includes one battery, but as you move up in size, batteries tend to be priced separately. Even if the battery is included, it won’t last forever (seven years is a safe bet, if stored and charged properly), so it’s helpful to know the price of a spare or replacement battery.
- Charge time: This varies from battery to battery and charger to charger, but from total discharge to full can require as long as 10 hours with the basic charger included with many models. Fast chargers that cut charge times in half are extra-cost options. Solar chargers are a good option for boats left on moorings, assuming you’ll have at least a few days of sunshine between use. DC chargers give owners of (diesel) inboard-powered sailboats an option for charging portables used with the dingy while they are away from the dock.
This guide includes performance and range test data from manufacturers, where available, but this is one area where information is uneven and, in some cases, sorely lacking. Some manufacturers provide speed, range and run-time data as well as details on the boat, boat weight, load and weather conditions during the test. We asked manufacturers to supply more complete and detailed information, and in some cases they complied. ePropulsion, for example, sent a link to myriad tests it has performed, with most tests including plenty of details on the boats, loads, batteries used and weather conditions.
Matching Boats and Motors
For those looking to power an inflatable dingy, it’s a safe bet that the 2.5-to-3.0 horsepower equivalents in this guide will be up to the job, but don’t expect even the lightest boat to get up on plane. Electric motors have better low-end torque than gas models, but they can’t match their top-end performance.
Electric motors are far more efficient than gas engines in turning energy into power, but their best range and run-time performance is at about half throttle or less. Keep the speed down and you can run all day. If you run at full throttle, you’ll get as little as 50 minutes of run time. That’s why it’s a best practice to buy a more powerful motor and go easy on the juice.
Several manufacturers of 3-horsepower-equivalent models say their outboards are suitable for sailboats up to about 25 feet, but don’t count on punching through wind or fighting currents or chop.
Moving up into the higher power range, retailer Hickling of EMO Electric matched a 1982 O’Day 23, a 3,400-lb. boat with a swing keel, with a Torqeedo Travel XP (5-hp-equivalent/1,600 input watt motor). “The combination was at the upper limit of what I would advise for that size boat,” Hickling says, “but the customer’s need was limited to getting in and out of a marina on a sheltered bay.”
In another example, Hickling matched a 1983 J/29, a 5,500-lb. boat, with an ePropulsion Navy 3.0 (6-hp equivalent/3,000 input watt motor) powered by one E60 (48 V/3072 Wh) ePropulsion battery.
“The customer says setting the throttle at 500 watts pushes the boat along at 2.5 knots, and 1,000 watts gives him a nice, steady 3.5 knots against a .5-knot current and 14-knot head wind,” Hickling reports. “At 2,000 watts, which still isn’t full throttle, the boat moves at slightly over 5 knots, but the customer prefers range over speed. After running 40 minutes at 1,000 watts against a current and head wind, the battery still had 75 percent charge.”
The J/29 owner also opted to install a remote, side-mount throttle and steer with the rudder rather than reaching down to control the outboard with a tiller handle. Remote throttles are increasingly used with bigger motors and boats with high freeboard at the transom.
Racing sailors who just want to get out to the buoys and who want to keep weight to a minimum may be content with a 2.5 or 3.0 horsepower equivalent. In fact, the class association for the J/70—a 22.75-foot, 1,750-lb. one-design boat—calls for a 2.5-horsepower “gas or electric” outboard.
If you have a heavier boat and intend to cruise, you’re looking at the 3,000-watt to 6,000-watt (6-hp to 9.9-hp equivalent) range, which will require comparatively heavy batteries installed in remote locations (for comparison, keep in mind that a six-gallon gas can weighs more than 40 pounds when filled). Also look for optional lower-pitch, higher-thrust propellers that are better suited to heavy boats that are restricted to displacement speeds.
Beyond the Price Tag
While costs are steadily getting more favorable for electric outboards, the difference in the 3,000-watt to 6,000-watt range will be harder to justify—if cost is your only consideration. While gas 9.9 horsepower models range from about $3,000 to $4,000, the all-in cost for electric alternatives, including batteries and wiring harnesses, is $8,000 to $9,800. The difference could pay for an extra motor as well as a few years’ worth of maintenance.
Some buyers don’t care about cost. They might sail on restricted, electric-only lakes. Or maybe they can’t tolerate noise and exhaust. Still others are ecologically motivated to minimize their carbon footprint.
No matter what your motivation, if your only experience is with gas outboards, it’s a good idea to visit a dealer or a boat show to see, touch and possibly even test drive the models you are considering before you buy rather than just blindly buying online. Dealers and manufacturer representatives at shows can offer advice on the best motor, batteries, propellers and installation best practices for your needs.
Description: The 903 is a 2023 update of the Travel 1103 said to deliver 14% greater range. The 903 is suitable for dinghies, inflatables and small sailboats up to 2,866 lb. (1.3 metric tons). All Travel models include an onboard GPS computer that delivers continuous range calculations on the pictured, tiller-mounted display.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 2.5/900
- Motor weight (lb./kg): 24.9/11.3
- Battery weight (lb./kg): 13.2/6.0
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 79.6 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 24/915
- Motor price* including one battery: $2,199
- Spare/replacement battery price*: $999
- Manufacturer speed/range data**:
Speed (kn) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
1.6 NA 13 hr. 0 min.
3.1 NA 2 hr. 21 min.
3.8 NA 1 hr. 12 min.
<p<Charging notes: Charge time with included 90W charger: 10.5 hours. 12 V and solar charger options
<* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: A 2022 update of the Spirit 1.0 introduced in 2018, the Spirit 1.0 Plus harnesses the highest watt hour integral battery in the 1000-input-watt class. Sold separately, the battery floats to avoid costly accidents. The Spirit 1.0 Evo model’s hydrogeneration puts out up to 50 watts under sail at 5 knots and 330 W at 10 knots (so most effective with fast multihulls). Can be used with third-party batteries.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input Watts: 3.0/1,000
- Motor weight (lb./kg): 23.4/10.6 (Evo: 24.9/11.3)
- Battery weight (lb./kg): 19.2/8.7
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 94.3 watts/KG (Evo: 88.4)
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/1276
- Motor price*: $1,549
- Battery price*: $1,149
Manufacturer speed/range data:
Speed (kn) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
1.7 27.9 15 hr. 8 min.
3.1 12.5 4 hr. 0 min.
3.9 3.9 1 hr. 0 min.
Charging notes: Charge time with included180W charger: 8.5 hours; Optional fast charger: 3.5 hours
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
3. Remigo One
Description: Introduced in 2021 and made available in North America in 2025, this Slovenian-made outboard is removable from its bracket and adjustable for short- or long-shaft requirements. Intended for boats up to 25 ft./3,000 lb. Built-in battery is replaceable but not designed for quick swapping with a backup battery.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 3.0/1,000
- Motor weight (incl. battery & bracket lb./kg): 32.0/14.5
- Carry weight (without bracket lb./kg): 26.0/11.8
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (note: incl. battery): 84.7 watts/kg
- Battery volts/watt hours: 36/1085
- Motor price including built-in battery*: $2,999
- Battery price*: Not available
Manufacturer speed/range data:
Speed (kn) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
2.0 30.0 15 hr. 0 min.
3.0 14.0 4 hr. 0 min.
5.0 5.0 1 hr. 0 min.
Charging notes: Charge time with included 5 amp charger=6 hours; with opt. 9 amp charger = 3 hours. 200W solar charger option.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
4. Temo 1000
Description: French manufacturer Temo entered the North American market in 2024 and introduced the Temo 1000 in April 2025. Adjustable for short- or long-shaft requirements, this rudder-shaped unit stows the tiller arm and interchangeable battery. Unique 360-degree bracket enables the outboard to be stowed parallel to the transom. Torque and high-thrust prop designs for boats up to 26 ft./3,000-lb. displacement.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 3.0/1,100
- Motor weight (lb./kg): 22.0/10.0
- Battery weight (lb./kg): 13.2/6.0
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. battery): 110 watts/kg
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/949
- Motor price including one battery*: $3,499
- Spare/replacement battery price*: $1,249
Manufacturer speed/range data:
Conditions Speed (kn) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
Calm seas w/ 3 ppl. 3.0 5.0 1 hr. 40 min.
Choppy seas w/ 2 ppl. 2.5 6.8 2 hr. 44 min.
Charging notes: Charge time with included 5 amp charger is 5.5 hours
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: Torqeedo’s venerable Travel lineup was reintroduced in 2023 with higher-power/capacity “click-and-play” batteries with no cables to connect. “Essential” package includes 1080 watt hour battery. “Range” package includes 1425 watt hour Travel XP battery. Software updates though the Torqeedo app. Backlit GPS-based range display.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 3.0/1100
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 25.5/11.6
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 18.9/8.6 (21.1/9.6 XP)
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 94.8 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 44/1080 (44/1425 XP)
- 2025 Motor price*: $1,649
- 2025 Battery price*: $1,399 ($1,799 XP)
Manufacturer speed/range data**:
Speed (kn) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
3.0 11.8 3 hr. 56 min.
4.1 8.0 1 hr. 58 min.
4.6 7.3 0 hr. 47 min.
Charging notes: 180 W plug-in charger included. 12 V and solar charger options available.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: The Avator line, from Fond du Lac, WI-based Mercury Marine, was introduced with the 3.5 hp-equivalent 7.5e model. Color display optimized for easy viewing of up-to-the-second range and battery-life estimates in all light conditions. Features traditional outboard styling.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 3.5/890
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 43.0/19.5
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 17.0/7.7
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 45.6 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/1,030
- Motor price including one battery*: $3,510
- Spare/replacement battery price*: $1,080
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Throttle Setting Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
25% 29.5 19 hr. 24 min.
50% 13.9 6 hr. 12 min.
75% 8.7 2 hr. 48 min.
100% 4.9 1 hr. 0 min.
Charging notes: Charge time: 9 hours with included 110W charger; 4 hours with optional 230W charger.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: Introduced in 2023, the Travel XP tops Torqeedo’s Travel outboard line and is built for bigger boats (up to 4,400 lb./2 metric tons), boating in coastal waters, or overcoming windy or wavy conditions. High-capacity 1425 watt hour battery. Software updates though the Torqeedo app. Backlit GPS-based range display.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 5.0/1600
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 27.8/12.6
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 21.1/9.6
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Integral
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 126.9 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 44/1425
- Motor price*: $2,249
- Battery price*: $1,799
Manufacturer speed/range data**:
Speed (knots) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
3.3 7.0 3 hr. 08 min.
3.9 6.1 1 hr. 34 min.
4.8 3.6 0 hr. 47 min.
Charging notes: 180W plug-in charger included. 12 V and solar charger options available.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: Introduced in 2023, the Avator 20e is a 5-hp equivalent that offers the highest input power rating and highest watt hour battery in its class (from a 47.8 pound remote battery). Color display optimized for viewing of range and run-time estimates in all light conditions. Smart phone app provides visual range estimates on a GPS map.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 5.0/3081
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 46.5/21.1
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 47.8/21.7
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Remote
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 146.0 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/2300
- 2025 Motor price*: $3,890
- 2025 Battery price*: $1,800 (Plus ∼ $450 for 1-meter wiring harness)
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Throttle Setting Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
25% 39.9 16 hr. 0 min.
50% 19.0 5 hr. 12 min.
75% 8.4 1 hr. 48 min.
100% 4.6 0 hr. 54 min.
Charging notes: Charge time: 10 hours with optional 230 W charger; 4.5 hours with optional 520 W charger.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: ePropulsion’s Navy line was introduced in 2023. The base motor price does not include steering or throttle but is priced here with the optional Evo tiller. Requires one or more E60 batteries, with multiples in parallel or larger E163 batteries). With an optional ($250) anti-cavitation plate installed, the Navy 3.0 Evo hydrogeneration feature puts out up to 100 watts at 5 knots and 660 watts at 10 knots (so most effective with fast multihulls). Can be used with third-party batteries.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 6.0/3000
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 53.6/24.3
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 72.7/33.0 (E60)
- Battery chemistry/location: LiFePO4/Remote
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 123.4 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/3072
- Motor price*: $3,878
- Battery price*: $1,999
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Speed (knots) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
3.0 41.5 13 hr. 40 min.
4.2 11.2 2 hr. 40 min.
5.1 6.9 1 hr. 20 min.
Charging notes: Optional 25 amp charger ($632) recharges the E60 in 4.0 hours at 110 V or 2.7 hours at 220 V.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description: Introduced in 2022, the Torqeedo Cruise 3.0 is a 6-hp equivalent for dinghies or sailboats up to 6,613 lb./3 metric tons. The “T” is for tiller, but there are also remote steering and remote throttle options. Multiple 24-3500 remote batteries can be used for extended range. Onboard computer displays speed, input power, charge and remaining range. Can be used with third-party batteries (with optional cable).
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 6.0/3000
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 43.4/19.7
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 56.0/25.4
- Battery chemistry/location: NCA/Remote (motor-to-Torqeedo battery cable included)
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 152.3 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 24/3500
- Motor price*: $3,539
- Battery price*: $2,999
Manufacturer speed/range data**: Range data not available.
Charging notes: Charge time with optional 350 W plug-in charger = 12 hours. Fast-charge options available.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
11. Elco EP-9.9
Description: Elco has offered electric-powered boats since 1893. The latest EP outboards were introduced in 2013. The EP-9.9, Which is water cooled and uses a conventional impeller pump, is suitable for sailboats up to 25 feet or 2,500 pounds. Elco outboards use third-party batteries. Elco smartphone/tablet-based Dash app calculates remaining runtime in hours and nautical miles ($345 Bluetooth connector required). NMEA 2000 connector available.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 9.9/4,800
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 65.0/29.5
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): Variable third party
- Battery chemistry/location: Variable/Remote
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 162.7 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: variable third party
- 2025 Motor price*: $3,450
- 2025 Battery price*: $366 per bat. x 4 batteries = $1,464 for Victron 12V/110Ah (1320 Wh per bat.) AGMs. $4,490 for Solid State Marine 48V/6144 Wh LiFePO4 battery
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Speed (knots) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
4.5 NA 1 hr. 34 min.
Charging notes: Multiple third-party charging options
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
Description:ePropulsion’s Navy line was introduced in 2023. The base motor price does not include steering or throttle but is priced here with optional Evo tiller. Requires one or more E163 batteries, with multiples in parallel. With optional ($250) anti-cavitation plate and ($250) aluminum prop installed, the Navy 6.0 Evo hydrogeneration feature puts out up to 125 watts at 5 knots and 1010 watts at 10 knots (so most effective with fast multihulls). Can be used with third-party batteries.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 9.9/6000
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 64.0/29.0
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 167.5/76.0
- Battery chemistry/location: LiFePO4/Remote
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 206.9 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/8345
- Motor price*: $4,579
- Battery price*: $4,199
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Speed (knots) Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
3.2 25.7 8 hr. 0 min.
3.9 14.2 4 hr. 0 min.
6.0 7.9 1 hr. 20 min.
Charging notes: Optional 25 amp charger ($632) recharges the E175 in 11.0 hours at 110 V or 7.2 hours at 220 V. Solar charging not recommended.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
13. Mercury Avator 35e
Description: Introduced in 2023, the Avator 35e is a 9.9 horsepower equivalent. This model requires an Avator Power Center and at least two (and up to four) 48/2300 batteries. The Power Center connects up to four batteries and supports simultaneous charging of all batteries from a single port.
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 9.9/4400
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 46.9/21.3
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 47.8/21.7 x 2 batteries
- Battery chemistry/location: NMC/Remote
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 206.5 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/2300 x 2 batteries
- 2025 Motor price*: $4,500
- 2025 Power Center Hub price*: $607 (Plus ∼ $380 for 1-meter motor-to-hub and hub-to-battery wiring harnesses)
- 2025 Battery price*: $1,800 x 2 batteries required
Manufacturer speed/range test data**:
Throttle Setting Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
25% 50.4 18 hr. 0 min.
50% 20.0 5 hr. 0 min.
75% 7.8 1 hr. 42 min.
100% 6.3 1 hr. 0 min.
Charging notes: Charge time: 10 hours (per battery) with optional 230 W charger; 4.5 hours (per battery) with optional 520 W charger.
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
14. Torqeedo Cruise 6.0T
Description: Introduced in 2022, the Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 is a 9.9-hp equivalent for dinghies or sailboats up to 13,227 lb./6 metric tons. The “T” is for tiller, but there are also remote steering and remote throttle options. Use multiple 48-5000 remote batteries for extended range. Onboard computer displays speed, input power, charge and remaining range. Can be used with third-party batteries (with optional cable).
- Horsepower equivalent/Input watts: 9.9/6000
- Motor weight (lbs/kg): 46.9/21.3
- Battery weight (lbs/kg): 80.4/36.5
- Battery chemistry/location: LMO-NMC/Remote (motor-to-Torqeedo battery cable included)
- Power to weight ratio (excl. bat.): 281.6 watts/KG
- Battery volts/watt hours: 48/5000
- Motor price*: $4,058
- Battery price*: $5,199
Manufacturer speed/range data**:
Throttle Setting Range (nm) Run Time (hr. min.)
25% 50.4 18 hr. 0 min.
50% 20.0 5 hr. 0 min.
75% 7.8 1 hr. 42 min.
100% 6.3 1 hr. 0 min.
Charging notes: Charge time with optional 650W plug-in charger = 10 hours. Fast-charge options available
* Lowest price found online, May 2025.
** Performance depends on factors including type of boat, load, propeller and ambient conditions.
How is it that you folks didn’t include the Momentum outboard? It’s a game changer.
, You mean besides having to pay $14,000 for a battery engine combination for relatively new technology, one US distributor in Florida, parts only available in Singapore?
Great article. Had a 2-stroke Tohatsu on my Hunter 26 from 2000-2002, and am SO glad to have moved completely to electrics on my sailboats since 2013. Had good experience with Torqueedo Travel on my Harbor 20 from 2013-2021, though it had limited range and struggled to drive this 1,800 lb boat through steep chop or 20 knot winds on the nose. Upgraded to Torqueedo Cruise 3.0R on my 2022 Tartan 245, which weighs 2,750 pounds, and this 6 horse 3-blade with 56 lb battery has all the range and power I need — goes from 0 to 5 knots in about 50 yards and pushes through chop beautifully. I raced the Harbor 20 and the Tartan 245, and liked the light weight of the Torqueedo Travel, but am ok with the substantially heavier Torqueedo Cruise for my 24′ Tartan, for which the Travel would have been insufficient. My boat is kept on a lift, so have easy access to shore power, and will never go back to gas power for my sailboats!
I decided to power my tender with an electric for the following reasons:
No noiise
No smell
No maintenace
No starting issues
No need to to carry gas (and oil)
No risk of the little rainbows on the water emanating from the engine
Ease of putting in and taking out while on mooring
Lightweight (with battery removed) even with it in, it is easier to handle.
Easier maneuvering in tight quarters with more control over low end speeds.
The convenience factor alone and not having to do maintenance was more than worth the higher purchase price to me.
Several years ago I bought a Torqeedo electric motor. It worked pretty good till the battery went bad. A proprietary battery I had to buy from them. Very expensive. (The expense precludes a backup battery also.) Keep it another couple years till that battery started to degrade. Switched to Newport electric. They do not restrict you to a proprietary battery from them like the other electric outboard manufactories do. Being able to hookup to a battery from anybody makes this a more dependable/consistent choice.
Great to see PS doing more stuff with electric motors. I would suggest, if you do an update or future article for this, that you include lower priced electric outboards, like Newport Vessels, which one can find used in many places and when new, are way cheaper than those you reviewed. I have a Newport 55 I got on Ebay and built a a 12v LiFePo4 battery from four “Eve” cells that fit perfectly into the Newport battery box. Could us a little more power but works well for getting to and from the boat. Many of us are looking for alternatives to gas or diesel engines but don’t want to spend crazy sums of cash, just to get there, and are looking for ways to do it that are DIY friendly and more affordable.
The power range of the guide is 2.5 to 9.9 equivalent, so I did not include lower-power trolling motors, like the Newport 55. Newport does offer the NT300, a 3hp equivalent. After reading and watching video reviews, I decided not to include in this roundup, but it is a low-cost option that works with third-party batteries.
A few observations based on 8 sailing seasons with electric outboards on our Achilles dingy. We, too, got sick of tearing down and rebuilding outboard carbs fouled by gasoline with ethanol.
While we loved the ease of use of the Torqeedo, we went through 4 of them in 7 years – 2 replaced per warranty, 1 purchased used after the 3d one died out of warranty, and finally gave up on Torqeedo after too many problems that were not user-serviceable. The skeg (and prop) are so fragile; the metal parts don’t hold up well in a salt water environment (I destroyed one motor trying to remove a stuck shear pin in the prop shaft), and the various error codes that show up when we’re far from home that can’t be resolved without “return to a Torqeedo service center” got to be too frustrating. Last summer we went with an E-Propulsion; so far so good (but we still carry our old gas outboard when cruising as a backup, just in case).
We originally purchased the E-Prop Spirit 1.0, but quickly discovered that the motor would not tilt up sufficiently to drag the dingy up the beach. The dealer graciously allowed us to return it and upgrade to the Evo model, which because it has a detachable tiller tilts 85 degrees (the Spirit only tilts 70 degrees).
With both the Torqeedo and the E-Prop we set up a system for charging directly from our solar panels, by wiring a switch to allow us to bypass an MPPT controller (that ordinarily charges our house bank) and instead feed the solar output from a couple of our panels directly to the outboard battery. With the Torqeedo, the internal BMS can handle up to somewhere around 45V (no need for a separate charger). With the E-Prop, the OEM “solar charger” will accept up to 52V. With both outboards, charging at the higher voltage produced from a direct output from the solar panels greatly reduces charging time compared to charging at 12V.