Electric Boat Comparison - Which Should You Buy?
- updated: 28. October 2021
Candela C8 – Image: Candela
Electric boats are a new and exciting way to get on the water. They offer a variety of benefits, from electric engines that save you money on gas to electric motors that can provide better acceleration without sacrificing range. But electric boat shopping is tough because the market is a mix between established and new manufacturers. How do you know which one is trustworthy and sells the best electric boat for your needs? In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the most popular electric boats available today and help you find the perfect one for your needs!
In this comparison are electric boats of up to 10 meters in length, if you are looking for a bigger boat, check out our electric yacht comparison.
Table of Contents
Electric Boat Comparison
All manufacturers in this comparison are trustworthy.
electric boats
*Base Price excluding VAT, Customs Fees, etc. This is only a reference, the actual price in your country may vary greatly. Therefore, the euro and the dollar were also considered equivalent here.
Alfastreet Marine - 28 Cabin Electric
Alfastreet Marine’s spacious electric 28 Cabin offers seating for up to 12 people. The optional hard-top roof keeps guests dry even in a sudden downpour. If you want to enjoy the sunshine, this electric boat offers the possibility to fold up part of the hard-top roof and use the benches as a sun lounger. A highlight is the indirect LED lighting, which lets you determine when the evening with friends and family is over. Inside you will also find a table with seating, the table can be lowered to convert into a king-size bed. There is also enough space for a small separate bathroom.
Alfastreet Marine - 23 Cabin EVO Electric
The 23 Cabin Evo from Alfastreet Marine electric is designed for sporty cruising. This is a Cuddy Cabin electric boat. In addition, it offers a pull-out berth and a different layout of the cabin, so that the Evo not only has cleverly placed toilet, but also a galley. There is also a cockpit table where up to 6 people can dine.
Alfastreet Marine - 28 Open Electric
The open version of the 28 electric from Alfastreet Marine also offers seating for up to 12 people. By dispensing with a cabin, the Bowrider offers space for up to 4 people in the bow. Easy access to the bow is provided through the windscreen, where one element serves as a passageway. An optional hard-top roof is also available for this variant with all the features of the cab version.
Alfastreet Marine - 21 Open Electric
The Alfastreet Marine 21 Open Electric is a day cruiser for leisure excursions and picnics. This boat has an easy access by one side rear entrance. The galley is small but well equipped with sink, fridge and cooker. The seating is adjustable for maximum comfort of the passengers on board. There are lot’s of storage areas in this boat to keep your belongings safe while you’re cruising. The contemporary console design gives this boat a stylish look that will make you stand out from the crowd while you’re relaxing at the beach or enjoying yourself on the water.
Candela - C7
The Candela C7 is a hydrofoiling electric boat that offers a new level of performance. It is fast, easy to use and has no wake generation. It’s easy to control whether you want to cruise or fly at high speeds with its computer assisted trim system. The updates can be programmed over-the-air (OTA), which means you’ll always have the latest technology at your disposal. This hydrofoiling electric boat, is designed for high speed and an exhilarating day trips.
Candela - C8
The Candela C-8 is a hydrofoiling electric boat with cabin, which flies above the waves in absolute silence. The c-pod propulsion system is built to last a human lifetime without maintenance and offers the most efficient and silent propulsion ever. With its innovative candela app, you can control from your smartphone or tablet all functions of this revolutionary cruiser including navigation, speed settings, charging status and more. The C-8 is available as open daycruiser or with a sheltered hardtop roof with retractable sun roof. The cabin can sleep two adults and two children. This makes the boat also suitable for longer trips.
Frauscher - Timesquare 20
The Timesquare 20 is an electric boat catamaran. Due to this special shape, the boat tilts less in waves than comparable boats with only one hull. Thus, sitting and sunbathing on the spacious seating and sunbathing areas is pleasantly quiet. Further relaxation on board is provided by the top-loading refrigerator. The use of this form of boat is also more efficient, resulting in a higher range.
Frauscher - 740 Mirage
The Mirage 747 has a large sun area that can be further increased by folding down the rear seat if necessary. The front deck can also be used as a sun lounger if you use the large seat cushion from the rear area. The engine is a Torqeedo model. The BMW i3 batteries are used as rechargeable batteries. A water ski hook is on board as standard, many other features are optional.
Frauscher - 740 Mirage Air
The Mirage 747 Air is similarly equipped as the Mirage 747 with the difference that the Air variant still offers a seating group in the front area and has a center control station.
Frauscher - 650 Alassio
With 200 units, the Alassio is the electric boat that has been sold the most throughout Europe.
Frauscher - 610 San Remo
The San Remo is Frauscher’s smallest electric boat and has a large sunbathing area for its size. Furthermore the San Remo convinces with manoeuvrability and due to the compact design even the smallest harbours are still big enough.
Greenline Yachts - Greenline 33
Greenline 33 is a spacious cruiser that combines the cockpit and the galley into one big social area. With 6 solar panels standard, this fully-featured boat will go long distances without any hassles. With 360˚ panoramic view inside of salon there is an abundance of natural light which allows for every spot to be filled with tons of essentials. It’s a classic family cruiser with a modern twist. You’ll never want to come home from your idyllic vacation on the water when you see this electric cabin cruiser for sale. With the back galley and cockpit combined, there is plenty of room for all of your friends and family to join in on an adventure around the beautiful sights that only nature can offer. The Sheltered Cockpit and Side Decks make it easy to enjoy time on deck during any weather conditions.
Hinckley Dasher
The Dasher electric is a concept model from Hinckley Yachts. However, the Dasher is more than just a rendered electric boat, which is theoretically possible. As you can see on the pictures, a moving model already exists. The boat uses batteries from the BMW i3. Fortunately, the Dasher didn’t take on the aesthetics of the i3, making it a visually appealing boat that’s inviting for a day out. If you run out of batteries while out with family and friends, the dual 50amp charging system will have your batteries fully charged in under 4 hours. The silence of the propulsion means that you can talk in peace on the spacious seating of the electric boat. The use of carbon in the hull and the cross struts ensures weight savings and thus a higher range.
Hinckley Dasher From Behind - Image: Hinckley Yachts
HYNOVA - HYNOVA 40
The HYNOVA 40 is the only electric boat with a REXH2(hydrogen range extender) in this comparison. It is available in two different engine versions, but can also be completely configured according to your own wishes. This allows the boat to be arranged so that up to 12 guests have plenty of seating or lounging space, depending on your preference. The roof of the boat takes up about a third of the surface area and casts a shadow over the helm. Additional glass fronts on the side and to the front are possible and protect against the driving wind, splashing water and rain. We have already written about this hydrogen yacht tender and the remarkable vision of its founder Chloé Zaied in our post. In this context, we also reported on the victory of the HYNOVA 40 in the Open Sea Class of the 2021 Energy Boat Challenge.
How the Hynova 40 works - Image: Hynova Yachts
Lanéva Boats - Vesper
The shape of the Vesper was specially adapted to the needs of an electric boat. This creates a unique shape that enables even quieter locomotion. For carefree locomotion during an excursion, all important data is digitally transmitted to the Raymarine navigation display. Fun during the ride is provided by the sport mode, which allows a speed of up to 30 knots. The electric boat was also able to demonstrate these handling characteristics at the 2021 Energy Boat Challenge. Here the boat took second place in the Open Sea Class. The Vesper impresses with its focus on sustainability. The wood used for the structure is FSC certified, the deck is made of environmentally friendly flax and basalt fibers. The floor coverings are made of cork oak bark and the upholstered furniture is made of imitation leather created for seafaring.
Marian - Capriole 700
The Capriole 700 offers space for up to 6 people. The cabin alone offers seating for up to 4 people. The seats in the cabin of the electric boat can be converted into a sleeping place without much effort. Just as effortlessly, the fabric roof can be removed so you can enjoy the sunshine to the fullest.
Marian - M800
Marian’s flagship, the M800, has a lot of attention to detail. The specially designed hull shape not only provides a unique shape, but also more range. But not only the shape stands out, but also a lot of emphasis was placed on high-quality materials. For example, the teak in the front of the M800. The electric boat gives a very luxurious impression. However, the strict regulations that govern some waters and limit the type of engine and engine power do not prevent you from enjoying the luxury of this electric boat. The wide range of engine options means that the M800 can also be sailed on more strictly regulated waters. Many other customization options contribute to the fact that you can adapt the popular electric boat to your needs.
Marian - M800 Spyder
Marian - Laguna 760
Marian - Magic 640
The Magic 640 boasts the same maximum speed as Marian’s larger Laguna 760 and, at 1.85m, offers an even longer berth. The refrigerator drawer offers a cool refreshing drink while sunbathing. If this is not enough to cool you down, the electric boat also offers the possibility of effortlessly extending the integrated sun canopy.
Marian - Delta 600
The hand-built Delta 600 offers individualized pleasure even on inland waters with heavy restrictions. The electric boat offers high comfort with maximum silence and small size.
Marian - Eclipse 580
The Eclipse 580 offers more power compared to the Delta 600, even though the electric boat is smaller. The exclusive design of the boat not only offers driving stability, but also glides smoothly over the water, so you can enjoy your time out undisturbed.
Nautique - Super Air Nautique GS22E
Whether water skiing, wakeboarding, tubes or other towables, there are not many ways around Nautique. So it’s no surprise that Nautique has collaborated with sister company Ingenity Electric on the Super Air Nautique GS22E to bring out a future-proof electric boat. Together, they have been able to build a powerful drive into the GS22e that will exhaust the 124 kWh battery in 2-3 hours of full water sports activities. The battery is fully charged again after a lunch break of 1.5 hours at a Supercharger with 80 kW. Many features on board are designed for the different activities like the stowage possibilities for the boards, boxes which are designed for the riding area or the tower which offers the optimal pulling point for wakeboarding. The highlights are the customizable surf wave and the configurable glide surface via a ballast tank that can be filled and emptied on the fly.
Q Yachts - Q 30
The Q 30 impresses with its clear edges and thus appears simply modern. The lines of the windscreen in particular contribute to this impression. Even a toilet, sink and 16L fridge are housed in the cleverly used area of the cabin. This makes even small tours with the boat possible, which at 6 knots covers about 111km until it has to be recharged. With the standard charging connection it takes about 13 hours until the batteries are full again, it is faster if you have a dual charging system or a quick charging system installed. Q Yachts not only focuses on sustainability in terms of propulsion, but the hull and deck are also partly made from recycled PET bottles. Not only is the boat quiet, but it is also designed to produce very little wake. While this makes it unsuitable for water sports that rely precisely on this wake, there are other electric boats for this purpose.
Q30 inside - Image: Q Yachts
RAND - Leisure 28
The Leisure 28 has the kitchen on the upper deck, so the space in the cabin is used for a queensize bed and a toilet with door. In addition, this offers the advantage of being able to communicate and interact with up to 12 guests directly during the preparation of the food. Kitchens on other electric boats, which are located in the cabin, do not offer this option due to lack of space. The fact that the focus is not only on social interaction in the kitchen is also noticeable in the number of 9 seats. For the most part, these are aligned with each other. The only seating that deviates from this is the triple eight sun lounge.
RAND - Supreme 27
As a bowrider, the Supreme 27 not only has plenty of seating, but is also designed for water sports. The large sun lounger offers not only a place to sunbathe, but also the possibility to store water skis and wakeboards. To round off the sporting excursion on the water, the electric boat offers a kitchen and an electric toilet.
RAND - Escape 30
RAND Escape 30 is an electric boat with a cabin and toilet. It offers everything you need for a day trip out into nature. The hard top protects against sudden weather changes, and the seating can be closed to continue the trip in bad weather. The Escape 30 has plenty of space to store all your equipment and food for a day on the water. This electric boat is a magnificent integrated power cruiser boat, where beauty and function meet. The layout consists of two separate areas: the cockpit area with convertible seating and helm open to entertaining or relaxing; and the cabin where you can eat at a table, relax on the revolving sunlounge, be clean (thanks to toilet), sleep right below deck in a queen size bed. If things get rough, this rugged built-in hard t-top will ensure your sailing experience continues smooth.
RAND - Archipelago 31
The RAND Archipelago 31 is a luxurious explorer electric boat, the perfect combination of style and comfort. With its fullsize kitchen, toilet, sleeping space for 4 people and beautiful designed sliding windows it’s perfect for every season through its convertibility. Allow yourself to feel at home while spending time with the family cruising around in exquisite comfort onboard this beauty. With all its convertible features, you can take advantage of every season for whatever suits you best whether it’s lounging under the stars in summer or being cuddled up in a blanket in wintertime. The extraordinary design of windows will make this boat perfect for every season.
RAND - Play 24
A special feature of the Play 24 is the division into three sections. In the bow is a seating area with table, which invites you to share with friends and family. If required, the area can be converted into a 2x2m sunbathing area. The second area is the helm area with seating for up to 3 people. The final area is the aft sun lounge, which together with the helm seat can be transformed into an even larger lounging area. With the number of sunbathing areas, the only thing missing for absolute relaxation is the right background music, which in this electric boat comes from the built-in stereo speakers from Bang & Olufsen.
RAND - Spirit 25
The Spirit 25 is a walkaround café-racer that combines the best features from both runabouts and walkarounds. It’s a fusion between two worlds: classic motorboat design and modern lines, speed and elegance, raw power and comfortable cruising. The result is an exceptional handling boat with outstanding performance in all conditions. Imagine a boat that looks as good as it drives with its classic, yet elegant design. Now imagine getting from point A to point B quickly and comfortably during your downtime of exploring lakeside property or spending time with friends on the water. With all of this pleasure and luxury at your fingertips, you’ll love how walking is always optional with these sleek lines, comfort features like extendable sun pads outside, and fast propulsion for fun.
RAND - Mana 23
The Rand Mana 23 has a unique functional layout, which allows you to enjoy every moment on the water. Designed around the captain, this boat offers different purposes like romantic dinner or sunbathing. The Rand Mana 23 is an open day cruiser with stylish design. It offers different purposes and excellent maneuverability to make it possible to take care of all these needs. This boat is perfect for lounging on water, offering excellent maneuverability and sustainable materials.
RAND - Picnic 18
As the name suggests, the Picnic 18 is ideal for a picnic outing on the water. The 62 x 145cm table offers enough space for food and drinks for the guests who can sit all around. After the meal, the table can be lowered and the area converted into a lounging area for sunbathing.
SAY CARBON - SAY 29e
The SAY 29e is trimmed for sporty elegance. This impression is created, among other things, by the use of carbon, a central element of SAY CARBON. The unique use of an engine from Kreisel, known for their powerful engines, adds to the impression as does the shape of the boat. This is reinforced by the sporty damping of the seats, which offer pleasant comfort even during fast journeys. However, the number of seats on the boat is somewhat smaller. There are two fixed seats behind the windscreen. In addition, up to 4 seats on the large sun lounger, elements of which can optionally be folded down to form a backrest for a bench. The electric boat can be very strongly individualized over the configurator. The many possibilities of the colour combinations are to be emphasized here, which signal completely at will restraint or extravertedness. In the cabin there is another large berth with a roof hatch.
SAY CARBON SAY 29e inside - Image: SAY CARBON
VTS - Flying Shark 5.7
The Flying Shark 5.7 from VTS is an electric boat for water skiing and wakeboarding. Especially the optional higher motorizations offer to do water sports with the boat. But relaxation is also possible on the Flying Shark for up to 7 people. Especially in the Bowrider version, the electric boat offers a seating arrangement that invites social interaction. But also the classic version, which is designed for up to 6 people, invites you to relax. If required, the seats can be folded down to form a sun lounger. An optional tent roof can provide more shade in no time.
VTS Flying Shark 5.7 in the Bowrider version - Image: PureVolt Yachts
X Shore Eelex 8000
X Shore, the Swedish company behind the Eelex 8000, insists that the “power of silence” that the electric boat exudes connects you more closely with nature. But the boat isn’t just about connectivity with nature, Garmin’s 24-inch touchscreen also connects via app to your smartphone or “Captain’s Smart Watch”. Should the wearer of the watch or someone with the X Shore app go overboard, the electric boat will stop automatically. It is also possible to unlock and lock the boat with the clock. A geofence can also be drawn around the boat to alert you via the app if the electric boat leaves the set area. All the major controls can be controlled via the touchscreen, and the user interface looks very Tesla-inspired. For example, you can adjust the performance via the touchscreen, just like in the Tesla.
Well thought out sustainability
With the Eelex 8000, the sustainability concept does not end with the drive. The cover is made of flax fabric and recycled PET bottles. The deck is covered with cork, which is less maintenance intensive and more ecological than teak. Fast charging with the compact and reliable Juice Booster allows you to enjoy the “power of silence” again faster. You can adjust seats and benches on the deck according to your needs. This is made possible by the modular system. Water sports require a different arrangement than fishing or diving and it would not be very sustainable to have a separate electric boat for each activity. You can also configure the Eelex 8000 to your requirements on the X Shore website before contacting a sales representative. This option is offered by only a few other manufacturers in this comparison.
What are the benefits of electric boats?
- They are cheaper and easier to run and maintain. The battery packs are rechargeable using electric outlets in the harbor, which makes them convenient to use.
- Electric boats are environmentally friendly
- They mean silence on the water. You can enjoy your surroundings more fully because you don't get disturbed by engine noises.
- Electric boats have their ranges exactly shown on the display, so there's no risk of accidents caused by running out of fuel or battery power while at sea or on water.
Do electric boats make sense?
They make sense, if they fit to your needs. Right now electric power for boats is relatively new. By comparison, electric cars are slowly entering the mass market. Therefore, there is already a larger selection for many needs. Electric boats are still a long way from that. If you don’t find a boat that perfectly fits your needs in this comparison, you’re better off sticking with internal combustion engines until the right electric boat for you is on the market.
Best electric boat for your needs
The best electric boat for your needs, depends on your needs. Before you start looking further into boats, you should know exactly what you want:
- What is your budget?
- Do you want to drive fast?
- Do you need a cabin?
- Where do you want to operate the boat?
- How many people will need to use the boat?
- Is range or speed more important to you?
Once you have determined your needs, check the comparison table above and set the filters according to your needs.
Electric Boat FAQs
The fastest electric boat in this comparison is the SAY 29e from SAY CARBON with a top speed of 48 knots or 89 km/h.
There are a few suggestions from outside designers, but Tesla has yet to create an electric boat or even discuss it. However, there are some manufacturers that focus a lot on technology in the production of their electric boats. X Shore with their Eelex 8000, for example.
Yes, you certainly can. The Super Air Nautique GS22E from Nautique is ideal for this sport, and you have the advantage of not having to spend a fortune on fuel. You ride for up to 3 hours and even recharge in 90 minutes.
To answer this question, it is best to compare a boat with an internal combustion engine version and an electric version. The Super Air Nautique GS22 with an internal combustion engine has a base price of $140,005. The Super Air Nautique GS22E has a base price of $299,708. That’s a big premium that has to be recouped through fuel savings. The high surcharge is due to the high requirements for a tow boat. At RAND for example the difference between the base price of the gasoline and the electric motor version is about 40.000 – 60.000€. Especially in countries where CO2 is strongly priced into the gasoline price, a purchase can be worthwhile in the long run.
Especially for boats with outboard motors, conversion is easy. Several manufacturers, such as Torqeedo, provide suitable electric outboards. But is it worth it? That depends on the running time of the previous motor. A relatively new engine in a country with cheap fuel is less worthwhile than an old engine with high mileage in a country with expensive fuel.