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Choosing an electric boat motor? This is what you need to know about motors and drive systems

Specialist in electric and hybrid boating

The switch to electric boating often starts with a simple question: what motor do I need? Whether you own a sloop, sailboat or workboat, a good electric drive makes the difference between relaxed cruising and frustration on the water. More and more people are making targeted searches for terms such as electric boat engine, outboard electric or buy electric motor for boat. Yet such a search often leads to an online shop, while choosing the right bike is custom-made. In this blog, we explain what to look out for, which brands are relevant, and why professional advice makes all the difference.

 

Why the right electric motor is important

An electric boat motor should be matched to the type of boat, the cruising area and the use. Those who occasionally cruise around the canals will need something different from someone who regularly takes longer trips or sails on open water. Consider, for example:

 

  • Power (kW): The bigger your boat, the more power you need.
  • Drive type: Inboard or outboard engine? Each has its advantages.
  • Range: How far do you want to be able to sail without recharging in between?
  • Battery capacity: The engine and battery pack must be well matched.
  • Weight and placement: The engine must fit in your boat and not disturb the balance.

The wrong choice quickly leads to disappointing performance, faster wear and tear or inefficient energy use.

 

Outboard or inboard electric motor?

 

Those searching on outboard electric will find numerous models online. These engines are relatively cheap, easy to mount and especially suitable for smaller boats. Think sloops, dinghies and lightweight motorboats.

Advantages of an electric outboard:

  • Easy mounting
  • Light and compact
  • Often available immediately

 

Disadvantages:

  • Less power than inboard systems
  • Battery often loose on board
  • Less suitable for heavier boats

 

For larger boats or more intensive use, a inboard electric motor often the better choice. This motor is built into the hull and connected to a fixed battery pack. The advantage: more powerful, more efficient, and fully integrated into the design of your boat.

 

 

Well-known brands in electric drives

 

 

At E-WERF, we work with brands that have proven themselves in practice. Brand names you also often see at webshops, but delivered to us with expert installation and guidance:

 

 

  • Bellmarine: Dutch manufacturer of powerful and durable inboard engines. Especially popular with larger sloops and motor yachts.
  • Torqeedo: German brand, pioneer in electric outboard engines. Also offers inboard solutions and hybrid systems.
  • Vetus: Breed scala aan aandrijvingen, betrouwbaar en stil in gebruik. Veel gebruikt bij refits en hybrid installaties.

 

These brands deliver excellent products, but the success of your installation depends on the right design ánd the right installation. That is exactly where E-WERF stands out.

 

 

Why choose professional installation?

 

 

You can buy a motor loose from a webshop, but those who are going to install it themselves run into some challenges. Think about:

 

 

  • Determining the right combination of motor and battery
  • Protection and fusing of the electrical system
  • Balance and weight distribution on board
  • Adjustments to steering and controls

 

At E-WERF, we always start with an analysis of your boat and boating habits. On that basis, we select the right system, provide professional installation and you can count on support and maintenance. So you can be sure that everything is right.

 

 

Searching by electric boat engine? Think wider.

 

 

Keywords like buy electric boat motor or electric outboard often take you to a digital shopping basket. But a motor is not an off-the-shelf product - it is part of a complete system. E-WERF's strength lies in the connection between advice, installation and service. We do not deliver a box of parts, but a working system made to measure.

 

 

Want to know what's possible for your boat? Use our configurator at www.e-werf.nl en krijg direct inzicht in het geschikte type motor en accupakket. Of neem contact op voor een persoonlijk gesprek met een van onze specialisten.

 

 

An electric drive is only really smart if everything is right. We make sure it does.

WITH US OR ON LOCATION

We are happy to look at the best option with you.

Amsterdam

At our yard on Nieuwe Meer in Amsterdam, we can hoist boats up to 6 tonnes and 10 metres. During the summer season, we also offer the possibility to hoist heavier vessels. This location also houses our production where we prepare and test everything, even if we will install it on location.

For larger or heavier vessels that need to be taken out of the water, we cooperate with several shipyards in the Netherlands and far beyond.

& Everywhere

We also carry out work on site, both inside and outside the Netherlands. Would you like to have an electric or hybrid powertrain installed in a new-build vessel? We are happy to contact the relevant shipyard to cooperate or advise.

We can also carry out maintenance and modifications to existing systems worldwide. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.

E-YARD STANDS FOR QUALITY

Exclusive electric and hybrid boating since 2014

At E-WERF, we have focused exclusively on electric boating since 2014. Like the market and technology, we have developed and progressed significantly over the past 10+ years. We work exclusively with the best materials, certified where possible, from leading brands within our field.

 

We think ahead in everything we do so that your boat and powertrain continue to function optimally. That is why we protect all systems against moisture, have developed batteries that can stand empty for long periods without suffering damage, and use advanced control systems to ensure that every installation meets our high quality standards.

 

In addition, we take the time to thoroughly test every installation, including duration tests and or sea trials, to ensure everything works perfectly before we hand over your boat to you.

 

With us, we got it right the first time. As it should be.

BEROEPSVAART

E-WERF is your partner in commercial shipping

Undine

If required, E-WERF supplies systems that comply with ES-TRIN 2025. From the E-Plan to the complete installation: we take the work and care out of your hands. We have the expertise to develop and install systems safely and in compliance with laws and regulations.

 

All plans are custom-drawn by us so that each installation fits your situation perfectly. With a wide network of suppliers and approved components, we always offer the best solution. We accompany your project from A to Z and ensure that you are completely unburdened.

 

Our systems are reliable and optional remote monitoring allows us to intervene quickly and expertly when needed.

 

Don't have a ship yet or need advice? We also offer consultancy services to guide you through the right choices.

WHY E-WERF?

Better, reliable, transparent, fun and inspired. | The party to get the job done!

Are you looking for a reliable and high-quality installation? Then you have come to the right place at E-WERF. Thanks to our extensive experience and continuous focus on innovation, we offer the most reliable and sustainable solutions.

We can help with your project at every stage. We produce the technical drawings in-house and can guide you through the inspection process.

Contact us for an introduction or expert advice. Of course, the door is always open for a cup of coffee.

  • Transparent.
  • Inspired
  • Professional
  • Experience
  • Private and commercial
  • From drawing to trial run
  • On site
  • Own yard with hoisting facilities
  • In-House engineering
  • Better batteries
  • Always welcome
  • Domestic and international