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Making boat electric: everything you need to know about converting to electric boating Electric boating has long since ceased to be hype. It has become a logical choice for boat owners who want quiet, clean and low-maintenance boating. Especially in cities like Amsterdam, where increasingly stringent environmental regulations apply, an electric drive offers a solution. But what if you already have a boat? Is it possible to make your existing boat electric? And how exactly does such a conversion work? In this blog, you will read all about the converting your boat to electric boating, including the benefits, concerns and why engaging a specialist such as E-WERF making a difference.

Why you should make your boat electric

Making a boat electric has distinct advantages:

• Silent sailing: No more humming of a diesel engine, but peace on the water.
• Sustainability: No exhaust fumes and less environmental impact.
• Bearing maintenance: Electric motors have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines.
• Access to environmental zones: More and more waters are being banned for fuel propulsion.

Therefore, people who already own a boat are increasingly looking for terms such as electric boat or building an electric motor in a boat. The idea is simple: you keep the boat you already have, but make it ready for the future.

How does converting to electric boating work?

Making a boat electric is tailor-made. No two boats are the same, so every project starts with a thorough analysis of the boat and the owner's boating profile. At E-WERF, we use a handy online configurator, which will quickly give you an indication of what is technically possible and what is involved.

Important choices in conversion:

• Which electric motor fits best? This depends on the length, weight and desired cruising speed of your boat. In some cases an inboard engine is suitable, in others a powerful outboard.
• Which battery do you need? Lithium (LiFePO4 0f LFP) batteries are the standard today. They are compact, powerful and reliable. Depending on your boating requirements, the battery pack can range from a few kWh to tens of kWh.
• What about weight and balance? Batteries are heavy. Good weight distribution is essential for the stability and safety of your boat.
• What additional technology do you want on board? Think of a battery monitoring system, shore power connection, solar panels or a digital dashboard.

Building an electric motor in your boat yourself?

There are boat owners who enjoy tinkering themselves and are considering getting their own build electric motors into their boat. All sorts of DIY projects circulate on YouTube and forums. Nevertheless, we recommend leaving this kind of conversion to specialists. Why?

1. Safety: Electrical systems combined with water require professional installation.
2. Efficiency: A badly tuned system eats up power or does not deliver enough power.
3. Warranty and service: With professional installation, you get a warranty on parts and labour.
4. Legal requirements: In some cases, there are requirements for electrical installations on water.

At E-WERF, we combine technical expertise with years of experience in converting a variety of boats: from sloops and sailboats to workboats. We not only build in our own workshop in Amsterdam, but also come on site if necessary.

What does it cost to make your boat electric?

The cost of conversion depends very much on your requirements. A simple electric drive starts from a few thousand euros. If you go for more power, bigger batteries and extra technology, the amount rises. But on the other hand, you:

• Out of fuel
• Have less maintenance
• May be able to get subsidy (in certain municipalities)

Moreover, preservation increases the value of your boat. So it is an investment that gives you boating convenience and future-proofing.

Ready to convert your boat?

Search for electric boat or conversion to electric boating, then you are probably already convinced of the benefits. Now it's time to take the next step. At E-WERF, we work with you to find the smartest solution for your boat. Thanks to our configurator, you quickly know where you stand. This is followed by a personal talk, a technical check and a customised quotation. Not a standard package, but customised work that suits your boat and sailing style. Want to know what is possible for your boat? Then go to www.e-werf.nl and start the configurator. Or contact us directly for a no-obligation consultation. With E-WERF, you sail clean, quiet and carefree into the future.

Give your boat a second life: choose a refit or hybrid drive Many boats are technically obsolete after years of loyal service, but that does not mean they are written off. On the contrary: with a well-done refit, you can transform a classic vessel into a modern, quiet and durable boat that will last for years. Increasingly, boat owners combine such a refit with the switch to electric sailing or the addition of a hybrid drive for extra range and flexibility. At E-WERF we call that customisation, and that is exactly what we deliver.

What exactly does a refit entail?

A refit is much more than just a lick of paint or new upholstery. It involves a thorough technical and functional refurbishment of your boat. Think about:

• Motor replacement (often to electric)
• Renewal of cabling, steering and control systems
• Rearrangement of the hull or superstructure
• Installation of modern technology such as shore power, battery management and navigation

Often it all starts with a clear desire: quieter sailing, less maintenance or a increased radius. From that goal, we design a plan that suits your boat and your use.

Why choose hybrid propulsion?

An all-electric boat is ideal for quiet cruising and short to medium distances. But those who regularly take longer trips or cruise in remote areas sometimes need extra range. That's where a hybrid system comes in. With a hybrid drive, you cruise in silence and without emissions where you can, switching to a combustion engine when necessary. In other words, the best of both worlds. Advantages of hybrid cruising:

• Extended range, without dependence on charging points
• Reducing fuel consumption and emissions
• Silent boating in nature reserves or cities
• Flexible deployment in changing conditions

Hybrid systems come in different forms: from parallel systems where both engines work separately to series-hybrid variants where the combustion engine acts purely as a generator for the electric motor.

For which boats is a refit suitable?

In principle, any boat with a good hull structure is suitable for a refit. Especially classic sloops, motor yachts or workboats lend themselves perfectly to a thorough refit. Often, these boats are robustly built and far from reaching the end of their lifespan - only the technology is outdated. At E-WERF, we regularly renovate boats that are more than 20 years old. After a refit, they often last just as long again, but with today's comfort.

Customisation is the key

No two boats are the same, and no two owners have the same requirements. That is why at E-WERF we never work with standard packages. Every project starts with a personal intake, followed by a technical inspection and a detailed proposal. We actively involve you, the owner, in the design and execution, so that the end result feels like a boat built just for you. Our workshop on the outskirts of Amsterdam is equipped for this kind of project. Here, we combine craftsmanship with modern technology, from sustainable battery systems to smart steering.

Why E-WERF?

E-WERF has years of experience in transforming traditional boats into sustainable craft. Our specialists think not only technically, but also in terms of user experience and future value. We guide you from A to Z: from concept to ready-to-sail result, and you can also count on our maintenance and service afterwards.

Interested in refit or hybrid drive?

Would you like to know what is possible with your boat? Whether you dream of a silent electric sloop or a hybrid motor yacht with range for days: we are happy to think along with you. Start with our online configurator at www.e-werf.nl or Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Give your boat a second life - sustainable, quiet and ready for the future.

Today we had recordings for the Beneteau Club podcast. In this podcast, Olivier and the owner of the Beneteau Oceanis 411 we electrified discuss the whole electrification process from introduction to completion. Very interesting and soon to be listened to on the Beneteau Club website! We warmly welcome club members on 22 March for the annual AGM.

Today, we are proud to launch our completely redesigned website. Rebuilt from the ground up to inform you even better about our services and the possibilities of electric and hybrid boating. Whether you have a small sloop, a large sailing yacht or a professional vessel - at E-WERF we always find a suitable solution for a sustainable and quiet drive. This launch coincides with important news: from 1 April 2025 Amsterdam's inner city will become completely emission-free. Unfortunately, the vignette discount has been dropped since last year, removing an important financial incentive for the switch to electric boating. To compensate for this, together with our suppliers, Combi EPS and a special benefit package put together for boats up to 7 metres. This package offers you the opportunity to use your boat for €10,995 incl VAT all-in to be converted to electric drive. It includes:   With this kit, you are ready to sail emission-free right away! We can only 15 boat owners happy with this offer, so be quick. Contact us and cruise electric this spring!

The Puffin, an awesomely cute little pusher of just under five metres. Rattling, jolting bumping and, above all, smoking, she arrived at the yard and we instantly fell in love with this cute little vessel. We removed the old engine and installed a Vetus E-Line 5kW air-cooled engine. For power, we installed a 5kWh LiFePO4 battery. Because it uses 500W at 6.5km/h, this little boat can easily sail for a whole day without the need for a huge battery pack. We also rigorously tackled the 12V. This is often just a bit of extra work for us, but it does result in a much more stable, safer system without failures. Our colleague Mike made a video of this conversion and how it works.

We are currently converting a beautiful Beneteau Oceanis 411 from the late 1990s to an all-electric propulsion system. The owner plans to use the boat in Dutch coastal waters and take a trip across the North Sea. The boat will be equipped with a 20 kW electric motor from Bellmarine, combined with a 20 kWh LiFePO4 battery pack, specially developed by E-WERF for marine applications. To increase the range, the system is supported by a 3 kW generator that acts as a back-up range extender. Trial runs will start soon. Follow us or send us a message if you want to be kept informed about this project and our other exciting developments!