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Victron Energy praises E-WERF in international blog post

Victron Energy praises E-WERF in international blog post

Proud news! In an extensive article on their global blog, they put Victron Energy, leading provider of electrical energy solutions, spotlights E-WERF. In the blog Whisper Quiet Cruising Victron describes how E-WERF realises top-level electric drives - quiet, powerful and fully customised

Whisper quiet cruising

The Diesel to Electric Transformation

When we were designing the Boat Page on our GX touch screen displays we received generous help from Olivier Venema, founder of E-WERF - the Dutch specialist in water craft electric propulsion systems. The GX Boat Page is a dedicated display designed for electric or hybrid boats showing battery, engine RPM, and electric drive information all in one place.

We got to know Olivier well, and to admire the work he does, so this week we'd like to share with you some of the expertise he has acquired during more than 350 boat conversions from Diesel to Electric propulsion.

Over to Olivier...!

Electric propulsion systems for private craft

"...Our interest in electric boating began in 2014 when we restored our very first lifeboat. We rebuilt her from the hull up and didn't want to put a diesel engine back in.

Around that time the first consumer-grade electric motors were becoming available. Before then only industrial motors for working craft were manufactured - but demand from private boat owners saw the development of compact, reliable and affordable electric propulsion drives.

On her maiden voyage it immediately became clear that electric propulsion would one day become the new standard for sloops. It felt like an evolution. From that conviction E-WERF was born to help boat owners convert their vessel from diesel to electric power.

Gentleman's launch - Intermezzo

What happens during conversion?

Here's a simple outline of the process: The boat is lifted from the water and the entire diesel system, including engine, fuel tanks, starter batteries, exhaust and associated piping, is removed. We then install a purpose-built electric propulsion system: a light, powerful electric motor; an energy-dense lithium battery bank; and a tailored charging and inverter setup. All 12 V and 24 V onboard circuits - and 230 V circuits where required - are integrated so that lighting, pumps and appliances continue to work exactly as before. Cooling is handled with a heat-exchanger system, often making use of the boat's existing seawater intake or repurposing the former exhaust outlet. Depending on the project, we also use direct raw-water cooling or throat cooling, and for relatively small motors air cooling is sometimes the preferred method. After careful testing and calibration, the boat is relaunched as a quiet, clean, and highly responsive electric craft.

 

E-WERF

Since those beginnings we have converted or re-equipped almost four hundred boats with new electrical systems, ranging from small sloops of around 7 metres (23 feet) and modest displacement to large sailing yachts up to around 18 metres (60 feet). We provide everything: shore power connections, electric propulsion and battery banks, right through to complete integrations with onboard electrical and control systems. During each project we aim for bespoke solutions and top quality, so that after delivery the vessel not only runs perfectly on electric power, but all other onboard systems continue to work exactly as the owner expects.

 

A good example is Donna, an aluminium lifeboat built in 1961 and fully restored in 2025. She once served as a robust postal boat along the Scandinavian coast, but when we found her she was weathered and bare. From the hull up we restored Donna with great care and attention to detail. Old through-hull apertures were permanently welded shut, the hull was coated with epoxy inside and out - to ensure decades of protection - and then she was professionally painted to provide an elegant finish.

The interior was designed to be both practical and beautiful, with mahogany-varnished benches aligned fore-and-aft and made removable so that everything can be taken out within two hours for cleaning, varnishing, or maintenance.

 

Under the deck sits a 10 kW liquid-cooled electric motor from Combi EPS with a heat exchanger. Everything is networked via NMEA2000. We installed an Ekrano GX communication device which has a touch-screen display so that all motor data can be viewed live. The 400 Ah net battery bank provides around ten to twelve hours of trouble-free cruising. The charging and inverter system is a Quattro 48/5000, adjustable via the Ekrano display. Whether the boat is docked at a harbour offering 16A shore power, or plugged into a small household outlet, charging is always possible. This integration of Victron components ensures seamless operation and full on board monitoring - and even remote monitoring using the Victron Remote Management platform -. VRM.

Donna is privately owned and used for family cruising and day trips where her silent running and long range of about ten to twelve hours at typical speeds make her ideal for relaxed outings.

 

Commercial Tour Boat

A completely different project involved a large tour boat operating in Amsterdam. Originally powered by a heavy six-cylinder diesel engine, we removed the diesel and installed a 1500 Ah battery bank together with a 20 kW liquid-cooled electric motor. Charging is provided by three parallel-connected MultiPlus II 5000 units, allowing fast three-phase charging from shore power. It's also possible to charge from a single MultiPlus II unit using a standard household outlet if a three-phase power supply is not available. An Ekrano GX device manages system communication and a 4G/LTE provides engineering access to the set up from anywhere - using VRM.

 

This solution makes powerful, silent, and flexible operation possible even on routes where three-phase shore power cannot be found.

How much does it cost to upgrade to electric propulsion?

From a financial point of view, a smaller electric conversion typically starts around €13,500 (US$16,000) while larger or more complex installations are quoted individually depending on battery size, motor power and onboard integrations. Although an electric installation can be a higher initial investment than a simple diesel swap, the long-term advantages-minimal maintenance, lower running costs, and the ability to enter emission- or noise-restricted waters-make electric propulsion the smart choice for many owners. And above all else, it's so much more relaxing!

Feedback

We are proud to receive customer reviews - such as: "Here they really know what they're doing. The boat and motor are in top condition and the team is always reachable and calls back promptly;" and: "The best products and services come from passionate people. E-WERF is client-focused, hands-on, practical and sticks to budget. Now we cruise the Frisian lakes in complete silence."

 

Our customers value the comfort of silent, vibration-free cruising and the absence of diesel fumes. Many also enjoy freedoms which diesel simply can't offer - from whisper-quiet evening trips through Amsterdam's canals to unrestricted access to protected natural waters and marinas that ban internal-combustion engines.

E-WERF has also played an active role in the development of Victron Energy's Boat Pageavailable on GX communication user-interface displays. We collected and shared market feedback about what boat owners need to see, built test setups, and worked with a range of motor manufacturers to ensure the system displays all the relevant data. In every installation where the motor supplier is Victron-compatible, we make sure the integration is complete and fully functional.

 

A word from Victron Energy

It's a great gift for Victron to have found a partner in E-WERF who has supported our R&D work with dedication and enthusiasm throughout the entire development cycle of this new feature. From the initial concept to gathering requirements and validating the design drafts, E-WERF have supported us with their expertise in electric propulsion. We were also able to benefit from their trade network, which put us in touch with numerous propulsion manufacturers and enabled us to conduct integration tests on real vessels. Their years of experience in the electric boating market and the hands-on mentality of Olivier and his team contributed significantly to the success of the new Boat page and and we look forward to continuing to staying in close contact and learning from their experiences in the field.

Olivier Venema Working at this high-level, both technically and in terms of finish, comes naturally to us. We care about every detail, from the underwater hull to the final cable. And it is especially rewarding to be involved, as a relatively small yard, in the innovation process of a major international company like Victron Energy. That collaboration makes our work not only technically challenging, but also genuinely enjoyable.
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By justin
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Why we choose quality at E-WERF

Why we choose quality at E-WERF

Quality is a choice

If you are considering converting your boat to electric boating, you want it done right the first time. No surprises afterwards, no compromises with quality, just a system you can rely on. At E-WERF we understand that. And that is precisely why we do things a little differently.

We notice that more and more providers are entering the market promising electric boating 'fast and cheap'. In itself, there is nothing wrong with that - it makes the threshold for going electric lower, and we only welcome that. But there is also a downside: low prices often go hand in hand with concessions. To the materials used, to the quality of installation, or simply to the time required for proper installation.

At E-WERF, we deliberately choose not to. We work according to professional standards that also apply in commercial shipping. Think ESTRIN, NEN and ISO standards. We incorporate this knowledge and experience in everything we do - also for private customers. Because whether you sail through the canals with your family or transport passengers on a tour boat: safety, reliability and sustainability must always come first.

Our systems are fully plug-and-play, thanks to our proprietary Sailconnect technology. But that doesn't mean we do everything remotely. On the contrary: we take the boat out of the water, inspect the underwater hull, check the propeller and propeller shaft, and seal skin penetrations where necessary. Everything is installed neatly and carefully. We also include the existing 12 V system, so that all functions on board - from lighting to the bilge pump - will work exactly as you are used to after the conversion. Only quieter, cleaner and with much less maintenance.

We are proud that customers appreciate us for our diligence. We are often told that people are surprised by how thoughtfully and neatly everything is finished. And that is quite normal for us. At E-WERF, things are only good when they are really good. No half-measures, no open ends.

And that service does not stop once the boat is back in the water. We remain available for questions, maintenance or expansion. We think along if you want to modify or improve your boat. We don't call that "after-sales", just how we work.

So why are we sometimes more expensive than others? Simple: because we take time for quality. Because we choose materials that can take a beating. Because we build a system that not only works today, but will still be reliable ten years from now. And because we honour our agreements. No surprises later - the amount you agree with us is really the amount you pay.

We believe electric boating is the future. But that future has to be built well. Not with rushed work and minimal installations, but with solutions you can use with confidence on the water. Solutions that suit your boat, your sailing area and your use.

That's why we choose quality at E-WERF. Because, in the end, that's what benefits you most.

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E-WERF and Boat Building at Hiswa te Water 2025

E-WERF and Boat Building at Hiswa te Water 2025

From 3 to 7 September 2025, the Hiswa te Water will take place at the Bataviahaven in Lelystad. This largest in-water boat event in Europe is the place where innovation and craftsmanship come together. E-WERF and Bootombouwen.nl are proud to be present this year with our own stand on the upper quay (KB82). Here we will show how we are shaping the future of boating: electric, hybrid and always with the highest level of finish.

Our strength lies in customisation. We believe there is a suitable solution for every boat - large or small, sloop or yacht, professional vessel or pleasure craft. With over a decade of experience in electric and hybrid boating, and a strong base as a shipyard in Amsterdam, we have built up a proven track record in both private and professional boating. Especially with larger vessels, our expertise comes into its own. We are familiar with complex installations and work to the highest standards, including ES-TRIN, ensuring safety and reliability in commercial shipping too.

During Hiswa te Water, we will introduce our latest innovations. Visitors can get to know the DIY kits with Sailconnect 10 and the brand new Sailconnect 20 - a product launch that further expands the possibilities for electric boating. We combine these kits with high-quality battery systems and motors from renowned brands such as Vetus and Combi EPS. For those looking for flexibility, we show our hybrid solutions, and for owners of smaller vessels we present a compact portable installation which makes electric boating accessible without major interventions.

E-WERF and Bootombouwen.nl distinguish themselves not only through technical know-how, but also through the way we carry out projects. Finishing is our focus: every detail must be right, from wiring to assembly, so that the end result matches the look of the boat seamlessly. Our plug-and-play solutions minimise installation errors and ensure that our customers can take to the water without worries.

We invite all visitors to stop by our stand KB82. Our team will be on hand all week to answer questions and explore together how electric or hybrid sailing can become a reality for your boat too. Whether it is a sloop, a yacht or a professional vessel: we prove that the future of sailing is silent, sustainable and reliable.

Would you like to visit us? We have a limited number of tickets available. Please contact us for details.

Hope to see you next week at the Bataviahaven in Lelystad!

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Choosing an electric boat motor

Choosing an electric boat motor

Choosing an electric boat motor? This is what you need to know about motors and drive systems 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 tailor-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 motor:
    • 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: Wide range of drives, reliable and quiet in operation. Widely used in refits and hybrid installations.
  • Combi EPS: Developed and built entirely in the Netherlands.
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. You can also choose to convert your boat yourself. Check out the ready-made packages on boatbuilding.co.uk

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 is possible for your boat? Use our configurator at www.e-werf.nl and get instant insight into the suitable type of motor and battery pack. Or contact us for a personal discussion with one of our specialists. An electric drive is only really smart if everything is right. We make sure it does.
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Making boat electric

Making boat electric

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.
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Give your boat a second life: choose a refit or hybrid drive

Give your boat a second life: choose a refit or hybrid drive

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.
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