What Is The Best Outboard?

You have probably stumbled upon this page looking for a single motor that is labeled “the best” by all. However, there isn’t a single motor that will be able to cater to the needs of all boatmen, sailors, racers or adventurers. While most lean towards the conventional gas outboards for their power and range, electric outboard motors should also be considered as they offer many appealing benefits.

There are two electric outboard motors that stand out in the market: ePropulsion and Torqeedo. While Torqeedo is a well known and established brand in the electric motor market, ePropulsion is a newer player that is rapidly gaining ground in this market. 

What Are The Benefits of an Electric Outboard?

Although electric motors can be more expensive, the price tag is due to the high cost of developing such a high quality product that increases safety of users and sustainability. For those in need of a small outboard, electric outboards are the safer choice than the gas or propane options available. Unlike conventional outboards, electric outboard motors eliminate the need to use and carry flammables on your vessel. These power sources are potential hazards to not only the boat passengers, but also marine life we catch and eat. Many pollutants found in gas can bioaccumulate in fish, a problem that becomes worse when you’re fishing further up the food chain. Next time you’re sitting over the clear waters of your favorite fishing spot, consider the toxic fumes that gas outboards are creating when in use. Both two-stroke and four-stroke engines can create noxious fumes that contribute significantly to air and water pollution, so make sure you aren’t leaving a small oil slick behind you, or you might be eating it at your next fish fry.

Other than safety, the noise produced by the engine is another major component in choosing the “ideal” outboard motor. While noise does not necessarily affect performance of a boat, a loud obnoxious engine can quickly scare fish away, and distract from the relaxation and enjoyment of boating. With an electric outboard, you’ll never have to hear your spouse complain about a headache from the noise or smell again. This makes a roundabout on the lake or boat trip to the nearby island a much more pleasurable trip. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the sound of splashing water and fresh smells, instead of the drone of an outboard. Enjoy the outdoors as they were meant to be. 

Veteran boaters may be surprised to know that while electric outboards don’t create much noise, they can now produce solid performance. Electric outboards today are capable of producing the same speeds as similar power gas outboards, are extremely reliable, and require less maintenance than their gas counterparts. The ePropulsion motors more notably, are dependable and have fail-safe features to ensure the longevity of the motor. The ePropulsion Spirit offers great battery performance from a detachable Li-Po battery, a Smart LCD display, reliability and similar performance to a 4hp outboard. At $1999.99, all of this adds up to make it the best value electric outboard motor on the market. 

Summary

After reading about these advantages, it’s easy to understand why electric outboards are priced at the higher end of the market. While these motors are initially more expensive than their gas counterparts, the benefits of using electric outboard motors can outweigh the costs for many boat owners. The quality, design and reliable performance of an electric outboard motor can save you money in the long run!