Electric Outboard Use Cases

The following examples illustrate some of the ways electric commercial boats are used in Maine. Motors and hulls are only suggestions and will depend on specific uses. Many of the following use-cases currently have examples on the water, while others are in development. 

 

 Boatyards and commercial skiffs

  • Motor type: 10-27 hp outboard 
  • Examples: ePropulsion Navy 6.0 Evo with tiller or ePropulsion X12 
  • Hull examples: 14-foot Highfield RIB, or 14-foot Aluminum welded, flat bottom skiff  
  • Use: Used to transport yard crew to boats and support the operations of a small boat yard 

 

Dinghies and Tender Boats

  • Motor type: 3-10hp outboard 
  • Examples: ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus or Mercury 7.5e 
  • Hull examples: Jon 12 Dinghy or 90” dinghy  
  • Use: Used to transport commercial users from the dock to their boat on a mooring 
  • Charging: Charges on the dock over night or battery is removed and charged indoors
  • Example boat: Rippleffect

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Aquaculture

  • Motor type: 27-100hp outboard  
  • Examples: ePropulsion X20 or Flux Marine 100hp 
  • Hull examples: 16 to 27-foot fiberglass, wood, or aluminum hull  
  • Use: Used near-shore to transport farm crew and loads of gear or product to provide support for overall on-the-water farm operations. Level of load will need to be compatible with hull and battery weight. It is recommended to repower a secondary, smaller craft first.  
  • Charging: Charges overnight at land-based facility or, if power accessible, at dock. If the work barge has excessive solar and solar power, it could charge at barge during the day. 
  • Example boat: Lanes Island Oysters

 

Community Sailing Programs  

  • Motor type: 10-20hp outboard  
  • Examples: ePropulsion Navy 6.o Evo with controls or Elco EP-20 
  • Hull examples: 18’ wooden or fiberglass skiff  
  • Use: Used to transport members to boats and support the operations of the sailing program 

 

Research and Tourism 

  • Motor type: 25-100hp outboard  
  • Examples: ePropulsion X20 or X40 or Flux Marine 100hp 
  • Hull type: 22-foot Pontoon boat or Highfield Sport 660 
  • Use: Use varies on a case-by-case basis 
  • Charging: Charges on dock overnight and between uses as needed 

 

Bait fishing and clamming 

  • Motor type: 1-10hp outboard 
  • Examples: Spirit 1.0 Plus, or Elco EP-9.9 
  • Hull examples: 14-foot aluminum or wooden skiff  
  • Use: Used to troll for bait or travel to the clam flat  

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Electric Boats Supported by Island Institute

 

Organization Pendleton Yacht Yard
Grant awarded May 2023
Use-Case Boatyard work skiff
Boat 13’ Highfield CL420
Motor make Flux Marine
Motor model 40hp equivalent beta model
Battery Standard 24kW battery

 

 

Organization The Apprenticeshop
Grant awarded February 2023
Use-Case Chase boat for sailing program
Boat 18’ wooden-hulled handmade skiff
Motor make Elco 
Motor model  EP20 Tiller Long Shaft
Battery
Organization Lanes Island Oysters 
Grant awarded May 2023
Use-Case Quahog fishing
Boat Aluminum work skiff
Motor make Torqueedo 
Motor model Cruise 3.0 TS long shaft motor
Battery Power 24-3500 (26-104)
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Organization Rippleffect
Grant awarded March 2024
Use-Case Mooring tender for outdoor education non-profit
Boat Jon 12 Dinghy
Motor make Mercury 
Motor model 7.5e
Battery Intergrated 1 kWh battery
Organization Hylan & Brown Boatbuilders
Grant awarded June 2024
Use-Case Boatyard skiff
Boat 14′ wooden work skiff
Motor make ePropulsion 
Motor model Navy 6 short shaft with EVO tiller control
Battery Dakota Lithium 48V 96Ah Deep Cycle LiFePO4 
Organization Town of Yarmouth 
Grant awarded June 2024
Use-Case Commercial fishermen dinghies 
Boat 90” Dinghy 
Motor make ePropulsion 
Motor model Spirit 1.0 Plus
Battery Integrated 1276 Wh
Recipient Ryan Maker
Grant awarded June 2024
Use-Case Bait and lobster fishing 
Boat Aluminum hulled Tracker Guide 14
Motor make ePropulsion 
Motor model eLite 500W
Battery Integrated lithium-ion