4 Benefits of an Electric Outboard Motor
Posted on: 6 December 2016
People know that electric cars are getting better and better with each passing year, but few take the time to consider electric outboard engines for their boat. It might sound like an odd idea at first, but outboard engines actually come with a whole heap of advantages that make them more than worthy of the investment.
Here are just four reasons you should choose one over a gas or diesel.
1. Efficiency
As you might already have guessed, electric outboard engines tend to come at a slightly higher price than traditional outboards. However, they'll pay for themselves quickly by offering very efficient running. Electric outboards are very inexpensive to run; even charging the battery from flat up to full can be far less expensive than a gallon of gas or diesel.
2. Eco-Friendly
The fact that electric outboards are so efficient is great if you're looking to lower your monthly costs. Of course, you'll also be helping to protect the environment, and reduced fuel usage is really only part of the story. You'll also reduce the risk of any fuel leaking out of the engine, and a lack of emissions will mean that you aren't smelling gas or diesel fumes instead of the nature surrounding you. Electric outboards even run a lot quieter than traditional ones, so there's less sound pollution.
3. Variety of Charge Options
You might be thinking that simply pouring some fuel into your tank is easier than finding a charging plug, but that's not really the case. Firstly, more and more docks are offering shore power, so you'll be able to plug in and charge up, but there are plenty of other options available. You can use solar or wind to create power, and you can even harness the energy created by your dragging propeller to top the engine off if you're ever under sail. If you're worried about running out, you can even buy a generator.
4. Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Even if you know how to fix an outboard engine, you'd almost certainly rather spend your time enjoying the water rather than being forced to tinker about with your propulsion system. Electric outboard motors, despite being the more advanced technology, are actually a lot simpler than gas or diesel engines, so there's less to go wrong and fewer components that require regular changing. Additionally, an electric propulsion system offers a reduced risk of fire compared to traditional outboards.
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