Charged! Pavilion showcases electric boating at Miami Boat Show
Putting electric boating in the spotlight at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (DBMIBS) last week was the Charged! Electric Pavilion, presented by Ford – the multinational car company – and Nautical Ventures, a Florida-based dealer that ranks #10 in the Boating Industry Top 100.
Nautical Ventures is probably best known for its famous AquaZone – a 40,000 gallon (150,000L) pool that travels to major boat shows and has demos of watertoys like e-foiling boards and dive sleds.
CEO Roger Moore, who has sailed around the world racking up more than 42,000 nautical miles, thinks electric boats are every bit as exciting as those toys. He has added a number of e-boat brands to the NV line up and helped put together the Charged Pavilion in conjunction with Ford and DBMIBS.
The pavilion debuted at last year’s Miami show as a small tented area outside the Miami Convention Center, hosting two boats and four exhibitors.
This year it moved inside to the 16,000 sq ft (1,490 m2) Lincoln Road Room just off the main hall of the Center and tripled in size with seven boats and twelve exhibitors. And to make sure everyone knew about it, there was prominent signage outside both entrances.
Charged! Electric Pavilion exhibitors
Boats
- Axopar 22 (with Vision Marine Technologies E-Motion 180-e outboard)
- Four Winns H2e (also with the E-Motion)
- Ingenity 23e Dayboat
- Ingenity Super Air Nautique GS22E
- MarineKart 833
- Taiga (electric jetski)
- X Shore Eelex 800
- X Shore 1
Motors and Charging
- Aqua superPower marine charging network
- ePropulsion
- Hercules
- Photon
- Temo
- Torqeedo
- Vision Marine Technologies
Insights on the future of electric boating
The official opening of what I personally hope will be an annual pavilion provided a good overview of the achievements and advances of electric boats in the past 12 months. Moore hosted the opening, introducing speakers from many of the exhibiting companies to provide insights into where electric boating is at and where it is headed.
It was at the 2022 DBMIBS last January that Ingenity introduced their 23 foot all electric day-boat, which also received the show’s NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award in the cuddy cabin, bowrider, and deck boat category. Their Nautique Air GS22E also won Boating Magazine’s 2021 Boat of the Year).
Speaking at the pavilion this year, Ingenity President Sean Marrero provided some insights into general boat usage and how it relates to the adoption of electric boats. As part of the Correct Craft corporation, Ingenity has access to data from the other boat manufacturers in the Correct Craft stable.
Marrero said analysis of the data – from 10,000 boats with 1 million engine hours logged – shows people have the same preconceptions about boats as they do with cars. They think they go longer distances at speed than they actually do. In fact, he said, the usage information shows that 3/4 of watersports boaters could convert to electric propulsion and have exactly the same experience (only quieter and without the emissions) as they do with their ICE motor. Since those are wakeboarders and waterskiers, that number would be significantly higher with the average boater. You can read Sean’s article about it in Linkedin.
Vast majority of boaters could go electric
Jennie Keisu, CEO of X Shore, talked about how crowded the electric boat field is getting…and how delighted she is about it! She rightly pointed out that more companies in the field and more spaces like the Charged electric pavilion bring more attention – and sales – to the industry and help speed up the path to more sustainable boating overall.
X Shore was displaying both of their models in the Pavilion, the Eelex 8000 (8m/26ft) and the X Shore 1 (6.5m/21ft), which was launched last year to introduce a broader mainstream market to electric boats. She announced the company has already sold out its entire manufacturing capacity for 2023.
Nick Harvey, Brand Director of Four Winns, is a veteran of the boating industry, having worked for Groupe Beneteau brands in sailing boats and powerboats of every description. He spoke of the H2e being an experience with “No noise, no exhaust, no refueling, no hassle… just a rewarding day on the water” and sees electric propulsion as a long term game changer for runabouts and other powerboats.
Roger Moore then introduced Vision Marine Technologies CEO Alex Mongeon who in turn introduced Xavier Montagne, the company’s Chief Operating Office/Chief Technical Officer, as well as Shaun Torrente, the pilot who smashed the world electric boat speed record last year in a VMTI powered Hellkat catamaran.
CTO Montagne talked about a plan underway with VMTI drive train developers and partners McLaren Engineering and Linamar to develop a standards test for analyzing and validating the increasing number of electric propulsion systems in the world and providing a common language for consumers.
Shaun Torrente talked about another plan the company has.
“A couple of months after we set the record at Lake of the Ozarks, I talked to Alex and Vision Marine about a crazy challenge. I said this year I wanted to be the fastest outboard boat period – whether ICE or electric – and he got on board. So we’re designing a completely new boat. We hope to go over 130 miles an hour this year. It’s a big goal, but so was 100 miles an hour and we smashed that.”
Torrente, who started racing boats when he was 14 and currently sits at the top of the standings in the F1H2O (U.I.M. Formula One Powerboat Racing Championships) looked around the pavilion and wrapped up the launch event by saying “It’s really incredible to see all these boats here, and all this innovation. Onwards and upwards!”
While all of this was happening within the Charged! Pavilion, there was lots happening with electric boats in other areas of the show.
- Vision Marine had the world record smashing Hellkat 32 and was holding sea trials of their ‘Wired’ pontoon boat with the E-Motion 180e
- The X Shore Eelex 8000 was also available for sea trials
- Sunreef Yachts presented their new Eco 100 which is fully autonomous thanks to a combination of twin 270kW, solar-powered engines and sail power
- Canadian electric boat manufacturer Voltari held the official launch of their Voltari 260, and was picked by Motor Boat & Yachting magazine as one of the 9 best new boats at the show.
- Chris-Craft unveiled their electric concept boat, Launch 25 GTE
- High end racing motor manufacturer Ilmor (fossil fuel) launched a new electric motor
All of this and more will be covered in the next few issues of Plugboats, including details on the motors and drive trains from Hercules Marine, Photon and electric hybrid propulsion developer Ampros.
Plugboats publishes directories of electric boats exhibitors for most major boat shows – the one for Miami is below. Click any tile for company information and links.
Directory of Electric Boat Exhibitors at Miami International Boat Show 2023
At Ampros we develop electric propulsion systems for those who love water travel, appreciate silence and care for the planet. Our product is a modular solution for electrifying a boat propulsion system. It is based on high-tech components, so it can be adapted to the requirements of any specific project.
OUR SOLUTIONS ARE VERSATILE
AMPROS has an electric propulsion system for any type of boat.
We are also ready to design a custom solution for your needs.
MOTOR YACHT • DAY BOAT • SOLAR YACHT • SAILING YACHT • FERRY • CUSTOM HYBRID SOLUTIONS
ICE RANGE EXTENDER
The diesel generator is an additional source of energy that can help you cover long distances without recharging in port.
HYDROGEN RANGE EXTENDER
This system has a higher energy density than pure electric and is more environmentally friendly than diesel-based range extenders.
Pruszków, Poland
Axopar has joined forces with Evoy motors to produce Evoy electric version of their Axopar 25. Jan-Erik Viitala, Founding Partner of Axopar, says “Our partnership with Evoy is a perfect example of two great companies, on a joint mission, to expand the boating community and offer new ways of mobility for the future.”
Battle Born LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Batteries
The highest quality lithium iron phosphate technology, the fairest price on the market.
Beneteau has been a pioneer for recreational boating from the outset. With its world-leading ranges and iconic products, nearly 45 models offer diverse, high-performance capabilities.
With one single idea in mind: innovating in terms of both boats and processes to enable as many people as possible to realize their dreams, making the avant-garde accessible.
At Cannes Yachting Festival of 2021 Beneteau announced its first entries into electric boating, with Jérôme de Metz, Groupe Beneteau Chairman and CEO, saying “There are new expectations and user habits, new ways of travelling and latest technologies: a new world of pleasure boating and marine leisure is coming into view on the horizon, and all of us throughout Groupe Beneteau are positioning ourselves to be the leading players in this new world.”
Charting a revolutionary new course.
Quiet, efficient, and powerful, the Launch 25 GTe is an all-electric, zero-emissions concept boat that lets you hear more of what really matters, while still enjoying the legendary performance of a Chris-Craft.
FULL-RANGE HYBRID SYSTEMS FOR YACHTS
e-Motion is the only supplier of standardized hybrid propulsion systems that fit into the existing engine room of all serial production yachts from 40-250 feet.
Electric boat motor for sailboats
ePropulsion electric outboards enable one-design sailboats to leave and return to the marina quick, silent and maneuverable. The hydrogenation and solar charging also allow sailors to travel further and sail sustainably.
Electric outboards for fishing boatsIdeal for both freshwater and saltwater, ePropulsion electric outboard motors are perfect for jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, bass boats and fishing pontoons.
Electric outboards for work boats
The electric outboard motor has a simple motor structure with much fewer components than gas engines. The quiet and exhaust-free experience also makes passengers comfortable onboard.
Electric outboards for dinghy and tenders
Our electric outboard motors make your boat trips comfortable, quiet and exhaust-free. Our maintenance-free designs save you time, money, and headaches.
China
Fountaine Pajot is working on the deployment of electric motors for its sailing catamarans. This project should see the light of day in 2022 with the installation of electric motors on the Aura 51, the new 51-foot catamaran designed by Fountaine Pajot.
Engineers of Emotions since 1927
The Frauscher boatyard’s model range is as diverse as the sea. In addition to award-winning design classics, we regularly add innovations that embody our passion for development, new ideas, and revolutionary technologies. Perfected down to the last detail.
Frauscher has been building electric boats since 1955. In 2008, Frauscher built the world’s first sports boat with a hybrid engine, and in 2009, the world’s first certified hydrogen-powered boat. With a share of around 40% of total production, electromobility is not just a dream of the future, but a living reality.
Every magnificent piece that leaves our factory carries the Frauscher spirit into the world and demonstrates what we value: outstanding design, an incomparably dynamic design language, fine materials, new technologies, the highest level of comfort, and, of course, a vibrant tradition of craftsmanship.
Location: Oberosterreich, Austria
The Garmin Force trolling motor has the power to move you from spot to spot more quickly and stand up better to winds and currents — and it’s still whisper quiet. The high-efficiency brushless motor operates at either 36 V or 24 V. When running at 24 V, it delivers comparable thrust to our competitors’ 36-V motors.
For generations, Godfrey Pontoons have been constructed to stand the test of time. They have been designed to bring people together. Where will we take you? Grab the helm and find out.
With the introduction of the first hybrid boat in 2008, Greenline revolutionized the boating industry and ever since then the brand has been a synonym for constant innovation in boat building and design.
Our vision is to continuously shape the future of responsible boating by being the most innovative and responsible boat brand in the world.
Location: Begunje, Slovenia
Dealers located Worldwide
A NEW ERA, THE SAME LEGACY
Hacker-Craft has partnered with Ingenity Electric to bring a new line of the classic into the world of electric boats!
Our first boat is a Hacker-Craft 27′ Sport. With expected speeds of 30 knot top speed, 18 knot cruise, and a 2-3 hour runtime with a mixture of speeds, we are expecting a 30 mile range.
BUILT FOR SPEED AND LUXURY
Our goal is to provide our clients with only the best. We’ve adopted the international CCS charging standard for our new Aquavant by Hacker-Craft Electric series’s. The system can recharge as quickly as 1.5 hours at a high-capacity DC Fast Charger at a marina or on a superyacht. Perfect for your home lake or as a tender aboard your yacht.
We are a producer of an electric drive system that is revolutionary in its approach. More horsepower, more efficiency, more control and more pleasure out of your boating experience.
With 27,000 boats delivered globally since the brand’s beginning in 2011, Highfield Boats is now the world’s number one in the RIB Tender sector and a global player in the 15 foot+ sector.
Read articles about Highfield Boats in Plugboats
See Highfield Boats with electric motors for sale in Plugboats Marketplace
New from Ilmor – ION 6kW Premium Electric Outboard
Meet ION, the latest innovation in electric propulsion from Ilmor Marine, and discover precision engineering in style.
The ION 6kW isn’t just another electric outboard. It’s a way to elevate your time on the water and connect – both to nature and to each other – in a richer way.
Thoughtful Features With You In Mind
ION 6 is equipped with ION Vue, its own digital touchscreen helm display. This intuitive interface makes navigating your journey easier than ever. Enjoy the convenience of keyless activation, so you never have to worry where your keys are. Instead, just set a personalized, secure passcode – and go.
Experience Seamless Cruising with Ease
We’ve got it covered! The ION 6 features a fully integrated, hydraulic tilt and trim system, making it easier than ever to adjust with precision and enjoy a more comfortable, carefree ride.
Stand Out and Be Seen
Match your mood with ION Aura, the outboard’s signature led lighting feature that blends form, function and fun. Its iconic red glow evolves to a bright white when in motion. With fully customizable color settings accessible through the touchscreen control, you can choose a color to coordinate with your boat or create a dynamic light show on the water.
Vessel Versatility
From saltwater to freshwater and with options for shaft lengths, propellers, and throttle mounts, the ION 6kW premium electric outboard will elevate your boating experience, no matter how you cruise.
Handcrafted and assembled in Michigan, each ION product reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence. Consider ION your official invitation to unwind, recharge, and live more of life in the moment.
We Advance Boating to a Sustainable Future
At Ingenity, we believe in creating a better tomorrow today for our customers and for the world around us. We bring environmentally conscious solutions to the most demanding boating applications so customers don’t have to compromise experience to stay true to their values.
Orlando, FLA
United States
Mastervolt offers integrated electrical systems which generate, store, convert or manage alternating and direct current. We realise this by using high-quality technology in digital switching, energy storage by means of Lithium Ion batteries, and chargers/inverters that are both efficient and user-friendly. All these products communicate in the same language via the MasterBus platform. This ensures that everyone working with a Mastervolt system can always see the right information related to each product in the system. Onboard, at the yard or on remote, system analyses are always easy to perform. This ensures a carefree and reliable electrical power system which enables sailors to enjoy having electricity onboard without any concerns.
Netherlands
ABOUT MASTRY ENGINE CENTER
Backed by decades of experience and driven by a commitment to exceed customer expectations using specialist expertise and leading technology, Mastry Engine Center provides creative and innovative solutions to meet the evolving power needs of the marine and industrial sectors. Since 1962, Mastry Engine Center has continued to strengthen its reputation as a valued and reliable partner, offering market-leading sales, engineering, service, repower and parts support covering a wide range of engine, powertrain and equipment applications.
Distributing primarily in the south-eastern United States and Caribbean, Florida-based Mastry Engine Center supports customers, original equipment manufacturers and a network of over 300 certified dealers with leading products and services for trusted brands. The company is one of the largest distributors for YANMAR diesel engines and is the leading Suzuki engine dealer in the US through its Suzuki Repower business. It also distributes JCB industrial diesel engines, Torqeedo, ePropulsion and Piktronik electric propulsion options, MasPower generators, pumps and power units, plus an extensive spare parts portfolio.
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
MERCURY MARINE®
AVATOR™ ELECTRIC OUTBOARD CONCEPT.
Imagine. Boating – pure, simple, perfect. The Mercury Marine® Avator™ electric outboard concept explores boating at its essence. The Avator electric outboard concept from Mercury. A new way to Go Boldly.
YOUR EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY BEGINS HERE.
At Nautical Ventures, we offer a premier selection of electric boats that represent the future of boating. Our inventory features advanced models from top manufacturers, ensuring high performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Electric boats offer a quiet, smooth ride—ideal for enjoying the water without noise or emissions. Whether you’re seeking a sleek design for relaxing cruises or a powerful model for more active pursuits, we have the perfect electric boat to match your lifestyle and exceed your expectations. Experience the future of boating today.
Florida, USA
The World’s First 100% Electric Towboat
SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE GS22E
A first of its kind, the Super Air Nautique GS22E is a revolutionary electric towboat unlike anything else on the market today. For the ultimate on-water experience, Nautique has partnered with our sister company, Ingenity Electric, to bring the latest in electric propulsion technology to our multi-sport GS22E. The award-winning Ingenity Electric system operates using clean energy that delivers optimal performance for watersports activities in an eco-friendly package. Built onto the already widely popular Super Air Nautique GS22 platform, this new GS22E is a boat ready to connect families that like to do a little of everything on the water while emitting zero-emissions.
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Electric propulsion systems built for a brighter future.
We designed our products to withstand the harshest marine environments while delivering the performance and cost benefits that electric propulsion offers. Compared to internal combustion motors, Photon’s systems reduce the total cost of ownership by nearly half, require less maintenance, and eliminate the need for gas and oil changes.
Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans are the future of sustainable yachting.
With a 360° approach to eco-responsible cruising, they offer cutting-edge green propulsion solutions, naturally-sourced finishing materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a proprietary composite- integrated solar power system produced in-house to power their newest range of solar catamarans.
This new philosophy of yachting is present in each and every aspect of the Sunreef Yachts Eco catamarans. Their design incorporates ultralight custom- engineered batteries, a revolutionary air-conditioning system, wind-generators, nontoxic bottom paints, green composite structures as well as state-of-the-art watermakers and water-saving systems.
Gdańsk, Poland
»» Contact
UNPLUG AND PLAY.
No fuel No maintenance Easy charging Up to 2 hours of riding
When the wilds call, Taiga answers.
We understand what it means to feel the timeless pull of the wild. That’s why we’ve fused the very best of human ingenuity with the desire to explore – and protect – nature. At Taiga, our mission is to lead the electrification of off-road vehicles and transform the way people access the outdoor.
A superbike on the water
Engineered from a clean sheet to deliver the most exhilarating ride on the water.
Silent
Only the sound of rushing wind, waves, and a motor hum up to 20x quieter than combustion.
Easy Boating Ownership
No fueling, oil changes, or winterization means big cost savings and hassle-free ownership.
Montreal, Canada
Electric drives for sailors
Torqeedo offers electric drives for sailboats from dinghies to yachts up to 120 feet: compact and powerful outboards, light and space-saving pod drives, one of the most powerful electric saildrives on the market, and the world’s first fully integrated hybrid propulsion and energy management system from industrial production.
Electric drives for motorboats
Enjoy a clean and quiet life on the water. Outboards from our Travel and Cruise series offer up to 20 horsepower of lightweight and emission-free fun. Need more power? Deep Blue, the first industrially produced, high-performance electric drive system for motorboats is available as outboard and inboard systems up to 100 kW.
Electric motors for kayaks
The ideal kayak fishing motor is quiet, lightweight, efficient and durable. Your Ultralight will take you to remote fishing grounds and allows easy, hands-free manoeuvring. On touring kayaks and canoes, the Ultralight serves as a compact range extender for extended tours and expeditions.
Electric boat drives for professionals
Reliability, efficiency and safety are critical when choosing propulsion for a commercial vessel – as are low and predictable fuel and maintenance costs. Torqeedo offers fully integrated, standards-compliant, high-tech drive systems at a competitive total cost of ownership.
Germany
Simply silent, simply electrifying
Enjoy undisturbed peace, unrestricted sailing, and a carefree boating experience with the press of a button. VETUS intelligent and modular electric-propulsion systems are easy to install (or refit) and bring performance, efficiency, and convenience to your boating adventures. With VETUS electric propulsion, you are always ready for a prime time on the water. A full day of pure enjoyment is now within your reach.
High performance, eco-friendly, and cost-saving
After years of innovation and testing, VETUS E-DRIVES have perfected silent, high-performance boating while staying fully compliant with environmental regulations. But the benefits go beyond just the planet—electric boats saves you money and bring more genuine, uninterrupted moments on the water.
Ready for the green zones
As more waterways become designated green zones, you can navigate these eco-friendly areas effortlessly with a VETUS electric propulsion system, enjoying silent, emission-free boating.
Find the ideal electric propulsion system for your boat
VETUS offers two solutions for electric propulsion. The E-LINE is a compact shaft drive system, and the E-POD is an all-in-one electric pod system.
Netherlands
The E-Motion™ 180E Powertrain is redefining marine propulsion
116 MPH: THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND
THE WORLD’S FASTEST ELECTRIC BOAT
ELECTRIC – 180 HP
High-tech marine-designed motor, equipped with multisensor captors and independent cooling, providing the 180 horsepower.
Easy Charging Anywhere, Anytime
Onboard Charging System allows for quick and easy charging from any shore outlet, in or out of the water.
BUILT FOR MARINE
A purpose marine designed powertrain unique in the industry with high quality standards.
More than a powerful electric outboard, The 180E is a complete powertrain package
Discover the cutting edge of the E-Motion Technology
Boisbriand, Quebec
Canada
THE VOLTARI 260
Equipped with a 142 kW h Lithium-Ion battery pack system means long run times, unmatched torque, virtually no maintenance and zero emissions. Specifically engineered for the marine industry, this high output system is water cooled and backed by a 10 year warranty.
Breathe…
Now imagine the pleasure of a family trip to a remote cove, the intense sensations of water skiing, the thrill of diving with friends, the joy of fishing… All those pleasures are yours with a Zodiac boat!
We share your pleasure and passion
for navigation and exploration. With a Zodiac boat you have a steadfast companion by your side while navigating seas all around the world. We will be there to escort you safely, whether you are an expert captain or if it’s your first time on the water.
Present in more than 50 countries around the world,
Zodiac Nautic and its 1,600 dealers will put their expertise at your service. Join the Zodiac Nautic community, a brand that has already impressed more than a million customers.
Exciting things are happening every day in electric boats and boating.
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