Smooth sailing: why electric boats are riding a new wave

There was a time when the idea of an electric boat sounded like a luxury daydream – a romantic notion for the distant future. But that future is now firmly anchored in the present. From lake cruisers to 70-knot superboats, the new wave of electric vessels is making quiet but powerful ripples across the marine world.

While hybrid diesel-electric propulsion has existed in yachts for years, we’re now witnessing a surge in fully electric craft designed from the hull up. Advances in battery technology, demand for low-emission transport, and the rise of silent, wake-free cruising have all converged to put electric boats firmly on the map – and increasingly on the water.

“The electric boating industry is at a tipping point,” says Alexander Heller, CEO of Vita Yachts, which recently launched the high-performance LION dayboat. “Just like the automotive sector, electric power is no longer a novelty – it’s the next logical step.”

Power meets poise

Consider the Candela C-8, the sleek Swedish hydrofoiler that recently shattered records by covering 420 nautical miles in 24 hours. Designed to lift above the waves on carbon foils, it combines futuristic tech with a minimalist Scandi aesthetic. With a cruising range of over 50 nautical miles at 22 knots, and a whisper-quiet motor that draws power from a Polestar EV battery pack, it’s one of the most compelling examples of marine electrification yet.

Over in California, Arc Boats is making waves of its own. The Arc One is a punchy 24-foot ski boat with a 350kW motor – that’s 475hp in old money – and a top speed of 40mph. Built by a team of Tesla alumni, it’s designed not just to glide but to launch. Expect grins and g-forces in equal measure.

Meanwhile, over in Austria, Frauscher’s 740 Mirage Air and Marian M800 Spyder are delivering refined retro luxury. With flowing lines and finely-crafted interiors, these boats don’t shout about their electric credentials – they glide into view like a whisper.

Slow and stylish

Not all electric boating is about speed. Some of the most charming models favour a slower pace and longer conversations. Alfastreet’s 28 Cabin, for instance, is built for elegant cruising at 5–6 knots along the Thames or Lake Geneva. With its cleverly engineered canopy and twin 10kW motors, it’s more about lazy lunches than leaping wakes.

The same goes for the Duffy Sun Cruiser 22, the world’s best-selling electric boat. For over 50 years, these genteel Californian bay boats have epitomised electric cruising. Topped with a classic surrey-style canopy, and fitted with a power rudder for easy docking, it’s no surprise that Newport Beach alone boasts over 3,000 of them.

Big boats, bigger ambition

The revolution doesn’t stop at the marina. Electric catamarans, day cruisers, and even luxury liveaboards are entering the fold. Greenline Yachts, one of the early pioneers, now offers a range of electrified cruisers, including the Greenline 40, which boasts a range extender and optional solar panels. More radical still is the Cosmopolitan 66 – a 66ft aluminium solar-electric catamaran that’s making zero-emissions yachting a reality.

Then there’s the Optima E10, a British-designed 36-footer with a unique trimaran-style hull promising 200 nautical miles at a steady 6 knots. That’s a meaningful range for a full day of cruising – and it’s entirely electric.

Design-led and digitally smart

As with electric cars, electric boats aren’t just about propulsion – they’re a design opportunity. The Riva El-Iseo, for instance, is a reimagining of the brand’s iconic 27-footer, this time powered by a 250kW motor. The prototype, finished in classic mahogany tones, is every bit a Riva – but silent and emissions-free.

On the other end of the design spectrum, Navier’s N30 looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film. Built in Silicon Valley and backed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, it foils four feet above the waves, boasts autonomous docking and, at 30 knots, claims a 75-mile range. It’s not just a boat – it’s a tech platform.

And if you’re looking for speed, look no further than Germany’s Mayla FortyFour. This carbon-fibre 44-footer is aiming for 70 knots thanks to twin 800kW motors. It’s being touted as the “Bugatti of the seas,” with a corresponding price tag.

Making electric boating mainstream

Affordability remains a hurdle, but it’s being addressed. Boats like the X-Shore 1 (from €99,000) and the Spanish-built Magonis Wave e-550 (from €33,000) are bringing EV boating to a broader audience. With top speeds of 22–30 knots and minimal running costs, they’re not just fun – they’re practical.

Infrastructure is improving too. Electric charging pontoons are appearing in marinas across Europe, from the Côte d’Azur to Cornwall. In Norway, plans are already underway for a fully electric ferry network. And with maritime emissions facing growing regulation, the pressure – and the opportunity – to go green is mounting.

Electric boating has come of age. From record-breaking foilers to serene lake launches, the breadth and sophistication of today’s offerings is remarkable. Yes, prices are high, and range remains limited for high-speed use – but the direction of travel is clear.

With major marine players like Beneteau, Zodiac, and Ferretti now offering electric models alongside start-ups pushing the limits of innovation, the sector is entering uncharted but exhilarating waters. If the automotive world’s EV transition taught us anything, it’s that once momentum builds, the tide doesn’t turn back.

And for those lucky enough to own one? Well, there’s nothing quite like slicing through calm water, in silence, powered by nothing but electrons and ambition.