The marine industry is experiencing a significant shift when it comes to the world of propulsion. And while all-electric blue water sailboats probably won't be mainstream for a while, hybrid set ups are quickly becoming the industry standard and it is game-changing!
Let's be real though. Diesel isn't going anywhere (for now) when it comes to blue water cruising. But, these hybrid systems aren't about eliminating diesel (be it an engine or a generator) as much as they are about maximizing efficiency. Because hello redundancy, increased range, flexibility, and reduced dependency on diesel fuel.
And, unlike the slow evolution we've seen with diesel engines over the decades, this year alone has brought us at least three brand-new electric propulsion systems designed from the ground up. Even major players like Yanmar and Volvo Penta are now entering a space previously dominated by smaller, innovative companies.
So, we wanted to share our recent explorations into the latest hybrid and electric motors showcased at METS in Amsterdam, and give you our two cents on it all.
Here are the standout hybrid and electric solutions we dive into in the video:
ePropulsion Inboard & Pod Drives
- Complete integrated solutions with batteries, motor, throttle, and charger
- Available in multiple configurations (inboard, outboard, pod drives)
- 96-volt system with reduced cable size and amperage
- Single-source solution eliminates the finger-pointing that can happen with multi-vendor systems
Yanmar SDe SERIES
- Electric sail drives available in 7kW, 10kW, and 15kW models
- Oil-cooled closed system that doesn't require raw water cooling
- Drop-in replacement for older Yanmar YM series engines
- Used in Yanmar's own test boat for extended real-world evaluation
Integrel E-Drive
- New electric motor that sits between a diesel engine and gearbox
- Smart system that regulates engine load for optimal fuel efficiency
- Integration with Navico navigation systems for automatic transition to electric in zero-emission zones
Beyond The Hype
We're genuinely excited about how approachable this technology is becoming, and we also appreciate the newfound realism in how these systems are being presented. We need less hype and more realistic expectations about performance, range, and capabilities.
Because while full electric propulsion for blue water cruising still faces challenges with current battery and solar technology, we believe we're on the cusp of significant advances. Future improvements in battery density and solar efficiency will eventually make all-electric ocean crossings more practical and less tactical (thank you Sailing Uma and all you early adopters we don't know yet!).
Until then, hybrid systems offer compelling advantages, particularly for those who value redundancy, flexibility, and reduced dependency on diesel fuel.
We Want to Hear From You!
These are just our opinions based on our experience, research and conversations - but what about you? Have you had experience with electric or hybrid propulsion on your boat? What are your thoughts on the current state of the technology? Would you consider installing one of these systems on your vessel?
Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. And if you happen to have one of these systems installed on your boat, and wouldn't mind us joining you for a sail or a passage, let us know - we're itching to experience more of these hybrid and electric systems firsthand!
