If you’re considering switching to an electric outboard, you’re probably asking yourself one simple question:
Why would I spend 2–3x more than a gas outboard?
It’s a fair question. And for some people, gas still makes sense. But for a growing number of boaters, electric outboards are simply a better fit for how they actually use their boat.
Let’s break down why.
Key Benefits of Electric Propulsion
Push Button Start & Ease of Use
Turning on an electric outboard is as simple as pushing a button. There’s no bulb to pump, no choke, and maybe most importantly, no pull start. This is especially important for older boaters, younger boaters, and newer boaters who don’t want to deal with learning the quirks of starting a small gas outboard or may have trouble physically starting a gas outboard.
Once it’s running, a small electric outboard is easier to control and use than a gas outboard. Turning the end of the tiller slowly and evenly changes your power output; unlike a gas outboard, there’s no one spot where turning the tiller a slight bit more makes the boat jump forward. Plus, electric outboards like the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus and Remigo One have forward and reverse built in. There’s no need to spin the motor 180 degrees to go into reverse.
Portability & Weight
Electric outboards under 5hp are more portable than gas outboards. Period.
The smallest electric outboards, like the ePropulsion eLite, weigh under 15 pounds. Most electric outboards around 3hp actually have a combined weight that’s similar to a four-stroke gas outboard, but you never need to handle it all at once. Instead of lifting a motor that weighs ~45 pounds, you’re installing a shaft that weighs around 25 pounds and a battery that weighs around 20.
That makes a big difference in real-world use.
No Gas, No Smell, No Mess
Gas is messy and smelly. Any boater who claims otherwise probably hasn’t dealt with a small gas outboard.
If you’re considering electric for a tender for a larger boat, you’re probably used to carrying a gas can just for your tender outboard, especially if your big boat runs on diesel. Get rid of that thing. It’s easy to spill, it smells, and it’s one more thing to deal with.
With electric, that all goes away.
Virtually Silent
Most electric outboards under 5hp are virtually silent. Any noise they make is usually drowned out by the sound of water hitting the hull.
No more roaring gas motors, especially early in the morning or in a quiet harbor.
Low Maintenance
It drives me nuts when some manufacturers and dealers tell customers that electric outboards are maintenance free. They’re not. Virtually nothing that exists in a saltwater environment is.
But the maintenance required for an electric outboard is almost nothing compared to a gas outboard. No more winterization, spark plugs, or carbs to clean.
Electric outboard maintenance is generally limited to:
- Rinsing the motor with fresh water after use in salt whenever possible
- Replacing anodes as needed, usually every 3–5 years
- Monitoring electrical connections for signs of corrosion, keeping them dry and clean, and applying a small amount of dielectric grease annually
- Taking care of your battery by leaving it around 50% state of charge (SOC) over the winter and when it isn’t in use for a few weeks, checking SOC every three months, and not leaving it below 10% for extended periods of time
Clear Range
Gas outboards have more range than electric, but with small outboards, you’re always guessing. I grew up using gas boats, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lifted up a jerry can or peered into the top of the outboard trying to figure out if I have enough gas.
With electric, you can clearly see your SOC on the motor, and most electric outboards give you live range and run time data, so you know how many miles or minutes you have left at your current speed. Naturally, it takes a bit of time to trust and get used to this, but once you do, you’ll love it.
Reliability
There’s just not much to go wrong with electric outboards, and they have very few moving parts. No fuel system, no carburetor, no oil system. In general, that makes them more reliable than gas, especially for boaters who aren’t using their motor every day.
Environmentally Friendly
No direct emissions. No spilled gas. No fuel smell.
Even if you charge your electric outboard from a power plant that isn’t perfectly clean, the system is still much more efficient than a small gas outboard.
Lower Cost of Ownership
Electric outboards cost a lot more initially, but they can have a lower cost of ownership than gas. Let’s do some quick back-of-the-envelope math.
A new Remigo One costs around $3000. A new Yamaha 2.5hp gas outboard is around $1100. The Remigo might cost you $10 per year in electricity to run. Playing things conservatively, let’s assume the Yamaha costs $30 per year in gas, $150 per year to winterize, and over a 10-year period, you spend another $500 on maintenance on the Yamaha. On the Remigo, you might spend $200 or so on maintenance replacing zincs and maybe the propeller.
After 10 years, the Remigo cost you about $3300 in total, while the Yamaha cost you about $3400.
At year 10, you might be ready for a new battery for the Remigo, which costs around $900 plus installation. Again, playing it conservatively, let’s assume $500 in labor to pay a dealer to swap the battery. If we average that cost out over the next 10 years, you’re at $140 per year, plus $10 per year in charging, $20 per year on maintenance or $170 per year in total. The Yamaha cost per year is $230, not taking into consideration that your maintenance costs will likely be higher since the motor is older.
I'll reiterate that this is back-of-the-envelope math. These numbers will vary in reality. I'm not trying to sell you on a new electric outboard because of the cost, because ultimately, a gas outboard might still be cheaper in the long run. But recognizing how similar the cost of ownership becomes over time is something a lot of people miss!
Where Gas Is Superior
Range
Gas has a higher energy density than batteries. Until battery technology makes some serious leaps forward, gas boats will have more range than electric boats. If you’re running at full speed for long distances, gas is likely the way to go.
This makes a big difference in high-horsepower motors, but not so much in small, portable outboards. Unless you have a use case that is different from 99% of boaters who own < 5hp gas outboards, a small electric outboard will likely have more than enough range for you. If you are concerned about range, go with an electric outboard that has a swappable/top mount integrated battery (like the Torqeedo Travel) rather than an internal, built-in battery (like the Remigo One). If you end up needing more range, you can always buy a second battery.
Serviceability
Gas outboards have been around forever, and there are service shops almost everywhere. If something goes wrong with a Yamaha, Mercury, or Suzuki, there’s a good chance you can find a local mechanic who knows how to work on it.
Electric outboards are improving here, but the service network is still smaller. Depending on the brand and where you live, support may need to come from a specialized dealer or directly from the manufacturer. That’s not usually a big issue (since problems with electric outboards are relatively rate), but it is one area where gas still has an advantage.
Lower Initial Cost
This one is pretty obvious. Gas outboards are cheaper upfront. If initial purchase price is your top priority, gas is hard to beat. A small gas outboard can cost a fraction of what a comparable electric system costs.
As electric outboards become more popular and battery costs come down, electric outboards will benefit from economies of scale and costs will come down over time.
Where Electric Outboards Make the Most Sense
Electric outboards are a great fit for:
- Dinghy tenders
- Small sailboats
- Small freshwater boats
- Lakes with gas restrictions
- Boaters who prioritize simplicity and low maintenance
So, Should You Switch?
If your boating looks like short trips, moderate speeds, and convenience matters to you, electric is very hard to beat.
If your use case is more demanding—long distances, high speeds, or limited charging—gas may still be the better option.
The key is understanding how you actually use your boat.