Sailing Umavideo
The Shocking Truth About Electric Propulsion | Step 371
November 30, 2023 · 57 min · 223K views · Amsterdam
What this video covers
Dan and Kika from Sailing Uma attend METS, the world's largest marine trade exhibition, and interview manufacturers across 26 electric-propulsion pavilions to evaluate which systems are viable for small sailboats and capable of regenerating battery power while sailing.0:12
Elko, founded in 1893, claims the longest history in marine electric propulsion and now produces inboard motors up to 200 horsepower alongside outboards.1:00 Torqeedo, started in 2005, has sold 250,000 motors including its Deep Blue high-voltage system running on a 350-volt battery with an 80-kilowatt-hour option; a Torqeedo representative explains that regeneration via propeller is possible but not optimized on smaller motors, and makes practical sense only on 25–50 kilowatt systems for larger yachts. ePropulsion, founded in 2012, offers a full range of motors available for immediate order.15:05 Finnex demonstrates a propeller-free drive concept.6:15 Rami-Go shows a rudder-shaped integrated motor with a one-kilowatt-hour internal battery giving one to four hours of runtime.9:42 Omega Grey integrates Mercedes-Benz automotive batteries with Fischer Panda systems for shaft-drive inboards, emphasizing fail-safe control logic specific to marine use.27:03 Kreutler, an Austrian firm with 55 years of production, covers 500 watts to 120 kilowatts including 360-degree rotating drives with regeneration capability.29:08 Kombi, with 60 years in marine motors, offers hybrid diesel-electric pod drives up to 25 kilowatts, with real-world propeller regeneration estimated at roughly one kilowatt rather than the motor's full rated output.32:05
More from Sailing Uma
From Sailing Uma — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.