electric sailboat conversion

Propulsion Systems for Monohull

The silence of an Oceanvolt electric propulsion is a skipper's dream.  Whether quietly maneuvering through a harbor or motor-sailing on low-wind days to create your own apparent wind, our electric solutions will enhance and extend your sailing enjoyment. 

Oceanvolt offers Hybrid or Electric systems as a power & propulsion option in partnership with many leading monohull boat builders - adding new partners continuously. We also offer repowering solutions for converting away from legacy diesel engines – removing the diesel engine, fuel tanks and exhaust system - cleaning up greasy, smelly engine compartments and freeing up both weight and space below deck.

Oceanvolt systems are scaled and configured to achieve maximum efficiency - taking into consideration boat length, beam and displacement as well as system weight and placement within the boat.  Range, beyond battery capacity, is extended through hydro generation while sailing above 6kn.  This can be complemented with either a portable AC generator or a DC generator (in larger boats or for long distance cruising).

All Oceanvolt systems are engineered to operate at 48 volts for passenger safety and ease of repair. Oceanvolt systems are extremely low maintenance and do not require winterizing (no annual engine maintenance/storage costs).

system & price examples

Owner testimonials.

Traditional Mallorcan Llaut

Bestevaer 36

PowerFlow Marine

Experience the Power of Clean and Sustainable Propulsion

Upgrade your sailboat today and start enjoying the benefits of electric power on the water!

Electric Motors for Boats

Powerful Performance, Quiet operation, &  Easy Installation

B15 (Liquid Cooled)

What our customers have to say about us.

Absolutely wonderful!

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Jack Nitzsche

Investor Group Coordinator

Electric Power Calculator

Simulate the performance of your vessel under electric propulsion

Don’t Miss Out

Get a free electrification report.

Our complimentary electrification report showcases the seamless integration of our electric motor system into your boat and outlines its impressive performance capabilities.

Passport 42

22kw direct-drive experience.

Sonya & Jack, a couple living on a boat in Mexico transform their Passport 42, Gemini into a fully electric vessel with the Powerflow Marine D22.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Quiet and vibration-free operation
• No exhaust fumes or fuel smell
• Seamless shifting between forwards and reverse
• Having only one moving part significantly reduces potential failure points compared to a diesel engine.
• Zero greenhouse emissions
• No pollution released into your local waterways
• Doesn’t scare away your local wildlife
• Option to be 100% renewable with solar and wind generation
• No more fuel and oil getting all over you and into your bilge
• No more need to carry combustible fuels on board
• Eliminate fuel costs
• Higher energy efficiency
• Charge from solar and wind
• Reduced maintenance cost
• Replacement components are relatively cheap

While sailing, our motor systems can harness wind power to recharge your batteries. Our display enables you to optimize energy capture by adjusting the braking level in real-time to match the sailing conditions. The amount of regeneration depends on various factors, with the propeller size being the primary determinant.

The motor size required for your boat depends on several factors, primarily the vessel’s size, weight, and operating conditions (such as currents, open sea, tides). User preference is also a consideration. As a rule of thumb, for displacement vessels, 1kW of electric power can replace approximately 3HP of diesel power. This may seem contradictory, but diesel motors are typically oversized to make up for their inefficiency and limited power delivery. 

To assist you in motor sizing, we have developed an electric power calculator to simulate your vessel’s performance. Additionally, we provide a complimentary electrification report outlining the performance capabilities for your specific boat.

We have engineered our motor with retrofitting sailboats in mind, prioritizing ease of installation without compromising on durability or performance. Our free electrification report includes a 3D model illustrating how our motor system fits within the existing footprint of your diesel motor. We provide custom mounting brackets and shaft lengths to ensure a seamless installation.

Electric motors possess comparable power to diesel motors, while offering additional features that make them highly suitable for marine propulsion. They exhibit greater efficiency, typically 2 to 3 times more efficient than diesel motors, enabling an electric motor with one-third the size and weight to match the power output of a diesel motor. Moreover, electric motors can deliver torque across a broader range of speeds and provide full torque from 0 RPM.

Electric motors offer the advantage of seamless bidirectional operation, eliminating the need for a traditional gearbox with separate forward and reverse gears. While certain applications may still benefit from a gearbox, it would only require a single gear, effectively eliminating the inconvenient clunk often experienced when shifting between forward and reverse.

Customer Projects

July 9, 2023, june 15, 2023.

• Sailboat Kits & Accessories
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• Our Company
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• Installation

• Description
• Manuals & Downloads
• Included Components

Eliminate noxious diesel fumes, the cost of filling up at the pump, and enjoy your sailboat to the fullest with this DIY electric conversion Kit.  The 5KW Brushless Kit featuring a Motenergy brushless motor and a 48V Sevcon Controller that can produce up to 5KW continuous and is often used to replace 10-15hp combustion engines. T his system is best for boats up to 6,000 pounds displacement.

All our systems have reverse on-the-fly and contactor disable features. "Brushless" means that the motor does not have brushes that will wear out over time, nor will it be a dangerous source of ignition for on-board gas appliances. Larger boats may require a higher power AC or brushless motor. In the U.S. and Canada, brushed motors are only legal for marine use if onboard appliances and accessories use kerosene or diesel (not propane or gasoline) due to the potential for internal motor arcing.

The controller has a regen feature than can allow current to be put back into the batteries from the spinning prop while under sail. This depends on your sailing speed, prop design, and may not be possible in all applications, but is an adored feature for those who are able to use it.

Due to the high RPM of the brushless motor, we recommend the  5-10kW  Gear Reduction to improve efficiency, provide proper torque, cooling, and help prevent cavitation. A typical reduction is 2:1, but this ratio will depend on the required prop RPM needed to reach hull speed. Ideal reduction will enable the motor to spin your prop at the hull speed RPM of your prop when the motor is spinning at its max RPM. We program the ME1718 in our 5kw kit to spin around 3000 rpm Max, at 48v. 

What batteries should you use? Most customers are happy with sealed, deep cycle lead acid, sourced locally to save on shipping. Use 4 in series to get 48v, with a 100 Amp Hour capacity minimum. Larger capacity will give a longer run time.

Those of you that are still in the "research phase" of your conversion should visit one of the  Electric Boats Discussion Groups  and talk to others who are doing or have already done electric conversions.

* Please describe your battery pack so that we can program your motor controller to match - then you won't need to ship it back to us. Minimum battery information includes cell chemistry, amp hour rating, overall pack voltage, series cell count and arrangement.

* If you choose not to use a gear reduction, a thrust bearing in line with the prop shaft is required, since most motors are not rated for axial/thrust loads on the shaft. 

* Before you pull your old engine, support the prop shaft for reference so you can properly align the new system.

* A heatsink for the controller is recommended by the manufacturer, and is included in the kit.

Check out our instructional wiring video!

See the  CAN Translator page for a budget display option

Sevcon Sailboat Kit Instructions

Sevcon Sailboat Wiring Diagram with ET throttle

Sevcon Sailboat Wiring Diagram with Wigwag throttle

E-Boat Modeling Spreadsheet (.xls)  *Use this to calculate your power needs*

E-Boat Modeling Spreadsheet Manual (.pdf)

Vicprop Calculator

Motenergy ME1716/ME1718 Mechanical Drawing

Sevcon Gen 4 Controller Info

Included Components    (may vary based on kW rating and parts availability)

• Motenergy ME1718 Sealed Brushless Motor.
• Controller: 48V Sevcon G4827 (can also be programmed at 36v)
• 827 Display for Sevcon
• ET-134/126 directional throttle  - recommended if you plan to use an existing throttle lever. The  ET Actuator  (included) connects to your existing throttle cable. Optons: ET-134 has a Neutral Detent, ET-126 has a Spring Return. 
• Wigwag throttle lever - recommended if not reusing your existing lever
• PB-8 throttle and Fwd/Rev Switch
• Sealed Main Contactor
• Finned Aluminum Heatsink
• Every kit is individually bench tested
• Complete wire harness with 10ft key and throttle cable lengths
• Wiring instructions

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