How To Use an Electric Boat Motor and How To Operate an Electric Outboard Motor

If you want to know the basics of how to use an electric boat motor and how to operate an electric outboard motor, this video covers the very basics of how to use an electric boat motor from disconnecting a charger, connecting a battery and how an electric boat motor safety switch works. Whether using an electric trolling motor like a Minn Kota or an electric outboard motor like an ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus, Torqeedo 1103, or Newport NT300 or taking an electric boat like a Duffy boat out for the afternoon, the operation of an electric boat motor is very simple and straightforward especially when compared to a gasoline outboard motor for boats.

Electric boats being run by specialized electric boat motors like electric small outboard motors are becoming more common and if you have never operated a boat before or driven a boat this video covers some of the basics for your first time operating an electric boat. Whether going out for an afternoon in a Duffy electric rental boat you are considering using a simple trolling motor for the first time or buying your first small electric outboard motor, this video shows how simple an electric boat is to operate when compared to a gasoline powered boat or gas outboard engine.

If you are interested in purchasing the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus featured in this video - or anything else sold at the Tiny Boat Nation store, you can get a 5% discount if you use the code "WAYNE" at checkout! Click the link below to see if they have something for you.

▶︎ Use coupon code WAYNE at checkout to get 5% off your purchase in the Tiny Boat Nation Shop!

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Disconnect battery chargers from the electric boat or the battery for the electric outboard motor
01:07 Make sure the battery is connected to the electric outboard motor or trolling motor
02:00 Be sure to have the correct voltage battery connected to your electric trolling motor
03:55 Magnetic motor cut off switches on electric outboard motors
05:15 How to turn on an electric outboard motor or electric boat motor
06:22 Enjoy operating a boat with an electric boat motor or electric outboard motor
06:32 An electric boat is much easier to operate than a gas powered boat

Some items shown in this video have been provided to me by the manufacturers, distributors or retailers whole or in part. I am under no obligation from these parties to produce content or endorse their products. Any opinions or recommendations provided are completely my own and based on my own experiences and research.

I have MANY playlists on my channel that I have put together for different boating interests from Jon Boats and 2 strokes to Wooden Boats and electric outboards!

Here are some of the playlists that might be relevant to your interests:

#electricboats #trollingmotor #epropulsion

[WayneTheBoatGuy]

I hope this video is helpful to the potential new boaters out there or people wondering how hard it is to operate an electric boat.
If you are interested in purchasing the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus featured in this video - or anything else sold at the Tiny Boat Nation store, you can get a 5% discount if you use the code "WAYNE" at checkout! Click the link below to see if they have something for you.

▶︎ Use coupon code WAYNE at checkout to get 5% off your purchase in the Tiny Boat Nation Shop!

[diywaterworld]

Great video as always Wayne! I still can’t get over how quiet electric outboards are. Truly makes boating a whole new experience, especially for those of us still running old 2 stroke smokers!!!

[floridamaninthewild]

Here in Florida there are thousands of tiny lakes, many of them only accessable with small boats. I see these small electric motors filling a much needed niche in the market.

[dougr]

Interesting video, I agree, simple to operate.I’m not ready to make the switch to electric just yet, though.

[rickybraggs]

I am considering getting the e propulsion, just need to get the funds together, hopefully purchase by next fishing season. Good video.

[dougaranda]

I’ve used 2-strokes all my life, and at 70 years old, I ain’t switching now.

[jerryq]

To be safe, having a circuit breaker for your Minn Kota can't hurt. I have one on my 24v Garmin Force and had one on my old boat with a 12v Minn Kota as well...

[johnbruenn]

We LOVE our ePropulsion outboard! Quiet, easy to operate and it ALWAYS works! We bought an extra battery for extended range. We’ll never go back to gas outboards.

[donflores]

Very interesting video. A sign of things to come. I haven't seen a video with that boat. Another new project?

[charles.neuman]

I really like my Torqeedo, but a "hidden" cost is that the batteries don't last forever. I've had three fail at about 4 or 5 years, without too much use. I thought I took care of them. So I just build that into operational costs. About $200/year for batteries. (Still cheaper than my small 4-stroke Honda, which only lasted a few seasons.)
I'm paying for convenience. Anything that will make it easier to use my sailboat is worth it, and I'll end up sailing more.

[sams]

Proposed Ajustment to your plan: Number 5: PRACTICE AWAY FROM THE WATER the described procedures so you don't look like a dork and/or hold up the boat launch lline. THEN only attach your battery at the ramp "getting ready line". I would not tow my boat with the battery "live to the motor". Maybe that's just me being overcautious but I have found things get josssled around in the boat far more on the trailer enroute to the lake than in the water.

[Cherith]

used both electric and gas and now I am using my little Suzuki Df2.5 only on my jon boat. the reason, the same mileage anxiety as most electric car owners experienced. yes, it is true that e motors+battery is easier to use, clean and quiet, but it ran out of juice twice without warning. one min, it showed it still had 90% and the next, it was dead. I had to ask somebody else to tow my boat back and another time, I paddled it back to shore. embarrassing.

[rjwintl]

just an FYI, in Virginia, boats propelled even by electric outboards have to be titled & registered with the DMV !!

[montanahelp]

Maybe a video on the proper paddling technique to get back to the dock when battery dies?

[charliemason]

They're very nice until you go to turn it on and nothing happens, then you're out a whole lotta money and calling the tow boat...at least with my ol 2 stroke I have a chance of getting it going again with a screwdriver and some pliers and hell i just like old 2 strokes 😂 I'm biased I'll admit it

[robertbrander]

Stick with Gas ! ... Electric is too Weak, Heavy, Expensive and Limited !