ePropulsion eLite Review | which is best: eLite, Spirit or Petrol outboard?
We have been using an electric outboard full time as live-aboards for the last 5 years. First, we had an Aquamot outboard which ended up not being reliable but then we found ePropulsion and switched to their Spirit model when we were in Venice. We never looked back!
Having an electric outboard suits us perfectly. We tend to put the dinghy on deck when we are sailing so the outboard is constantly being taken off and on. Even with a small 3hp or 5hp petrol 2 stroke this is a hassle and involved using our rope and tackle to hoist it up onto the guard rail. If you're in Europe then you cannot buy 2 strokes anymore so you are stuck with the weight of a 4 stroke. We borrowed a 10hp 4 stroke in Turkey from a friend (thank you, Frank) which was essential for getting around in Gocek, but we found it impossible to get it on and off at anchor.
The electric outboards are a whole different ball game. They are light enough to lift with one hand. The Spirit is split into two pieces, the battery and the engine. Both very light. The eLlte is in one piece, but it's super light, it's also an easy shape to handle.
But what are they actually like to use? Well our Spirit gives us the same speed and power than the old 3hp petrol engine we had and is much more reliable!
The surprising thing about the eLite is it's pretty close to the performance of the 3hp engine we used to have as well. You wouldn't want to be using the motor at full throttle all the time as all these motors become much more efficient when using at lower revs. If you are using them at really low trolling speeds then the range you will get is huge. We haven't properly tested the eLite's range yet but it seems similar to the Spirit which will easily get 10nm at fast speeds and a lot more if you take it very easy with the throttle.
Where these outboards really win though, other than their lightness, is their reliability and the fact you do not need to have petrol on board the boat. You can charge the battery from anything, 12v, solar or mains.
You also get to travel in silence with no fumes and have amazing maneuverability in forward and reverse.
Further information on the eLite here: https://www.epropulsion.com/outboards/eLite/would
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Steve and Judy: The veteran BBC filmmakers navigating the globe aboard their Hans Christian 48, Fair Isle, blending broadcast-quality storytelling with blue-water grit.
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