It’s no secret that price jumps at the pump have had a major impact on the boating industry. As a general rule, boats need more fuel than cars because water resistance means that boat engines never get a break. Consequently, a good number of amateur sailors have changed their habits in recent years, while many others have yet to take the issue seriously. And contrary to the automotive industry, more fuel efficient technologies have been slow to enter the boating market.

100% electric and made in Canada
The most recent innovation in this field does not come to us from a major boatmaker. Rather, it’s Quebec’s own LTS Marine that brings us the Ski Nautique E. Having made its North American debut at the Montreal Boat Show, this ski boat is all-electric.

Using fully electric motors made more sense in this type of boat than a conventional pleasure boat, considering what it tends to be used for. 

LTS Marine specializes in adapting powertrains and not in actually building boats. Therefore, they partnered with American company Correct Craft and equipped one of their models with an electric powertrain – which means no fuel and therefore no emissions. The Ski Nautique E features a pair of Quebec-designed TM4 electric motors that were initially developed for use in automobiles. With a combined power of 160 kW (215 horsepower), they connect to a transfer gear box and then a propeller via a regular transmission shaft.

The Ski Nautique E is powered by lithium ion batteries that are located on either side of the boat to ensure balance. The battery output is equivalent to eight gallons (32 litres) of gas, with a top speed of nearly 40 mph (65 km/h) when carrying four skiers. Battery charge is monitored in real time and the system lets you know when you should head back to the marina and recharge. Fully charged, the batteries offer a range of 20 to 30 miles (32 to 50 km) at 15 mph (25 km/h). Charge time is four hours when using a 240-volt outlet or eight hours with a conventional 120-volt domestic outlet. 

Style
We had the opportunity to test the prototype model and were pleasantly surprised by it. Nautique has made a special point of drawing attention to the boat’s unique environmental qualities by way of a green hull adorned with an electric eel emblem. Plus, the casing around the electric motors is transparent, allowing passengers to admire them at work. Blue LED lighting enhances the boat’s style, especially once the sun has set. There’s something futuristic about the way it looks and how it runs so silently. You get all the functionality of a conventional model, except that cargo space is limited on the sides due to the batteries. 

On the water
The first thing that will strike you when driving the Ski Nautique E is that there’s no engine. There’s no need to run the bilge blower for a few minutes before you head out; simply press a button to start the motors and within seconds you’re good to go! LTS Marine has done a great job on this powertrain, especially the clutch modulation. Shifting is gradual for improved manoeuvring, especially at low speeds.

Once you’re off, you will love its quiet demeanour. With no hum from the engine to interfere, you are sure to discover a whole new series of sounds. What is more, the waterskier in tow doesn’t have to deal with engine noise or exhaust. We clocked a maximum speed of 39 mph at 6,500 rpm. That’s quite something for an electric motor. And, of course, the best part is that no matter how fast you go, your fuel consumption is steady at . . . zero!

What does the future hold?
The Ski Nautique E is expected to join the Nautique line-up in 2013. With the conventional version selling at $60,000, the electric version is expected to go for more than $100,000. Yes, that’s the price you pay for dodging the fuel pump! Given the price difference, it will take you a few years to break even on your investment, but the benefits are more of an ecological nature than an economic one.

LTS Marine has plans to equip cruisers with electric powertrains. To really attract buyers, these will likely call on generators (which several cruisers already feature) to recharge the batteries and extend their range.

It goes without saying that driving a Ski Nautique E entails a certain number of compromises, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.