Boatloads of Electricity! Europe Plugs Into Electric Boats
SILENT 120 Explorer
If you’ve known me long enough, you’d remember my antics on a diesel boat. Ah, those were the days. But, things change, my friends, and Europe's waterways seem to have caught the electric bug. Yes, the same Europe that loves its wine and cheese. Electric boats are on the rise, and Europe is leading the charge - quite literally.
Once upon a time, in my gasoline-fueled youth, the purr of a boat engine was music to my ears. Now, with electric boats making barely a whisper, it's a whole new silent disco. The “Electric Boat Market Study 2023” by boats.com examined the evolving European boat market and made some intriguing discoveries.
SPIRIT 30
In a world where my motorcycle gets more electric siblings by the day, it's heartening (and a tad ironic) to see boats catching up. Listings of electric boats on online exchanges have ballooned by 190% in 2023 compared to 2019. That's not just a splash; it's a tsunami!
The Dutch and the French are leading this electric naval parade. While Spain and Germany are, let’s say, still anchoring their feelings about it. Oddly, Germany’s one of the top three suppliers of electric boats but hasn't fully dived into the electric boat searches. My guess? They're too busy with their cars.
You’d think electric boats would only cater to the swanky, elite market. But no! A whopping 38% of electric boats are in the entry-level and mid-price segment up to $55,000 (or 50,000 EUR/GBP). However, luxury isn’t too electrified yet, probably because money can't buy the wind (or a sustainable planet, apparently).
The choice between new and used electric boats? It's balanced like my attempt to sail without capsizing. And here's a kicker: electric boats are sold 40% faster than diesel ones on platforms. The top brands? Silent leads the charge (get it?), followed by Sunreef, Northman, Spirit Yachts, and Rand.
Nadja Sörgel, a top boss at Boats Group, paints a varied picture. While there's a noticeable divide in supply between the northern and southern parts of Europe, the north is surging ahead. With the world leaning into eco-friendly choices, it's clear the electric boat market will only grow bigger and better.
Valerio Tesei, a Milan-based boat dealer, echoes this sentiment. His yachts are, well, yacht-sized, but what he's noticed is a shift in what people want. Instead of speed, it’s comfort and durability that float their boats. A "green attitude" is the new fast.
So, what’s my take on this electric wave? I love the wind in my hair, and if it's propelled by an electric motor rather than gasoline, so be it. It's the start of a quieter, greener era, even if I do miss the roar of old engines just a tiny bit.
