Who Needs Gas When You've Got Juice? New Electric Boat Brings the Zing
I've driven some fast cars. I've even flown in some pretty snazzy airplanes. But get me on a jet ski that'll yank my shorts clean off, and I'm a happy man. So imagine my grin when these loons at Magonis sent over pics of their new electric speedboat. Looks fast just sitting at the dock, the Wave e-550 ... plus, get this, it's electric. Sure, we've seen plenty of glorified golf carts with outboards, but the Flux Marine powerplant on this baby promises something different.
Let's talk numbers, the only thing some folks understand. This little 18-footer (5.5 meters) packs a 40-kilowatt punch (that's about 54 horsepower in old-school terms). That'll get it up to a very respectable 29 mph (47 km/h). Not mind-blowing on land, but on water, my friends, that's scootin' right along. And if that is still not enough, the motor has a clever boost mode that pushes the power up to 55 kW in an instant - that my friends translates to 74 hp and 33 mph planing fun. Magonis claims a range of about 35 miles (56 km), but, like gas mileage, that depends on how heavy your right foot... er, hand... gets.
And listen, we've gotta keep those tree-hugging hippies happy... this whole thing boasts a 28-kWh lithium battery pack and a 6.6-kW charger, so you can plug it in wherever you can find a 250-volt hookup. Zero to full charge in about 4.5 hours – perfect for topping off while you hit the marina bar and brag about how environmentally conscious you are.
Now about the boat itself. Magonis went all fancy with something called 'Light X vacuum-infused composite construction' (probably costs as much as it sounds). Why should you care? Well, besides making it light as a feather – 959 lbs light (435 kg), to be exact – this thing should be tough as nails. The downside of going the light-and-nimble route is sometimes you compromise on that feeling of "built like a tank." Not so here, Magonis promises it's practically unsinkable.
What else do you get for your (ahem) nearly ninety grand starting price? Besides bragging rights, those fancy Spaniards threw in a big Garmin screen, a teak deck, and enough seats to comfortably fit four – well, four "average" Americans. Let's be real, the seats will hold more beer coolers than oversized buddies. There's a picnic table, a little fridge, and even some fancy audio system, in case the sweet song of electric silence isn't your jam.
But enough about the facts. How does it feel? Since I've yet to bribe, er, charm my way into piloting one of these, we'll have to use a bit of imagination. That instant electric torque? Imagine getting launched from an oversized slingshot. No revving up, no drama, just BAM! and you're gliding across the water. Now factor in the lightweight hull and zero engine noise, and we're talking about a whole different kind of boating experience. Peaceful or exhilarating, the choice is yours.
Of course, there are always going to be those skeptics muttering about recharging and range anxiety. To them I say, phooey! You charge the thing at night, like your phone. And how far are you really going on that pleasure cruise anyway? You're not trying to cross the Atlantic here, folks. This is about zipping out to your favorite cove, enjoying the day, and getting back to the dock without smelling like a gas station.
Let's be honest, the price tag is where things get interesting. Boats have always been luxury toys for those with deep pockets. But this isn't just about the boat; it's about ditching the noise, ditching the fumes, and being part of something, well, kinda revolutionary in the slow-to-change world of boating. Are you willing to be the early adopter, the one your buddies give a hard time to before secretly wishing they had one too? Admission ticket to that club will set you back $89,900 - and that’s just a start. The taxman will want his share, and looking at the options list may cause your heart some flicker.
Look, the Magonis Wave e-550 ain't for everyone. But if you like the idea of zipping around the lake with zero emissions, a cooler full of cold drinks, and the smug look that comes with being ahead of the curve, well, this might just be the electric ticket. Me? I'm still holding out for a flying car. Hey, if they can make an electric boat that's actually exciting, my dreams might not be too far-fetched after all.
