X ShoreElectric boat pioneers in turbulence

Martin Hager

 · 07.11.2025

X Shore Production AB recently filed for insolvency. Talks with new investors are already underway.
Photo: X Shore
The Swedish company X Shore Production AB has filed for insolvency. After Rand Boats from Denmark and the Finnish brand Q Boats, the electric boat manufacturer is already the third Scandinavian e-boat shipyard to run into financial difficulties within a few months. Despite the crisis, the largest X Shore dealer M Yachts remains confident and is planning new projects. We spoke to Managing Partner Philipp von Arnim about the current situation, the e-boat market in general and the future of electric boats.

"Short-term interruption" instead of permanent shutdown

"The boat market in general and especially in our market in the DACH region and the Balearic Islands is particularly restrained this year and one might say difficult," says Philipp von Arnim, describing the current market situation. As a result, operations and production at X Shore could only be partially financed from sales. The company has more than 100 smaller and several larger investors who have been loyal supporters of the company to date. "For the next growth phase, the existing investors of the last ten years are currently meeting with new investors and we can imagine exciting discussions here," continues von Arnim. The experienced retailer sees the insolvency application as a "brief interruption" before the company enters the next few years in a new constellation.

No impact on existing customers

The insolvency should have no direct impact on existing X-Shore customers or interested parties. "At the moment, it is far too early to draw any conclusions about the coming months and years," emphasises the yacht expert. Existing X Shore owners are currently moving their boats into winter storage and are keeping a close eye on the situation. It is obvious that no daily sales transactions are currently being concluded with new X Shore customers. Nevertheless, M Yachts is optimistic about the coming months, when talks for the 2026 season will begin again.

Market challenges despite convincing products

The test editors at BOOTE magazine have been impressed by all X Shore models in recent years. The test results were good and the driving pleasure was emphasised. Nevertheless, demand is lagging behind. M Yachts now considers the prices to be "very comparable to classic combustion boats". In their view, the purchase price is not a typical "electric issue", but rather due to the market situation, "in which customers will find it difficult to invest between 150,000 and 400,000 euros in 2025."

The fascination of electric boats: peace and quiet and maintenance-free

What is the special attraction of an electric boat? "The relaxed cruising without any noise or exhaust odours in your nose is incredible. The fact that the boats are maintenance-free inspires me every time," enthuses the Managing Partner of M Yachts . He particularly likes the design and layout of the X Shore. "Thanks to the compact installation of the drive system, my kids have plenty of space for their toys." The operating costs also speak for themselves: "One 'full tank' costs 26 euros in our marina on Mallorca. Unbeatable!"

Innovative concept: the world's first electric boat club

M Yachts developed an innovative concept in response to the reluctance of many potential buyers: the "Mallorca Electric Boat Club". "To do justice to the current situation and because I see great potential here, I launched the 'Mallorca Electric Boat Club'," reports Philipp von Arnim. The M Yachts base on the Balearic island is located in Motorworld Mallorca, and the boats are moored in the delightful Marina El Molinar, which is definitely worth a visit. With a local team, an offer is created around the use of the X Shore boats in the waters around Mallorca. The club starts with three Eelex 8000 and offers both club models and day charters. "The company is up and running, the new website is online and we are signing the first club contracts for the 2026 season. We are the first fully electric boat club in the world," emphasises Philipp von Arnim proudly.

Charging infrastructure on the Balearic Islands is growing

The charging infrastructure for electric boats on the Balearic Islands is developing positively. A fast charging station has already been installed in Port Adriano. "Our marina also opted for an 80kW fast charger last week, which allows us to fully charge within 1.5 hours," says von Arnim. Further fast-charging points are being discussed and are expected to follow soon. In principle, all marinas are supplied with electricity, with the power varying between 13 and 32 amps. "This means that charging is possible everywhere, the difference is of course the charging time, but in most cases we can charge overnight," explains the enthusiastic e-boat driver. An interesting aspect: in many marinas, electricity is included in the mooring fee, so charging is free - although this is slowly changing as marinas have recognised the profit potential of selling electricity.

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Authorities discover electric boats

A promising market for electric boats could develop in the government sector. "Without going into too much detail here, our work over the last 1.5 years already seems to be bearing fruit," reveals Philipp von Arnim. The dealer is taking part in various tenders and discussions for government shipping. The potential quantities are "extremely exciting". The German inland and maritime shipping industry has recognised the opportunities offered by electrification and is increasingly rethinking its approach. "With the X Shore PRO, we have a perfectly suited product that has met with a lot of approval," says the market expert. A new cabin version is due to be launched in 2026 and is already being requested for various applications.

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M-Yachts wishes its colleagues and investors in Sweden "that they can get out of this unfortunate situation as quickly as possible and that we can actively tackle the exciting projects of the future together." Despite the current challenges, the German dealer remains loyal to its Swedish partner: "As they say: in good times, as in challenging times!"

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