Small, electric stern-driven boats are the smartest answer to combustion engine bans, short slip ramps and small fishing grounds. Anyone looking for a good introduction to boat fishing, who loves quiet stalking and wants minimal effort will find the perfect set-up here.
Application profile
- Combustion-limited: Waters with bans or requirements for combustion engines
- Small & fine: Reservoirs, small lakes, canals, bays
- Narrow briefs: Short, partly unpaved access
- When easy handling counts
- Target fish: Pike, zander, perch
Why this type of boat?
Small, light, quiet: A stern-mounted e-boat takes you to spots inconspicuously, keeps drifts finely dosed and fits in any yard. It only requires a small footprint, is inexpensive to maintain as there is no need for oil/impeller maintenance - and is highly popular on the water.
Designs & layouts
Compact dimensions and low trailer weight allow relaxed solo slipping, even on short ramps. A flat keel provides protection in flat areas. Non-slip surfaces and clear walkways are a must.
- Mod-V & shallow keel (Jon style): Very stable, minimal draught, early planing - ideal for casting along weed edges and bank structures.
- Tiller instead of steering position: Saves weight and complexity, creates deck space and facilitates subsequent conversion to combustion engines.
- Compact Deep-V: They also work - provided they are light enough to allow easy slipping at small water access points and maintain e-efficiency.
Pro tip: Conversion with jackplate
A jackplate makes it particularly easy to switch from electric stern drive to combustion engine without having to re-drill or reseal the transom. This protects the structure, keeps the transom height variable and enables seasonal dual operation: E in the home area, combustion engine on holiday.
Expert tip: The practical set-up for the lightweight e-boat
- Hull: Mod-V or lightweight Deep-V, aluminium
- Motor: Tiller stern E-motor and optional bow motor with 12 V, better 24 V
- Electronics: 9″ Chart plotter near the tiller or at the helm, alternatively at the front; transom transducer, possibly transducer in the bow engine
- Deck: Space for 2-3 rods up to 2.40 m, plus storage compartment for tackle, light anchor and safety equipment
Which electric motor is right for me?
E-motors with integrated or plug-in battery. What for?
Minimal installation effort, quickly ready to go
Ultra-compact, simple commissioning
Range/battery price
Suggestions (without evaluation): Torqeedo Travel 603 / 1103; ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 / Spirit Evo; Mercury Avator 7.5e
E-motors with external batteries installed in the boat. For what?
Scalable range and performance, flexible LiFePO₄ banks, expandable from "basic" to "far out"
Cheaper per Wh, modular
More cabling/protection
Suggestions (without evaluation): Minn Kota Endura / Endura Max / Traxxis; MotorGuide R3 / R5; Haswing Osapian / Protruar; Rhino VX / Cobol
