Boat fishing: Why an e-boat with stern drive is suitable for fishing

Small, electric stern-driven boats are the smartest answer to bans on combustion engines, 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 - as long as 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. For what?

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