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E-driveBoatee Smart 1.3 - Italian start-up launches interesting electric outboard motor

Hauke Schmidt

 · 18.01.2026

Like most current electric outboards, the Smart 1.3 relies on a brushless direct drive.
Photo: Boatee
The motor, known as the Smart 1.3, is based on an exciting operating concept and is said to weigh just six kilograms. The external 48-volt battery has a capacity of 962 watt hours and should achieve a range of up to 15 nautical miles at three knots.

The electric outboard is made of anodised aluminium and glass-fibre reinforced plastic. The brushless direct drive reduces wear and weight - a concept that is also used in other modern electric outboards. Visually, however, the model looks even more minimalist than many of its competitors. This is mainly due to the eye-catching, V-shaped tiller, the tip of which integrates a touchscreen.

External battery for long range

The 48-volt lithium-ion battery with 962 watt hours weighs in at 5.8 kilograms. The separate design of the motor and battery has advantages and disadvantages: On the one hand, both parts can be carried separately. In addition, the battery can be charged or replaced independently without having to remove the motor from the mirror. On the other hand, the battery must be housed in the boat and wired accordingly.

At a cruising speed of three knots, the Smart 1.3 should provide around five hours of runtime on the dinghy, which corresponds to a range of around 15 nautical miles. Under full load at a maximum speed of 5.5 knots, one battery charge lasts around 45 minutes or around four nautical miles, according to the manufacturer.

Control via touchscreen

The design of the Smart 1.3 is based on a clear, minimalist design language and does not require any complicated operating elements. The drive is controlled via a colour touch display that is integrated directly into the tiller head. Among other things, the charge status, current motor power and speed are displayed there. The motor is also equipped with a GPS receiver. It also has a Bluetooth-based emergency stop system. The motor is due to be launched on the market later this year and can be ordered from the manufacturer at a pre-order price of €2,190.

The Smart 1.3 will be officially unveiled at Boot in Düsseldorf: Hall 10, Stand G63.

Technical data:

Motor:

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  • Power: 1,300 W
  • Weight: 6 kg
  • Material: Anodised aluminium, glass fibre reinforced plastic
  • Motor type: brushless, direct drive

Battery:

  • Type: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), 48 V
  • Capacity: 962 Wh
  • Weight: 5.8 kg
  • Dimensions: 258 x 243 x 156 mm

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Hauke Schmidt

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

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