Electric Boat Conversion Services | Professional Repower Solutions

Why Convert Your Boat to Electric Propulsion

Switching from gas or diesel to electric isn't about chasing trends. It's about getting more from your time on the water: quieter mornings, simpler maintenance, and access to protected areas where combustion engines aren't welcome.

  • Environmental Impact

    Electric propulsion eliminates exhaust emissions entirely. No hydrocarbons, no carbon monoxide, no particulates drifting into the air behind you. And because there's no fuel system, there's no risk of contaminating the water you're floating on. For boaters who spend time in marine reserves, urban harbours, or freshwater lakes with combustion restrictions, electric opens doors that were previously closed.

  • Performance Advantages

    Electric motors deliver full torque the instant you engage the throttle. There's no warm-up period, no RPM band to find. That immediate response makes close-quarters maneuvering more precise — helpful when threading through a crowded marina or pulling alongside a fuel dock. And the silence changes the experience entirely. You hear the water against the hull, conversation across the cockpit, and wildlife along the shoreline. The motor becomes invisible.

  • Long-Term Cost Savings

    The upfront investment in electric is real. Motors and batteries cost more than a comparable gas outboard or rebuilt diesel. But the math changes over time. Overnight charging costs a few dollars. There's no oil to change, no impellers to replace, no fuel system to winterize. The maintenance schedule shrinks to occasional inspections. For boats that see regular use, the total cost of ownership often favours electric within a few seasons.

Our Conversion Process: From Consultation to Launch

Every conversion project is different. Boat size, hull type, usage patterns, and budget all shape the approach. Here's what to expect when you work with M-Oceans.

Step 1 — Assessment & Planning

You share details about your vessel: length, hull type, current power setup, and how you typically use the boat. We ask questions about speed expectations, typical trip length, and charging access at your marina or home dock. From there, we provide a preliminary system recommendation and budget range. No commitment required at this stage.

Step 2 — Motor & Battery System Selection

This is where the engineering happens. We match motor output to your hull's resistance curve and your performance goals. Battery capacity gets sized for realistic cruising range — not best-case numbers, but the range you'll actually see on the water. We configure charging infrastructure: shore power amperage, solar panel integration if applicable, and onboard charger selection. You receive a detailed quote with component specifications.

Step 3 — Professional Installation

With components ordered, we schedule your boat for service at our facility. Installation includes removal of the existing powerplant (if converting), mounting and alignment of the new motor, installation of the battery bank with proper ventilation and thermal management, wiring and controls, display integration, and safety system commissioning. The scope depends on your project — some outboard swaps take a day, while full diesel-to-electric conversions require more extensive work.

Step 4 — Testing, Training & Handoff

Before your boat leaves, we run a full sea trial. We verify motor performance, check battery charging and state-of-charge accuracy, and confirm that all systems function as designed. Then we walk you through operation: how to monitor battery state, what the displays tell you, how to manage range, and what maintenance (very little) looks like. You leave with documentation, warranty registration, and direct access to our team for questions that come up later.

Ready to start? Tell us about your boat

Electric Motors for Every Conversion

We carry propulsion systems from 1 kW ultralight portables to 100+ kW commercial drives. The right choice depends on your boat, your water, and how you use it.

Outboard Conversions

Replacing a gas outboard with an electric one is the most accessible path into electric boating. For tenders, fishing skiffs, dinghies, and day boats, a clamp-on electric outboard delivers quiet, reliable power without the maintenance headaches of a two-stroke.

We carry systems across the power spectrum:

  • Portable systems (1-3 kW): Ideal for tenders, inflatables, and ultralight applications. Battery-integrated designs under 15 kg.
  • Mid-range outboards (3-10 kW): Suitable for RIBs, pontoons, and fishing boats up to 20'. Remote throttle and tiller options.
  • High-power outboards (10-25+ kW): For larger cruisers, sailboat auxiliaries, and commercial use. Extended range with external battery banks.

Featured Brands: ePropulsion Spirit & Navy series, Torqeedo Travel & Cruise, TEMO, ThrustMe Kicker

Shop Electric Outboards
combi inboard aca lq motor installation

Inboard & Saildrive Systems

Diesel-to-electric conversions for sailboats and displacement cruisers require careful attention to weight distribution, shaft alignment, and battery placement. Done well, the result is a propulsion system that's quieter, cleaner, and far simpler to live with than the diesel it replaced.

For sailboats, electric inboards offer an additional benefit: regeneration under sail. When the prop spins in reverse, the motor acts as a generator, feeding energy back into the batteries. It won't replace shore charging entirely, but it extends range and reduces fuel-dock dependence.

We work with inboard systems from 5 kW auxiliaries up to 40+ kW cruising drives, with both direct-drive and saildrive configurations available.

Featured Brands: Oceanvolt AXC series, ePropulsion H-Series Inboards

Explore Inboard Motors
Combi Hybrid Electric Propulsion Motor Yanmar Canada

Pod Drives & Hybrid Configurations

Steerable pod drives eliminate traditional shaft, strut, and rudder systems. The motor mounts below the hull in a streamlined housing that rotates for steering. Maneuverability is exceptional — most pod systems offer 360° thrust vectoring.

Hybrid configurations pair electric propulsion with a backup diesel generator or the boat's existing engine. This approach suits vessels that need extended range beyond what batteries alone can provide, or boats transitioning gradually toward full-electric operation.

Featured Systems: Oceanvolt ServoProp, ePropulsion Pod Drives

View Pod Drive Options

Battery & Charging Solutions

Range is the question everyone asks first. The answer depends on battery capacity, cruising speed, and hull efficiency — but modern lithium systems deliver far more usable energy than the lead-acid banks of a decade ago.

Lithium Battery Systems

LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries have become the standard for marine electric propulsion. They deliver 2-3x the usable capacity of lead-acid at roughly half the weight, with cycle life measured in thousands of charges rather than hundreds.

We spec and install battery banks from 1 kWh for dinghy-sized applications to 100+ kWh for cruising vessels. Pack configurations include integrated systems that pair directly with specific motors and modular banks that scale to your capacity needs.

Featured Brands: RELiON, EcoFlow Power Kits, ePropulsion Battery Packs

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Victron BlueSolar Monocrystalline Panels

Solar Integration

Solar panels extend range and offset charging costs, particularly for boats that sit at anchor or on moorings without shore power. Panel sizing depends on available deck or hardtop area; MPPT charge controllers maximize harvest even in partial shade conditions.

For cruising boats, solar won't fully replace shore charging — but it can meaningfully extend time between plug-ins and provide enough daily input to cover house loads while reserving battery capacity for propulsion.

Solar Charging Solutions

Shore Power & Onboard Charging

Most conversions include onboard chargers matched to your battery bank. Standard 120V shore power works for overnight charging; 240V connections reduce charge time significantly. Smart chargers monitor cell temperature and balance, protecting battery health over the long term.

For boats without reliable shore access, portable chargers and generator-powered charging systems provide flexibility.

Chargers & Accessories

Conversion Projects: Real Results

We've completed electric conversion projects on sailboats, RIBs, tenders, and commercial vessels across North America. Here's a sample of recent work.

Brand Partners We Work With

We're authorized dealers and installation partners for the leading names in electric marine
propulsion.

Is Electric Conversion Right for Your Boat?

Not every boat is a good candidate for electric. Here's an honest assessment of where the technology works best — and where it might not.

✔ Strong Candidates

Strong Candidates for Electric

  • Sailboats used primarily for daysailing or coastal cruising, where the motor is auxiliary and range requirements are modest
  • Dinghies, tenders, and yacht support boats that make short trips between mothership and shore
  • Fishing boats operating on lakes or reservoirs where combustion engines are restricted or prohibited
  • Small powerboats under 30' used at displacement or slow-planing speeds
  • Commercial vessels in protected waterways, urban harbours, or wildlife areas
⚠ Consider Carefully

May Require Hybrid or Traditional Power

  • Offshore cruising boats making multi-day passages with 10+ hours of continuous motoring
  • High-speed planing boats where the weight-to-power ratio is critical for performance
  • Vessels without reliable shore power access for routine charging

Not Sure?

Tell us about your boat and how you use it. We'll give you an honest assessment — including whether electric makes sense for your situation or not.

get a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions


How much does an electric boat conversion cost?

Project costs range from under $5,000 for simple outboard swaps to $50,000+ for full diesel-to-electric inboard conversions on larger vessels. The main cost drivers are motor size (power output), battery capacity (measured in kWh), and installation complexity. We provide detailed quotes after the initial assessment — no surprises.

How long does an electric boat conversion take?

Timeline depends on project scope. An outboard replacement might be completed in a single day. A full diesel-to-electric inboard conversion typically takes 2-4 weeks, including component lead time, installation, and sea trials. We'll provide a realistic schedule during planning.

What range can I expect from an electric boat?

Range varies significantly based on battery size, cruising speed, and hull efficiency. A general guideline: expect 2-4 hours of cruising at moderate throttle settings from a typical conversion. Slowing down extends your range dramatically — cutting speed by 20% can double it. We'll model expected performance for your specific boat during the planning phase.

Can I convert my diesel inboard to electric?

Yes. Diesel-to-electric conversions are one of our core services. The process involves removing the existing engine, fuel tanks, and related systems, then installing an electric motor, battery bank, and charging infrastructure. Proper planning around weight distribution and shaft alignment is essential.

Do you offer DIY conversion kits?

For simpler applications — particularly outboard replacements — plug-and-play systems are available. These include motor, battery, and controls as an integrated package. For more complex projects involving inboards or hybrid systems, professional installation is strongly recommended.

What brands do you work with for conversions?

We're authorized dealers for ePropulsion, Torqeedo, Oceanvolt, TEMO, ThrustMe, RDT, Bluenav, Rad Propulsion, and RELiON. This allows us to match the right equipment to each project rather than forcing a single-brand solution.

What maintenance does an electric boat motor require?

Very little. Electric motors have no oil to change, no fuel system to winterize, and no impellers to replace. Recommended maintenance includes periodic inspection of electrical connections, propeller condition checks, and battery health monitoring. Most owners spend more time enjoying the boat than maintaining it.

What if I run out of battery on the water?

Planning prevents this — we size systems for real-world range with appropriate safety margins. For additional peace of mind, solar panels can provide trickle charging underway, and some conversions include a small generator for emergency backup. We also recommend carrying a paddle or auxiliary trolling motor for absolute emergencies.

Questions from Boat Owners

Real questions from real boaters — with honest answers.

M
Mike from Muskoka

“I have a 28' sailboat with a tired Yanmar 2GM20. Is electric a realistic option for Great Lakes cruising, or am I looking at something that only works for short hops?”

M
M-Oceans

Realistic, yes — but with some planning. A 10 kW inboard paired with a 15–20 kWh battery bank would give you 3–4 hours of motoring at hull speed. That covers most daysailing, marina hops, and anchoring repositions. For extended cruising without shore power access, you'd want solar supplementation or a small backup generator. Budget around $18–25k for a complete system installed. Happy to run the numbers for your specific hull.

J
James in Vancouver

“Looking at converting a 1985 34' trawler with twin Cat 3208s. What's the damage?”

M
M-Oceans

Honest answer: replacing twin 3208s with comparable electric power would push well into six figures — $150k+ — and you'd still have limited range at cruising speeds. Electric really shines at displacement speeds of 5–6 knots. If you're comfortable cruising at that pace, we can do a single-motor conversion for $25–35k that would give you 4–5 hours of quiet cruising. But if you need to maintain 12–15 knot performance, electric isn't practical yet for that application.

D
Dave

“Can you convert my Sea-Doo Spark to electric? Looking to use it on an electric-only lake.”

M
M-Oceans

Unfortunately no. PWC hulls don't have room for the battery capacity you'd need, and the power draw at those speeds would drain anything we could fit in about two minutes. Electric works well for displacement and semi-displacement boats — not high-performance planing craft. For electric-only lakes, you're better off looking at a small electric dinghy or kayak with an electric trolling setup.

R
Roberta

“We have an 18' pontoon with a 60hp Mercury. Mostly puttering around a cottage lake — never exceed 10 mph. Is electric a good fit?”

M
M-Oceans

Perfect fit, actually. Pontoons are almost ideal for electric: steady cruising speeds, space for batteries, and typically short runs back to the dock for charging. An ePropulsion Navy 6.0 (6 kW / ~9.9 hp equivalent) with their standard battery would give you 3–4 hours of cruising. Budget around $8–12k depending on battery configuration. You'd never buy gas again, and the silence on a quiet lake is worth the price of entry alone.

T
Tom

“I've got a classic 1960s wooden runabout with an old Evinrude. Thinking electric could preserve the quiet character of the boat. Thoughts?”

M
M-Oceans

This is one of our favorite conversion types. Classic runabouts deserve a second quiet life. Electric preserves the aesthetic while eliminating the fumes and vibration. Key consideration: weight distribution matters more on older wooden hulls. For gentle cruising, a 3–5 kW system would work beautifully and keep costs reasonable ($6–10k range). For something with a bit more push, we'd size up accordingly.

S
Sarah

“Can I convert just one engine on my twin-diesel sailboat and keep the other as backup?”

M
M-Oceans

Hybrid setups like this exist, but they're complex. You'd have asymmetric thrust, different maintenance schedules, and the diesel would still need winterization and fuel management. Most owners find it simpler to go fully electric with a small generator for backup — or just commit to electric and size the battery bank with appropriate margin. We can discuss both approaches and help you decide which makes sense for your cruising style.

Have a question about your boat?

Drop us a line — we answer every inquiry, even if the answer is "electric isn't right for this one."

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