Retrofit support
Why refitting your boat to electric power?
You have already experienced the pleasure of driving an electric car. You are fed up with fuel leaks in the boat's holds, with the repeated breakdowns of combustion engines. You want the best: the pleasure of silent and odorless navigation with the protection of the environment. You may have heard that electric is expensive, that you will never have autonomy because of the batteries, or that the manufacturing of the batteries pollutes more than anything else.
In view of the forecasts as early as 2030, it's more useful than ever to be accompanied before replacing your boat's internal combustion engine with an electric one. This is also known as retrofit.
What is the autonomy of an electric boat?
This is the most frequently asked question. Before answering this question, it is important to realise that you will probably not sail like you used to. You will discover a new pleasure of navigation... so much more Zen. Going electric is also a change of use to be taken into account in your project.
Typically, the autonomy of an electric boat depends on the motor, the batteries and the sailing programme. There is a wide range of solutions: outboard motor, inboard with shaft, sail drive. Here is an indication of the most common renovations.
| Your ship | |||
| Tonnage | 3 T | 6 T | 10 T |
| Thermal engine* | 6 CV | 9,9 CV | 25 CV |
| Refit Solution | |||
| Electric motor* | 3 kW | 6 kW | 12 kW |
| Electric circuit | 24 V | 48 V | 48 V |
* Thermal / electrical power difficult to compare because of different uses and measurement standards
Once you know the power of the motor and battery, it's easy to calculate the range.
In the case of the Côte d'Azur, the electric boat lends itself quite well to frequent outings for an anchorage with sea bathing or an aperitif sheltered by the numerous creeks near the port. An autonomy of 1 hour at full power or 2 hours at cruising speed is then sufficient.
Is it profitable to retrofit?
To understand the profitability of a retrofit, you first need to look at the direct and indirect costs of spare parts and maintenance for an electric or solar boat. If you don't have 100% solar autonomy, you also need to assess the cost of electrical energy and access to an electric charging station. Then compare all these costs with those for an internal combustion engine boat. You also need to find out what tax incentives are available in different countries. Then you have to compare everything with thermal solutions, not forgetting tax incentives such as the TIPP for the purchase of fossil fuels.
We also think you need to compare the added value of electric navigation with the discomfort of thermal navigation at equivalent speeds.
How can I get support about switching to electric?
We are convinced that such a change of use must start with a trial of electric navigation with your family and friends to see how much fun it is to change your sailing style. SeaZen has developed an accompanying solution that includes an Initiation at sea. This trial allows you to ask the most important questions, such as how to choose your motor and battery according to your desired range, how to maintain your motor and battery, and how to find service providers to carry out the work. What's more, the expression of need form provided will help you save time and gain credibility with these same service providers.
We are happy to share our passion for electric navigation and we sincerely want to contribute to the transformation of boating towards a zero CO2 navigation.
