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An electric outboard motor is the smartest choice for anyone who wants to boat quietly, cleanly, and worry-free. No fuel fumes, no roaring engine, no surprises at the pump, just instant power and total control on the water.
At Robust-MT, you will find one of the widest ranges of electric outboard motors in the Netherlands. From compact motors for small sloops to powerful systems for larger motorboats. We don't just sell; we advise you personally, test the motors ourselves, and install them in our own workshop in Monster.
An electric outboard motor is a propulsion system that attaches to the transom of your boat and runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. The motor is powered by a battery (either a built-in battery or an external battery bank) and propels the vessel via a propeller.
Unlike an internal combustion engine, an electric outboard motor has no carburetor, fuel tank, spark plugs, or oil changes. As a result, the system is quieter, requires less maintenance, and is more reliable for daily use.
Electric outboard motor vs. silent motor: what is the difference?
The term silent motor is often used for lightweight 12V motors deployed as auxiliary motors for fishermen or as auxiliary propulsion on inflatable boats. An electric outboard motor (such as the models in our range) is a full-fledged main propulsion system for sloops, motorboats, and sailboats, with power outputs ranging from 1 kW to over 40 kW.
Electric boating is gaining ground rapidly, and not without reason. The advantages over a petrol engine are clearly noticeable in practice:
The correct power depends on four factors: the hull (material, shape, and weight) of your boat, the number of passengers, the desired speed, and the duration of the trip. An engine that is too small is frustrating, while an engine that is too large might be unnecessarily expensive. As specialists, we are happy to help you with the correct calculation.
Rule of thumb for recreational motorboating:
| Boat weight (incl. cargo) | Recommended power | kW indication |
| Up to 400 kg | Light drive | 1 – 3 kW |
| 400 – 800 kg | Medium | 3 – 6 kW |
| 800 – 1,500 kg | Powerful | 6 – 10 kW |
| Above 1,500 kg | Heavy/professional | 10 kW and more |
Please note: this is an indication. Boat type, hull shape, weight balance, and cruising speed influence the final choice. Unsure? Contact us for personal advice.
An electric outboard motor and a sloop are a natural combination. The quiet operation aligns perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere that characterizes sloop boating. Moreover, an increasing number of waterways popular among sloop owners, such as urban waterways, nature lakes, and peatlands, are exclusively accessible to electric vessels.
| Sloop weight | Recommended power | Suitable models |
| Up to 500 kg | 3 – 5 kW | ePropulsion Spirit 1 or 2; Torqeedo Travel XS or XP |
| 500 – 1,000 kg | 5 – 8 kW | Torqeedo Cruise 3.0/6.0, Momentum M6, ePropulsion Navy 3.0/6.0 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 kg | 8 – 12 kW | Momentum M10 , Torqeedo Cruise 10/12 , ePropulsion X12 |
| Above 1,500 kg | 12 kW and more | ePropulsion X20/X40, Torqeedo Cruise 12 |
Do you want to know for sure which engine suits your sloop? Visit our workshop in Monster or request a free consultation. We know most sloop models and provide advice based on practical experience, not just specifications.
For motorboats, the right engine is crucial for both ease of use and range. Larger motorboats, from 6 to 10 meters and up, require power outputs of 10 kW and higher. Consider systems such as the ePropulsion X-series or Torqeedo Cruise, which are a full-fledged replacement for traditional petrol outboard motors in terms of performance.
At Robust-MT, we also oversee complete motorboat conversion projects, from advice on engine selection to installation in our workshop and sea trials.
On sailboats, an electric outboard motor is used as auxiliary propulsion for entering and leaving the harbor, maneuvering, and sailing in calm conditions. Most sailors choose a model with a built-in battery (such as the ePropulsion Spirit or Torqeedo Travel) due to weight and ease of installation.
For larger sailing yachts where more power is desired, the Torqeedo Cruise and ePropulsion Navy series are excellent choices, which can be combined with an external battery bank that can be charged via onboard solar panels.
The term 10 hp electric outboard motor is frequently used, but technically speaking, it is a comparison, not a standard. Electric motors are measured in kilowatts (kW), a unit of electrical power. Gasoline engines are measured in hp (horsepower).
Direct comparison
| Electrical power | Equivalent petrol horsepower | Indication of application |
| 1 kW | ±1.4 hp | Small sloop, dinghy, sailboat |
| 3 kW | ±4 hp | Sloop up to 500 kg |
| 5 kW | ±7 hp | Sloop 500–900 kg |
| 7.5 kW | ±10 hp | Sloop 800–1,200 kg |
| 10 kW | ±14 hp | Sloop/motorboat 1,000–1,500 kg |
| 15 kW | ±20 hp | Larger motorboat |
| 30 kW+ | ±40 hp+ | Heavy motor sloop, professional |
Important: the comparison is not one-to-one. Electric motors deliver maximum torque (rotational force) immediately, whereas petrol engines only reach full power at higher RPMs. In practice, a 7.5 kW electric motor feels more powerful than a 10 hp petrol engine in many applications.
Are you specifically looking for a motor in the 10 hp segment? In our range, the Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 or ePropulsion Navy 6.0 (±9.9 hp equivalent), the Momentum M10 (±15-20 hp), and the ePropulsion X12 (12 kW, ±20 hp) are popular choices in this power range.
At Robust-MT, we work exclusively with brands that we have tested ourselves and assessed for quality. No compromises on reliability.
ePropulsion is one of the most innovative brands in electric propulsion, founded in 2012 and now the global market leader in recreational boating. The range extends from the compact Spirit 1.0 (1 kW, ideal as a dinghy motor) to the powerful X40 (40 kW, for large motorboats). Key features: integrated battery systems, clear displays, and user-friendly controls.
Popular ePropulsion models in our range:
Torqeedo is the leading German brand in the premium class of electric boat motors. Precision motors with onboard computer and GPS-controlled range calculation.
Popular Torqeedo models in our range:
Momentum is a powerful choice for those looking for a robust electric outboard motor for heavier use. The M6 (6 kW) and M10 (10 kW) are popular choices for sloops in the mid-weight segment.
For the most demanding applications, we offer Rim Drive outboard motors, a technologically advanced drivetrain where the propeller is driven on the outer rim. Exceptionally quiet, extremely strong, and resistant to the harshest conditions.
Mercury is a household name in watersports and now fully supports electric propulsion with the Avator series. Reliable, stylish, and technically solid, just as you have come to expect from Mercury.
First, determine what you expect from the engine: recreational boating, intensive daily use, or professional application. Then, match the power to the weight and hull of your boat. See the tables above for an initial indication.
Do you choose a motor with a built-in battery or an external battery system? And what capacity do you need for your desired cruising time? This is the most decisive choice for your user experience.
The transom length determines how deep the propeller sits in the water. Measure the height of your transom (the aft edge of the boat) from top to bottom:
| Mirror height | Recommended tail length (indication) |
| Up to 40 cm | Short tail (S) |
| 40 – 55 cm | Short tail or long tail |
| 55 – 75 cm | Longtail (L) |
| 75 cm and more | Extra long tail (XL) |
Small engines are typically operated with a tiller. Virtually all models are also available with a remote control or connection to an existing steering wheel. Consult with us to determine which steering system suits your boat setup.
Do you boat in saltwater? Then always check whether the motor and battery are certified for saltwater use. At Robust-MT, we exclusively supply motors suitable for both fresh and saltwater, provided they are properly maintained and fitted with the correct anodes.
An electric outboard motor is a serious investment. Choose a brand with a solid warranty (at least 2 years) and a dealer who is there for you even after purchase. As an authorized dealer and installer, we are also at your service after delivery.
One of the biggest advantages of an electric outboard motor is the minimal maintenance. There are no filters to replace, no oil to change, no spark plugs, and no carburetor to clean.
Recurring annual maintenance points:
After use in salt water: always rinse with fresh water.
Lifespan: A well-maintained electric outboard motor from a premium brand will last a long time, expected to last up to 10-15 years. The battery lasts even longer: a lithium battery achieves 2,000–3,000 charge cycles, which in theory is 100% charge and 100% discharge daily for 8-10 years. In reality, the number of cycles used will be a fraction, while the theoretical lifespan will be many times longer. In practice, we only see batteries returned that are physically damaged or are no longer compatible with a newer motor.
The number of boating areas where petrol engines are prohibited or restricted is growing every year. This is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose an electric propulsion system now.
Known areas where electric boating is mandatory or strongly recommended:
Always check the most up-to-date regulations with the competent authority of the boating area. The rules are regularly tightened.
Subsidies and incentive schemes
Various municipalities and water authorities offer subsidies or tariff discounts for electric boating. Check with your municipality or port authority to see if local schemes apply. We keep our customers informed of relevant developments.
Robust-MT is more than a webshop. We are a specialist with our own workshop in Monster, located on a navigable waterway in South Holland, between Rotterdam and The Hague.
What we offer:
Contact us or visit our workshop. We are happy to help you make the right choice.
What is the difference between an electric outboard motor and a troll motor?
A troll motor is a lightweight 12V motor used as an auxiliary motor, with limited thrust (up to ±3 hp equivalent). An electric outboard motor is a full-fledged main propulsion system operating on 24V, 36V, or 48V, suitable as a replacement for a gasoline engine on sloops, motorboats, and sailboats.
How many horsepower is a 7.5 kW electric motor?
A 7.5 kW electric motor is roughly comparable to a 10 hp petrol engine. Because electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly, performance in practice often feels more powerful than the horsepower comparison suggests.
How long can you boat with an electric outboard motor?
That depends heavily on the battery capacity, motor power, and your riding style. A general guideline: during relaxed cruising (50–60% power), an average system will last 3 to 5 hours on a single battery charge. At full power, this is significantly shorter. You can increase the range as desired with an extra battery or a larger battery bank.
Which electric outboard motor suits my sloop?
This depends on the weight of your sloop, the number of passengers, and your desired speed. As a rule of thumb: for a sloop up to 500 kg, 3–5 kW is sufficient; for 500–1,000 kg, choose 5–8 kW; and for a sloop over 1,000 kg, 8–12 kW or more is recommended. Unsure? We would be happy to advise you personally.
Is an electric outboard motor suitable for use in salt water?
Yes, the motors in our range are suitable for both fresh and salt water. In salt water, odor replacement is more frequent (annually), and rinsing with fresh water after each use is essential.
Do I need a boating license for an electric outboard motor?
In the Netherlands, you are required to have a boating license if your boat travels faster than 20 km/h or is longer than 15 meters. The type of motor (electric or petrol) makes no difference in this regard. For recreational boating at low speeds with a sloop or small motorboat, you do not need a boating license in most cases. Always check the rules for your specific boat and boating area.
How much does an electric outboard motor cost?
The purchase price varies significantly by brand and power output. Entry-level models for small sloops start at around €1,100 (ePropulsion eLite, including battery). Powerful systems for larger motorboats can go up to €15,000 and more. In most cases, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric motors is lower than for petrol, due to lower fuel costs and less maintenance.
Which battery do I need for an electric outboard motor?
For motors with a built-in battery (ePropulsion Spirit, Torqeedo Travel), you do not need a separate battery. For external systems, we recommend a lithium (LiFePO₄) battery that matches the voltage of the motor (24V, 36V, or 48V). The required capacity in kWh depends on your motor power and desired cruising time. Our advice is always to build a system consisting of a battery, charger, controls, and motor that are designed to work together.
Can I replace my current petrol engine with an electric outboard motor?
In many cases, this is entirely possible. We regularly oversee such conversion projects in our workshop. We consider the mounting (transom, motor mount), weight, battery configuration, and required power. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
Are all boating areas in the Netherlands suitable for electric boating?
Yes, unlike gasoline engines, electric motors are permitted almost everywhere. In some locations, such as the Amsterdam canals and parts of the Biesbosch, electric motors are even mandatory.
