June 10, 2021

Compiled by Andy Adams

No longer an outlier or a flash-in-the-pan idea, electric boating is fast becoming a viable alternative that does not require compromises and that brings some bold new styling and ideas. One of the first builders to offer a pure electric boat that is big enough for offshore use, fast enough for most reasonable performance expectations and that offers significant cruising range as well, is from X-Shore in Sweden.

In June’s Canadian Yachting magazine, Andy Adams takes a look at the striking X-Shore, coming your way on the cover of CY.

The first X-Shore model is a 26-foot centre console that clearly expresses the founders’ commitment to design technology and sustainability with features like cork decking and flooring and the option of flax fibre in the composite construction and recycled plastics used wherever practical. This first model is the Eelex 8000 and the styling is handsome, distinctive and at the same time, a visual representation of the founders’ ideas.

Roof Rack

The X-Shore Eelex 8000 is a fully electric powered boat with a 300 hp electric motor and a high degree of tech in the boat’s systems. Just as Teslas are actually quite fast, the X-Shore Eelex 8000 cruises at 25 knots, tops out at 35 knots (over 40 mph) and can deliver a 100 nautical mile cruising range. Acceleration is more than sufficient for towed water sports going from 0 to 20 in 4.2 seconds and the load capacity is 2,500 kg. A combination of factors like the light-weight company-developed electric drive train and advanced composite construction help keep the boat’s weight down to 2,600 kg. The hardtop is light-weight carbon fibre construction.

The 225 kW engine is very compact and drives a shaft and propellor layout with a rudder – rugged and proven components that in combination with a bow thruster system, make the X-Shore Eelex 8000 easy to steer and dock.

Battery charging has to be a part of the good news and X-Shore claims full charging in 6 hours on 32A for the two Kreisel KBP 60 Lithium Ion packs. In addition to all the high-tech features, there are numerous clever design aspects in the interior including dual aluminum mounting rails in the floor. These flank the floor sections that lift for service access. The rails can also secure a selection of interior furniture such as seating, storage bins, sun lounge and other accessories greatly enhancing versatility. Under the hardtop you find a smart picnic table with three storage compartments including a cooler / chillbox and the covers make a surface to lay things out on. Above, on the hardtop are massive speakers that will let you make the most of the silent running you get from the electric drive.

Helm under hardtop

There is a lot more detail that we didn’t have room for this time, but we can’t wait to actually drive an X-Shore Eelex 8000 and report on the performance first-hand. The founders are building a super-factory in Sweden and have further plans to establish a US factory in short order. They anticipate significant sales globally. It seems the time has come for electric boating, so prepare to get onboard!

Read more in June edition of Canadian Yachting magazine.