Electric day boats on the Norfolk Broads

Electric day boat hire, powered solar panels.

• Our boats are powerful and quiet, allowing you to motor all day and still have some electric power to spare. The batteries are the next generation of electric propulsion.

• From March 2022 our boat company has been producing our own electricity from the sunshine, our Solar electricity produces 60% of the power for our high-performance boats.

Using electric boats on the Norfolk Broads offers several advantages:

1. Environmental Benefits: Electric propulsion produces zero emissions, making our boats environmentally friendly and reducing the impact on the delicate ecosystems of the Norfolk Broads. This helps in preserving the natural beauty of the area and reduces air and water pollution.

2. Quiet and Peaceful: Electric boats are much quieter than traditional fuel-powered boats. This quiet operation enhances the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the Norfolk Broads, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of nature without the noise and vibration of a combustion engine.

3. Preserving Wildlife: The low noise and lack of emissions from electric boats are less disruptive to the wildlife in the area. This is particularly important for the numerous bird species and other animals that call the Norfolk Broads home.

4. Heritage Conservation: The Norfolk Broads are a historically and culturally rich area. Using electric boats preserves the heritage of the region by reducing the impact of modern technology and keeping the experience more in line with traditional boating methods.

5. Regulations and Conservation Efforts: There might be regulations in place to protect the environment and wildlife of the Norfolk Broads. Electric boats help in complying with these regulations and supporting local conservation efforts.

6. Enhanced Experience: Electric boats provide a smooth and leisurely cruising experience, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads without the noise and fumes associated with traditional boats.

Overall, using motors powered by batteries on the Norfolk Broads aligns with the goals of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this unique and picturesque area.

Looking to buy en electric boat? Our dedicated team at Martham Ferry Boatyard built the electric Apollos and Rockets to order.

Coming soon

The next stage is to invest in a “battery wall” to store our solar energy for cloudy days.

It will be similar to the Powerwalls product developed by Tesla. The Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery pack that can be mounted on the wall of a home or business. It stores electricity when it's inexpensive (such as when the sun is shining and solar panels are generating excess energy) for use during times when electricity costs are higher or when there is a power outage. This helps homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid and can save money on electricity bills. Additionally, multiple Powerwall units can be installed together to create an energy storage system that can support larger homes or businesses with higher energy demands. Tesla's Powerwall is part of the company's broader efforts to promote renewable energy usage and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

How long will the batteries last on an electric boat

The battery life of an electric boat can vary widely depending on several factors, including the capacity of the battery, the type of driving, the weather conditions, and the vehicle's energy efficiency.

1. Battery Capacity: The capacity of an EV battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Generally, the higher the kWh rating, the longer the vehicle can travel on a single charge. For example, a day boat with a 60 kWh battery might have a shorter range compared to a boat with a 100 kWh battery.

2. Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery performance. Cold weather, in particular, can significantly reduce battery efficiency and lead to a shorter range. A strong headwind will take more energy from the batteries therefore shorting the range.

3. Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and high speeds, can deplete the battery faster.

4. Vehicle Efficiency: Different EV models have varying levels of energy efficiency. Newer models often have improved efficiency and, therefore, longer ranges.

5. Battery Degradation: Over time, the capacity of a battery degrades. This means that a brand new EV and the same model that's a few years old might have different ranges due to the older battery's reduced capacity.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information ask your hire boat provider.

Electric boats available to hire from Martham Ferry Boat Yard.