It’s no secret that many marine companies are exploring the possibilities, potential and feasibility of electric engine power for mainstream recreational boating applications. For example, Nautique/Correct Craft appears to be on the verge of making its electric powered wakesport boat a reality for the general consumer. It’s also well documented that Mercury Marine/Brunswick has had electric outboards swirling around its internal think-tank for some time. And maybe, that ‘sometime’ is closer than we all think.
Just a few days ago, Mercury announced that it is partnering with Navico (a sister Brunswick company) to create the world’s first electric powerboat race series to debut in early 2023. Called the E-1 series, the competition will include twelve teams on a very tight, technical course with futuristic hydrofoil boats capable of reaching top speeds close to sixty miles an hour.
The boats are to be called ‘racebirds” using Mercury electric outboard powertrains. The E-1 series is scheduled to originate in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the starting point of a proposed ten-race series. Simard electronics will be the official marine electronics partner of the E-1 series while C-MAP becomes the official cartography partner.
The E-1 series is designed to create the world’s first UIM (Union of International Motorboating) sanctioned electric powerboat racing championship with races held close to shore to maximize spectator appeal. The “racebird” boats are being designed and built by SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine with enclosed safety capsules and the latest hydrofoil technology. The “racebirds” will be powered by newly designed Mercury electric outboards using a 35 kWh battery from Kreisel with a peak power output of 150 kW.
C-MAP and Simard products will provide specialist navigation and marine electronics for the “racebirds”. This cockpit technology will provide both extreme cartography and mapping capabilities for onboard racers and shore-side support teams.
“Navico is incredibly excited for this E1 Series partnership,” said CEO Knut Frostad. “The electrification journey is quickly taking hold in the boating industry, and we believe the E-1 Series is a perfect platform to raise the bar around innovation and encourage action in marine conservation and sustainability.”
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Just a few days ago, Mercury announced that it is partnering with Navico (a sister Brunswick company) to create the world’s first electric powerboat race series to debut in early 2023. Called the E-1 series, the competition will include twelve teams on a very tight, technical course with futuristic hydrofoil boats capable of reaching top speeds close to sixty miles an hour.
The boats are to be called ‘racebirds” using Mercury electric outboard powertrains. The E-1 series is scheduled to originate in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the starting point of a proposed ten-race series. Simard electronics will be the official marine electronics partner of the E-1 series while C-MAP becomes the official cartography partner.
The E-1 series is designed to create the world’s first UIM (Union of International Motorboating) sanctioned electric powerboat racing championship with races held close to shore to maximize spectator appeal. The “racebird” boats are being designed and built by SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine with enclosed safety capsules and the latest hydrofoil technology. The “racebirds” will be powered by newly designed Mercury electric outboards using a 35 kWh battery from Kreisel with a peak power output of 150 kW.
C-MAP and Simard products will provide specialist navigation and marine electronics for the “racebirds”. This cockpit technology will provide both extreme cartography and mapping capabilities for onboard racers and shore-side support teams.
“Navico is incredibly excited for this E1 Series partnership,” said CEO Knut Frostad. “The electrification journey is quickly taking hold in the boating industry, and we believe the E-1 Series is a perfect platform to raise the bar around innovation and encourage action in marine conservation and sustainability.”
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