The award was decided by sailors and boat owners
The Sailors’ Choice Awards were organised by Practical Boat Owner and Yachting Monthly, with nominations put forward by sailors and boat owners before winners were selected by public vote. eLite took the Engine & Outboards category during the Southampton International Boat Show.
A user-voted award is different from a laboratory test or long-term engineering assessment, but it does give a useful indication of which products have attracted attention among active recreational boaters. For a portable outboard, ease of carrying, installation and day-to-day use can matter as much as headline power.
Six-point-seven kilograms keeps the package portable
ePropulsion lists the eLite at 6.7kg with the battery integrated into the outboard. That eliminates a separate fuel tank or external battery box and is intended to make the unit easier to move between a tender, dinghy and storage space when it is not in use.
Weight is especially important on small inflatables and tenders because the outboard is frequently lifted by hand. Owners should still consider the boat’s transom rating, expected passenger load and the distance they need to travel, as a lightweight motor is only useful if its performance matches the intended operating profile.
The integrated battery stores 378Wh
The built-in lithium battery has a stated capacity of 378Wh. The direct-drive motor delivers 500W of nominal power, while a Sport Mode can provide up to 750W when additional thrust is required. The integrated arrangement also removes routine petrol handling from short tender trips.
Electric range varies sharply with speed, load, wind and sea state, so battery capacity should be assessed against the real journey rather than a single advertised runtime. A tender used mainly between yacht and quay has a different requirement from a dinghy expected to cover longer distances against current.
Quiet operation suits tenders and small craft
ePropulsion highlights low noise and minimal maintenance as central benefits of the eLite. With no petrol engine idling close to passengers, an electric outboard can make short harbour transfers quieter and removes tasks such as fuel storage and routine combustion-engine servicing.
The Southampton award adds another piece of market feedback as electric propulsion becomes more common at the smallest end of recreational boating. Buyers should compare charging access, expected daily mileage, battery replacement support and local dealer service alongside weight and purchase price.
Official sources: www.epropulsion.com.