Cost

So, for all of you wondering, the overall build cost came in at around £750 (full breakdown below). A new replacement petrol outboard of the same make and model of the one stolen would cost around £850 new, even without the remotes fitted. Even at a direct initial cost comparison the electric system is less. We could, of course, have opted for an older model for half that price, but finding one with remotes or finding remotes for sale separately for a low-power outboard is fairly unlikely.

If we had found a second-hand petrol outboard with remotes there are still other costs to consider that would mean that electric propulsion still makes more sense. Fuel is one cost to consider which could be £20-40 a week of running. There’s also servicing to consider – which would be over £100 for a full service.

 

Solar System

Panels – 2 310W solar panels at £129 each

Solar charge controller – £29

 

Propulsion System

Bison 100 Electric outboard – £200

Motor controller – £16

 

Batteries

2 110ah 12v AGM ultra deep-cycle battery – £75 each

 

Other electrical

Cables, connectors, isolation switches, volt meters, sealant, other materials – around £100

 

Prices accurate as of Summer 2019