Electric Boating Gains Traction: X Shore 1 Shows Practical Range and Sustainable Design

About five years ago, Roger Moore, CEO of Nautical Ventures Group, tried to introduce electric boats to customers across South Florida through his dealerships. He admits the first effort “fell flat on our face” because the market wasn’t ready. Today, however, attitudes have shifted enough that Moore and his team are giving electric propulsion another push.

With electric cars becoming more common on America’s roads, electric boats are starting to attract broader interest. Nautical Ventures Group recently became the Florida dealer for Swedish builder X Shore, and the company displayed the new X Shore 1 at the Miami International Boat Show. The 21-foot X Shore 1—for many visitors, their first close look at an X Shore—delivers a top speed of 30 knots and a manufacturer-stated range near 50 nautical miles, marrying modern electric propulsion with a sleek day-cruiser layout.

X Shore first revealed a prototype in 2018 and later launched the Eelex 8000 in 2020, a 26-foot model capable of more than 30 knots and a range approaching 100 nautical miles. The X Shore 1 is essentially a compact iteration designed to bring much of that technology to a smaller, more affordable platform. Available in Open and Top configurations, the manufacturer lists a base price of $139,000—positioning the model as an attainable entry point into electric boating for a wider audience.

One recurring question from prospective buyers is range—often called “range anxiety”—the worry that a battery could run out before returning to shore. Moore hears that concern repeatedly: “Everybody says, ‘How long will it go? How far will it go?’” he says.

Range anxiety is familiar across electric transportation. While the automotive industry has invested heavily in public charging infrastructure to ease drivers’ concerns, similar marina-wide charger networks are unlikely to scale at the same pace. Moore points out that most boaters use vessels for short hops—trips to local sandbars, restaurants, or nearby anchorages—so their daily ranges are often modest. “The average distance is eight miles,” he notes, referencing boat-share operations as an example. For many recreational users, the X Shore 1’s range will be more than adequate.

Practical considerations also reduce range worries for owners of trailerable models like the X Shore 1. If the boat is stored at home and charged between outings, owners can rely on overnight charging rather than searching for marina fast chargers. X Shore reports that a fast-charger at a marina can replenish the battery to about 80 percent in under an hour, while a three-phase charger can reach a full charge in roughly three hours—often long enough for a lunch break ashore.

The X Shore 1 is designed as a comfortable day cruiser with some overnight capability. It offers a small cabin roomy enough for two adults to sleep or for children to nap, plus designated spaces for a cooler and a portable toilet. Sunning areas forward and aft create separate spots for adults and kids at anchor, while a built-in swim platform makes water access simpler. A retractable awning provides shade during midday outings.

Environmental concerns are part of the appeal for many buyers. X Shore builds the 1 without styrene and uses significantly less plastic in hull construction compared with many conventional boats. Deck surfaces are finished in cork, a lightweight, renewable material that adds both comfort and sustainability to the onboard environment.

Specifications for the X Shore 1 align closely with conventionally powered boats of similar length. Draft measures just over 2 feet, and the Open version has an air draft of approximately 5 feet 4 inches. The Top variant raises the air draft to slightly more than 7 feet—still low enough to clear most bridges encountered during typical coastal cruising and inland boating.

Moore believes the X Shore 1 helps dispel the notion that electric boats are exotic or impractical. “It’s becoming mainstream,” he says. “We need to get some people out there on the water.” By addressing common concerns about range, offering straightforward charging options, and emphasizing sustainable materials, the X Shore 1 positions itself as a realistic choice for boaters ready to consider electric propulsion.

— Kim Kavin

This article was originally published in the April 2023 issue.