Would you like to buy an electric sloop or tender? Cruising area, passenger numbers, desired range, handling and comfort are all important considerations. This guide explains what to look for and which type of electric boat best suits your usage.
Why choose an electric boat?
An electric sloop or tender cruises quietly and comfortably, without exhaust emissions while underway. You do not need to carry fuel, and the motor requires less day-to-day maintenance than a conventional combustion engine. This lets you relax and enjoy the water while easily holding a conversation on board.
Van Vossen E-Boats has built aluminium electric sloops and tenders since 1996 and specialises entirely in electric boating. The electric drive and battery capacity are matched to the boat and its intended use.
1. Decide where and how you want to cruise
Start with how you plan to use the boat. Do you mainly cruise gently through canals and nature reserves, take long day trips or regularly go out with a larger group? Consider:
- the number of people usually on board;
- the length and width of your mooring;
- your desired speed and cruising distance;
- bridge heights, water depth and waves in your cruising area;
- the possibility of charging at your mooring.
2. Electric sloop or electric tender?
An electric sloop focuses on relaxed cruising, spacious seating and onboard comfort. An electric tender generally has sportier styling and is designed for boaters who want to combine comfort with more dynamic handling.
The difference goes beyond appearance. Hull shape, layout, dimensions and selected propulsion determine how a boat feels. Your ideal choice therefore depends on your cruising area, passengers, mooring and personal preference. A test cruise lets you experience the difference yourself.
3. Choose the right size
A compact sloop or tender is easy to manoeuvre and fits many moorings. A larger model offers more seating, storage and comfort on longer trips. Look beyond external dimensions to the layout and maximum passenger capacity too.
Compare all Van Vossen models to find the size and configuration that suit you.
4. Battery and range
Required battery capacity depends on the boat, cruising speed, load, weather and cruising area. Someone who usually takes short, relaxed trips has different needs from someone spending long days afloat.
Van Vossen develops its battery systems in-house and matches them to the boat. Depending on configuration and conditions, a Van Vossen E-Boat can offer a range of up to around 70 kilometres. During a personal consultation, we discuss the capacity that suits your cruising profile.
5. Charging at your mooring
A Van Vossen E-Boat can be charged from a standard power socket. Check beforehand that a safe electricity connection is available at your mooring. Charging time depends on battery capacity, remaining charge and the chosen charging solution.
6. Aluminium: durable and low-maintenance
Van Vossen builds its hulls from aluminium. This material is strong, relatively light and highly corrosion-resistant. The low weight contributes to efficient electric boating. An aluminium hull also needs little maintenance and is built for years of boating pleasure.
7. Always take a test cruise
Specifications do not tell the whole story. A test cruise lets you experience the seating position, space, controls, quietness and handling. We offer test cruises before purchase and are happy to advise on the right combination of model, electric motor and battery.
Which Van Vossen model suits you?
Our range extends from compact electric sloops and tenders to larger models. Discover the Van Vossen E-Sloep 500, the E-Sloep 550 and the larger E-Sloep 650. Our tender range includes the E-Tender 500, E-Tender 590 and E-Tender 690.
Personal advice on electric boating
The best electric boat is the sloop or tender that matches your own boating needs. Van Vossen E-Boats builds the boats in-house, allowing us to give focused advice on configuration, electric drive, batteries and usage. Contact us for personal advice or to discuss a test cruise.