0

Your Cart is Empty

TBNATION BLOG

latest posts

Comparison graphic featuring the ePropulsion kMax 2200 and ePropulsion kLite 750 electric kayak motors on the water.

This New Electric Kayak Motor is TOO Powerful (ePropulsion kMax 2200 vs ePropulsion kLite 750)

Are the new ePropulsion electric kayak motors too powerful for standard modern kayaks? The short answer is yes and no, depending on the model you choose. In our review of the Kmax 2200 vs Klite 750, we found that while the lightweight  ePropulsion kLite 750 is perfectly balanced for standard...
Read more
A graphic thumbnail featuring the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus electric outboard motor set against a sunny lake background, with text reading "ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus Owner's Guide: Setup, Operation & Field Hacks" alongside the TBNation logo.

ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus Owner’s Guide: Setup, Operation & Field Hacks

Key Takeaways Fast, Modular Assembly: The 23.4 lb motor leg mounts onto a transom in under two minutes, allowing you to attach the battery separately without heavy lifting. Floating 1276Wh Battery: The 48V lithium battery pack locks into the motor bracket with a slide-and-latch mechanism and floats on top of...
Read more
TBNation blog thumbnail comparing a 3HP electric outboard motor vs a trolling motor featuring the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus.

3HP Electric Outboard vs. Trolling Motor: Hard Facts on the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus

A dedicated 3HP electric outboard motor is engineered for primary boat propulsion, delivering higher top speeds (6.6 mph) and lightweight design compared to standard trolling motor setups. In contrast, a 24V 70lb trolling motor system weighs 128 lbs with lead-acid batteries, maxes out at 4.0 mph, and is built primarily...
Read more
First Look: ePropulsion kMax 2200 Electric Kayak Motor

First Look: ePropulsion kMax 2200 Electric Kayak Motor

The ePropulsion kMax 2200 is not being positioned as another lightweight motor for minimalist kayaks. This is ePropulsion’s high-output answer for bigger fishing platforms: 2.2kW of electric power, a modular 48V battery system and the ability to scale from one portable 1,024Wh pack to more than 4kWh of onboard energy.
Read more
Graphic comparing the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus vs Spirit 2 electric outboard boat motors by TBNation.

EPropulsion Electric Outboard: Spirit 1.0 Plus vs Spirit 2

Key Takeaways The Spirit 1.0 Plus remains the ultimate entry-level value champ, delivering a solid 3HP gas equivalence and exceptional runtime.   The new Spirit 2 doubles the raw power to 2kW (5HP) and includes a crazy 3kW temporary "Boost Mode".   Hardware overhauls on the Spirit 2 replace traditional...
Read more
ePropulsion Spirit 2 Review: Is This Electric Outboard Worth the Upgrade?

ePropulsion Spirit 2 Review: Is This Electric Outboard Worth the Upgrade?

Key Takeaways True 5HP Performance: The upgraded 2kW continuous motor doubles the power of previous generations, giving you the true authority and pushing-power of a 5HP petrol engine. 3kW Sport/Boost Mode: Need an extra kick? Hit the throttle for a temporary 6HP surge of thrust designed to punch through heavy...
Read more
Image illustrating factors to consider when choosing the size of an electric outboard motor for your boat.

What Size Electric Outboard Do You Need? (Simple Guide)

Key Takeaways Understanding Power Equivalency: In the world of the electric motor, power is measured in Watts rather than Horsepower. A 1kW electric outboard is roughly equivalent to a 3HP gas motor, while a 6kW motor maps to the 9.9HP performance class. The "One Step Back" Shaft Rule: Standard outboard...
Read more
Electric outboard motors are gaining popularity among pontoon owners, replacing traditional gas engines for eco-friendly boating.

The Rise of Electric Outboards: Why Pontoon Owners Are Ditching Gas

Key Takeaways Zero Maintenance: Modern electric outboards like the  ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus feature brushless direct-drive technology, eliminating the need for oil changes, winterization, or carburetor repairs for up to  20,000 hours. Superior Stealth & Socializing:  Noted as the quietest in the industry, electric boat motors allow for normal conversation...
Read more
Comparison of gas and electric outboards for small boats, exploring the feasibility of switching between the two options.

Gas vs. Electric Outboards: Can You Actually Make the Switch for Your Tiny Boat?

Key Takeaways The 3HP Rule, A 1kW electric motor (like the  ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus) provides thrust comparable to a 3HP gas outboard. Maintenance-Free Life, Direct-drive brushless motors mean zero winterization, no carburetors to gum up, and up to  20,000 hours of life. The 80/20 Rule, You can hit 80%...
Read more
Guide to top electric outboard motors for pontoon boats in 2026.

The 2026 Guide to Electric Outboards for Pontoons: A TBN Pro-Build Perspective

Key Takeaways Electric outboards are transforming pontoon boating in 2026 by utilizing brushless direct-drive technology that is virtually silent and rated for up to 20,000 maintenance-free hours. These systems eliminate the need for traditional winterization, oil changes, and fuel filter replacements. Instant torque and smooth power delivery make electric outboards,...
Read more
Image shows a graph comparing the costs of running an electric outboard motor.

The Real Cost of Going Electric: Is an Electric Outboard Right for Your Tiny Boat Build?

Key Takeaways Lower Long-Term Costs, while the sticker price is higher, you typically hit the break-even point in 3–5 years through fuel and maintenance savings. Zero-Fluff Maintenance, Say goodbye to winterizing, carb cleans, and spark plugs. Electric systems have 70% lower maintenance costs. The Stealth Factor, Near-silent operation and zero...
Read more
A tiny boat equipped with electric outboards, showcasing innovative solutions for reducing fuel expenses in boating.

Escape the Pump: How Tiny Boat DIYers and Electric Outboards are Beating Fuel Prices

Key Takeaways The Jon Boat Transformation, The heart of the TBN community is the "Jon Boat Conversion," where builders take basic aluminum hulls and add custom decks, storage, and casting platforms to create high-performance mini bass boats. Electric Propulsion Advantage, ePropulsion motors, such as the Spirit 1.0 Plus, provide a...
Read more