There’s something quietly powerful about gliding across calm water with nothing but the hum of an electric outboard. On a sunny day at Greenhithe, the True Kit team set out with the Discovery 330 and Navigator 3.0 to test a pair of ePropulsion motors — the eLite and Spirit 1.0 Plus.
Our goal? To show just how seamlessly electric propulsion pairs with the True Kit range of lightweight inflatable catamarans.
Should You Choose Electric Outboards for Your Inflatable Boat?
Electric motors are transforming the way we explore the water. Compared to petrol-powered engines, they offer major benefits that appeal to everyone — from families and yacht owners.
Key advantages include:
- Eco-friendly performance: Zero emissions and no fuel spills.
- Low running costs: No fuel, oil, or servicing required.
- Ultra-quiet operation: Perfect for fishing, wildlife watching, or relaxed cruising.
- Instant power control: Switch between forward and reverse effortlessly.
- Easy start: No pull cord — just press and go.
But there are a few things to consider too:
- Higher upfront cost than petrol outboards.
- Battery range limits and longer recharge times.
- Battery weight, which can affect portability for some users.
Still, when paired with a lightweight catamaran like a True Kit, most of these drawbacks are easily offset.
Setting Up the Electric Outboards on True Kit Boats
During our test, we fitted:
- The ePropulsion eLite and
- The Spirit 1.0 Plus (equivalent to around 3hp) to the Discovery 330 & Navigator 300.
Each motor arrived in a compact carry bag and mounted onto the transom in minutes — no tools required. The portability of both the motor and the True Kit boat itself made setup simple, ideal for launching from beaches, ramps, or tenders.
(You can learn more about choosing the right outboard for your True Kit here.
On-Water Performance – Speed, Efficiency, and Handling
Once on the water, we ran several tests with both one and two people aboard each boat.
ePropulsion eLite on the Navigator 3.0
- Top speed: ~7 km/h (solo or with two aboard)
- Ride quality: Smooth and stable, ideal for short trips between yacht and shore.
Spirit 1.0 Plus on the Navigator 3.0
- Top speed: ~9 km/h
- Noticeably stronger torque and acceleration.
- Consistent speed even with two passengers.
eLite on the Discovery 330
- Against current: ~6 km/h
- With current: ~7–8 km/h
- Stable and responsive handling.
Spirit 1.0 Plus on the Discovery 330
- Top speed: 8–9 km/h
- Excellent balance between efficiency and performance.
- Quiet, controlled ride — ideal for exploring or tendering.
Even with two aboard, both setups maintained consistent speeds and stable handling, a testament to True Kit’s catamaran hull design and lightweight structure.
Choosing the Right Shaft Length
Electric outboards are measured differently to petrol ones — from the top of the transom bracket to the centre of the propeller. For True Kit boats, here are the general recommendations for ePropulsion:
- Extra short shaft: Navigator 250 Navigator 300 Tactician
- Short Shaft: Discovery 330 Discovery 400
That said, because electric motors don’t push boats to planing speeds, longer shafts can still perform well. These guidelines are simply to help optimise your setup.
Why True Kit Boats Excel with Electric Power
True Kit inflatable catamarans are built for efficiency. Their lightweight construction and hydrodynamic hulls mean electric motors deliver exceptional range and performance per charge.
Key advantages include:
- Lightweight build: Easier to transport and launch, with less drag in the water.
- Efficient twin-hull design: Maximises range and speed from small electric outboards. No deep hull to push through the water.
- Portable setup: Both boats and motors pack down small for effortless storage.
- Versatile use: Perfect as yacht tenders, adventure boats, or compact fishing craft.
Explore the full range of True Kit boats here.
Which True Kit Model is Right for You?
- True Kit Discovery – Spacious, open-bow landing craft design, ideal for family outings or adventures.
- True Kit Navigator – Compact, closed-bow yacht tender offering a dry, efficient ride.
- True Kit Tactician – Purpose-built for fishing with excellent balance and motor compatibility.
All three perform brilliantly with modern electric outboards, offering sustainable, quiet, and low-maintenance boating.
Quiet Power, Big Adventures
The demonstration proved what many True Kit owners already know: electric propulsion and True Kit inflatable catamarans are a perfect match. The combination of lightweight efficiency, stability, and portability makes electric outboards a smart choice for every kind of boater — from yacht tenders to family explorers.
Whether you’re switching for sustainability, convenience, or performance, an electric setup on your True Kit means less noise, less fuel, and more freedom.
Ready to experience it yourself? Explore our True Kit range or talk to us about pairing your boat with the ideal electric outboard.
