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E-driveBoatee Smart 1.3, Italian start-up launches interesting electric outboard motor

Hauke Schmidt

 · 18.01.2026

Like most current electric outboards, the Smart 1.3 relies on a brushless direct drive.
Photo: Boatee
The motor, called Smart 1.3, works with an interesting operating concept and is said to weigh six kilograms. The external 48-volt battery has a capacity of 962 watt hours and should enable a range of up to 15 nautical miles at three knots.

The electric outboard is made of anodised aluminium and glass fibre-reinforced plastic. The brushless direct drive reduces wear and weight - an approach also taken by other modern electric outboards. However, the design appears even more minimalist than that of its competitors. This is mainly due to the unusual, V-shaped tiller with a touchscreen at the top.

Separate battery for long range

The lithium-ion battery with 48 volts and 962 watt hours weighs 5.8 kilograms. The separation of motor and battery has advantages and disadvantages: On the one hand, both components can be transported separately, and the battery can be charged or changed separately without removing the motor from the transom. On the other hand, it means that the battery has to be housed and wired in the boat. At a cruising speed of three knots, the Smart 1.3 on the dinghy should offer around five hours of sailing time, which corresponds to a range of 15 nautical miles. At full load with a top speed of 5.5 knots, one charge is sufficient for around 45 minutes or four nautical miles, according to the manufacturer.

Control via touchscreen

The design of the Smart 1.3 follows a reduced design language without complex operating elements. The drive is controlled via a colour touch display embedded in the tiller head. The display provides information on the charge status, current motor power and speed. The motor is also equipped with a GPS receiver. It also has a Bluetooth-based emergency stop system. The motor is due to be launched on the market later this year and can be ordered from the manufacturer at a pre-order price of 2,190 euros.

The Smart 1.3 will be officially unveiled at Boot in Düsseldorf: Hall 10, Stand G63.

Technical data:

Motor:

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  • Power: 1,300 W
  • Weight: 6 kg
  • Material: Anodised aluminium, glass fibre reinforced plastic
  • Motor type: brushless, direct drive

Battery:

  • Type: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), 48 V
  • Capacity: 962 Wh
  • Weight: 5.8 kg
  • Dimensions: 258 x 243 x 156 mm

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Hauke Schmidt

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

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