Electric motors are easy to maintain because there are fewer moving parts, and they don’t require any oil changes or scheduled engine maintenance. Electric propulsion also adds the advantages of instant torque and the ability to travel in sometimes restricted waterways, making the adoption of effective, high-power, high-efficiency, and long-range electric propulsion the next evolution in luxury pontoons.
Australia-based Polaris Marine has unveiled two new concepts of electric pontoons under its Bennington and Godfrey Pontoons brands.
Last year, Godfrey introduced the Mighty G, a 15-foot low-horsepower pontoon designed for optimal use of gas or electric-powered engines. Now, with these two new concepts, the company is moving toward more sustainable vessels based on electric propulsion.
Polaris Marine concept electric pontoons are built on a 26-foot, 6-inch 2024 Bennington L-Series Bowrider and a 23-foot, 11-inch 2023 Godfrey Monaco 235. These concept pontoons are powered by a single Forza X1-150 horsepower outboard electric motor.
Ben Duke, president of Polaris Marine, said, “Working closely with high-horsepower electric propulsion OEMs, Bennington and Godfrey are using concept vessels, such as the ones we shared with dealers, as testbeds for future development. As electrification technology rapidly advances, we will continue to test, learn, and best understand how we use it to deliver incredible performance and create the best experiences for our customers.”
Bennington demonstrators reached a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h). With this power, the cruising range of the Bennington could reach comfortably to be 25 miles (40 km) at 15 mph (24 km/h) or 15 miles (24 km) at 20 mph (32 km/h).
Godfrey’s demo reached a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). This vessel can achieve 29 miles (46 km) estimated range at 15 mph (24 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h) for 17 miles (27 km).
Both these vessels’ systems are controlled via a custom interface, a Garmin touch screen display, and are equipped with 4G connectivity to remotely monitor the system by an app.
“Building off the introduction of last year’s Mighty G, where customers who ended up selecting an electric vs. gas-powered motor option were more than double our expectations, we recognize the future potential of this technology and pontoons offerings that have been optimized for electric propulsion,” continued Duke. “Our dealer network will be a critical partner in defining this future, and we’re pleased that they have been so receptive to these higher horse-powered demonstrators.”
The Polaris Marine concept electric pontoons will pave the way for future development of watercraft optimized for electric propulsion. The official specifications of the vessel and the launch date have yet to be announced.
