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Digital Electric Steering for Outboards

• By Chris Woodward
• Updated: April 30, 2021

If you’ve ever fished a boat with cable steering, you’d remember that arm-jarring, herky-jerky experience. In the 1970s, many boatbuilders transitioned to hydraulic steering, and in 2012, to electrohydraulic—or power-assisted—steering, particularly for larger offshore vessels.

Yamaha changed the paradigm in 2019, delivering digital electric steering (DES) built into its 425 XTO outboards. Yamaha worked on this new technology in conjunction with SeaStar Solutions (now Dometic). Today both Yamaha and Dometic offer DES options for outboards as small as 150 hp; Dometic’s Optimus Outboard Electric Steering Actuator works with all major outboard brands, including Suzuki, Mercury and Yamaha.

But what can DES do for anglers, and why should they want it? Here are the main advantages this technology brings to your boat-ownership experience and your day on the water:

• Less equipment and weight: Having DES means you don’t need to have hydraulic pumps, hoses or fluid in the steering system. Dometic says its all-electric steering on a twin-outboard boat weighs 33 pounds less than its Optimus EPS electrohydraulic steering.
• Better reliability: Eliminating hydraulics means eliminating hydraulic failure. “That’s one potential issue lost—the infamous ‘why is all that red fluid floating around my boat?’” says Ry Landry, product education manager for Yamaha.
• Less power draw: If you’re not actively steering your boat, these electric systems do not draw any power. That means you’ll have more amps available for other onboard electrical needs. With hydraulic systems, the pumps run continuously.
• Less maintenance: You no longer need to inspect seals, check hydraulic fluid levels or change fluid. DES requires only periodic greasing.
• Quicker, more precise steering: “The user should notice way better vessel handling and a lot more precise steering that’s a lot faster,” says Brian Dudra, an engineer and Dometic’s vice president. “That means more comfort and less fatigue for the driver.”
• Programmable lock-to-lock and friction settings: Both Yamaha and Dometic systems offer user-controllable steering settings. For instance, if you’re docking, you can program the steering to deliver four turns lock-to-lock, meaning it takes only four turns of the wheel to fully move the engines from side to side—a better setting for optimal maneuverability.

If you’re running offshore and don’t want that much steering sensitivity, you can program up to nine turns lock-to-lock. Lock-to-lock settings can also be made variable, based on rpm.

Steering friction is also adjustable. If you like your steering a little loose, you simply enable a bit of play, using the gauge controls. If seas build and you want more friction, just touch the gauge screen to change the setting.

Despite all of those advantages, including the increased reliability, common sense tells us that anything electric can fail. So, according to Landry, Yamaha built in redundancies to help ensure continuous operation.

But if the boat’s electrical system somehow falters or its batteries die, captains can use an Allen wrench to loosen the actuator—the bar at the front of the outboard that houses the roller screw that pushes the engines—and manually turn the outboards to slowly return to the dock.

In fact, that inverted roller screw, perfected for this application by Dometic, plus a high-power brushless motor that measures 4-by-2 inches are what make this technology possible.

For boatbuilders, an electric steering system requires a simpler installation, plus it easily integrates with a joystick. A Yamaha outboard with DES built into its bracket assembly—available for the XTO as well as new V-6 F250 and F300 motors—connects to the batteries and to the helm with a data cable. Those outboards start at $30,870.

Yamaha’s bolt-on DES accessory—available for Yamaha outboards down to the F150—costs about $3,000 for the actuator and one harness, plus $540 to $925 for a digital helm, and a few hundred more for any additional harnesses needed. Installation costs vary.

Dudra says anglers can expect to pay about 25 percent more for an electric steering system compared to electro-hydraulic. Single-engine Optimus electric systems cost about $5,700 plus installation. A boat with two outboards would require two actuators; triples and quads would require two actuators and two tie bars.

The two companies agree that electric steering will guide the future of boating, but both expect electro-hydraulic, and even cable steering, to continue providing anglers with cost-effective options. After all, not everyone can own a Mercedes.

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New Electric Power Assist Steering System for Marine Outboards

Dometic Marine has unveiled its new Xtreme Power Assist Steering, engineered to bring the smooth, easy control of electric power-assisted steering to a wide range of popular boats, including pontoons, runabouts, RIBS, aluminum fishing boats and center consoles.

Dometic Xtreme Power Assist Steering is an affordable, easy-to-install solution that brings reduced steering effort and a more enjoyable driving experience to mechanically steered boats with single outboard power from 90 to 200 horsepower. It integrates with any existing SeaStar rack or rotary cable steering system, so there is no need to install new steering to take advantage of this breakthrough. It also works with either standard or tilt helms.

Easily mounts to all major outboard brands and integrates with existing steering systems, this latest innovation brings smooth and easy power steering to mechanically steered outboard powered boats .

Xtreme Power Assist easily mounts to all major outboard brands and integrates with the boat’s mechanical steering. It reduces steering effort to levels similar to Dometic’s Electronic Power Steering, with quick response to the wheel and consistent steering effort from Starboard to Port. Once this system is installed, the mechanical steering cable now only turns the power assist unit, while the electric steering actuator actually turns the engine load.

This system differs vastly from competitive “electric helm” systems on the market, because it does not increase the load on the mechanical steering helm or cable. This ensures reliable long-term performance in real-world, on-the-water conditions. However, in the unlikely event the power assist unit stops functioning, a Failsafe System automatically reverts to standard mechanical steering.

This system is designed for easily installation by dealers, marine mechanics or end users. Electric Power Assist Steering is an ideal upgrade that will enhance the driving experience and customer satisfaction for a new and large segment of the boating market. It has been thoughtfully designed as a plug-and-play installation to serve both the OEM and aftermarket sales channels.

DOMETIC UNVEILS NEW INNOVATION:  “ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FOR ALL”

“This new product fills a very important gap in our family of marine steering products and the boating industry as a whole,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine. “We’re excited to be bringing all the benefits of power steering within reach of more boaters. The fact that Electric Cable Power Assist can be easily integrated with existing steering systems makes it even more of a win-win for boaters and the industry,” added Fetchko.

Dometic Xtreme Power Assist Steering is scheduled for market introduction during 2021.

About Dometic

Dometic is a global market leader in branded solutions for mobile living in the areas of Food & Beverage, Climate, Power & Control, Safety & Security and Hygiene & Sanitation. Dometic operates in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific, providing products for use in recreational vehicles, trucks and premium cars, pleasure and workboats, and for a variety of other uses. Our motivation is to create smart and reliable products with outstanding design. We sell our products in approximately 100 countries and we have a global distribution and dealer network in place to serve the aftermarket. Dometic employs approximately 8,000 people worldwide, had net sales of more than SEK 18.0 billion (USD 2.0 billion) in 2018 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

For more information on Dometic, please visit: http://www.dometic.com .

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Kobelt manufactures complete steering systems that are approved by most of the world's leading classification societies.

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Kobelt supplies complete hydraulic and electronic marine steering systems for vessels of all shapes and sizes, certified by the world's leading classification societies. To obtain a quote for a boat steering system, download the Qualification Form  and submit to [email protected] , download the Marine Steering Systems brochure  or review Kobelt controls products below. 

Types of Boat Steering Systems Kobelt Manufactures

Control your vessel with Kobelt's complete boat steering systems which are built to last. Kobelt manufactures different five basic marine steering systems to choose from:

Manual Hydraulic Steering Systems

Kobelt marine hydraulic steering systems work entirely by hand and is solely dependent upon the force/movement of the steering wheel to push the hydraulic oil to the steering cylinder, which then directs the vessel. Benefits of this steering system are (1) produces a smooth & easy method to steer a boat (2) reliablility - providing many years of trouble - free steering control (3) simple, easy & inexpensive to install.

Electric Power Steering System

Full hydraulic power assisted steering.

The power assisted fully hydraulic boat steering system operates with a power assisted cylinder (or servo cylinder). The oil moves through the servo valve, instead of through the entire cylinder requiring less turns of the wheel. Benefits include (1) very compact and easy to install, (2) low maintenance, (3) very few and easy steering wheel turns hard over.

Electronic Steering

Powered completely by an electronic control system, the electronic marine steering is suitable for large vessels with multiple control stations. Benefits include (1) offers unlimited options, (2) very versatile with easy installation, (3) cost efficient to install even the most complex systems.

Electronic Tie Bar / DP Interface

Multi station electronic control system suitable for a Catamaran, small or medium supply vessel or a research vessel, provided with two independent rudders and integrated with a Dynamic Positioning System. Benefits include (1) two independent rudders with electronic tie bar, (2) extremely reliable, providing electronic and hydraulic backup, (3) DP, joystick and autopilot integration.

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This 28-Foot Electric Yacht Brings Classic 1950s Design to Modern Boating

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As the owner disliked the noise, exhaust, and appearance of traditional diesel-powered engines, the team decided to give Isobel a 40kW (54 hp) electric motor from RAD Propulsion in the U.K. The near-silent outboard is hidden under a lifting cowl at the stern, eliminating the need for noisy ventilation. With only the lower unit swiveling for steering, the boat retains a clean, uncluttered profile.

Isobel is also equipped with a 55kWh battery power pack from Fellten in the U.K. At full power, the system affords a range of 25 miles or approximately one hour of all-out cruising. This equates to six roundtrips to the mainland at top speed. (Isobel can hit about 22 knots at full tilt.) It is also fast enough for the occasional tubing and waterskiing. When traveling at a more leisurely speed of 12 to 15 knots, the range is doubled, though. The battery supports fast charging, too, meaning it can jump from 20 to 80 percent full in less than an hour. 

As weight is the enemy of speed and range, Isobel showcases a lightweight wood-composite construction. (Cedar strips sheathed in fiberglass for the hull and a plywood/foam/plywood sandwich for the deck and cockpit.) All up, her displacement sits at around 1.4 tons.

Perhaps best of all, Isobel will glide gracefully around Maine without any noise or emissions. A marine dream, indeed.

Construction is currently underway at the Belmont Boatyard in Maine, with Isobel expected to hit the seas sometime this year.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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How to Choose a Power-Steering System for Your Boat

• By Eric Colby
• Updated: October 11, 2013

Power steering makes maneuvering easier for skippers of any style of boat. When you’re looking for a power-steering system, or a new boat fitted with one, make sure it incorporates these key components.

1. No Feedback The helm should have a stainless-steel steering column with a self-lubricating bearing to last longer in the saltwater environment. A power-steering helm also needs integrated lockouts or “stops” to ensure that feedback from the rudder doesn’t push fluid back up into the system and torque the steering wheel. Maximum backpressure for the lockouts is 300 psi.

2. Size (It Matters) Steering hoses must be sized to the system pump’s flow capacity. Except for high-performance installations that have braided stainless-steel lines to look cool, most power-steering hoses are 1,000 psi minimum, single-wire reinforced, industrial, hydraulic versions with swaged ends. Avoid the plastic hose used in manual hydraulic systems. Hot fluid from a power-steering pump can deform the hose.

3. Controlled Cruise Autopilot is easier to install on a power-steering system than on a manual hydraulic one because, at the steering end, a solenoid is all that’s added. It receives a signal from the auto­pilot unit and adjusts the steering to port or starboard.

4. Sufficient Tankage The ideal rule of thumb for fluid capacity is three times the maximum flow of the pump, but it’s unrealistic. If you have a pump making 4 gpm at 600 rpm, it will make 16 gpm at 2,400, and a 48-gallon tank takes up lots of space. Instead, most shops use a 1:1 ratio but encourage owners to install an in-line cooler to keep temperatures in check and steering smooth.

5. Pump Potential Power steering uses an engine-driven pump — either mounted on the motor or belt-operated — to open and close hydraulic cylinders. The pump needs a third reserve hose to return fluid to the tank. Typically, for a 30- to 40-foot boat, you’ll need a unit that pumps four gallons per minute at idle to maneuver around the docks. As engine rpm increase, so does the pump’s flow rate. A quality system has a diverter kick in at a preset flow rate to divert excess fluid back to the tank.

6. Steering Cylinders The point of contact for the rudder, sterndrive or outboard in the system is the steering cylinder. Most boats under 40 feet use single cylinders. Outboard cylinders may push against the boat or just the engine, and offshore performance boats use twin stainless steel.Dual-cylinder inboard installations offer smoother rudder action versus a single cylinder.

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As a leading designer and manufacturer of power-assisted steering systems, Hypro Marine has an enviable reputation in the industry for the quality and performance of its products.

Some of the world’s most prestigious luxury motor yacht builders rely on Hypro Marine’s steering systems, along with world renowned Coastguard Agencies and rescue organisations operating in some of the harshest marine environments.

Specialists in finding unique solutions, we are able to offer a bespoke design and manufacturing service for Integrated Hydraulic Control of single or multifunction hydraulic operations for series-produced power craft.

Flying cars are no longer a thing of the future, and neither is the need to choose between commuting on land or sea, at least for those who live by the water.

Poseidon AmphibWorks, a company based in San Diego and Miami, plans to revolutionize the car-boat vehicle by delivering a what it says will be a tranquil experience, whether you're on a busy freeway or in a bustling bay. Since most existing amphibious vehicles move over water as bumpy as a jet ski, CEO and founder Steve Tice said he sought to create a vehicle for the day-to-day commute.

Since 2021, Tice and amphibious vehicles expert Andy Langesfeld have been working on the Trident LS-1. As a hydrofoil, the vehicle features blades, or vanes, that elevate the body of the boat for a smoother ride. Hydrofoils remove 60% of the drag oversea and make steadier turns because the hull is out of the water, Tice said.

The Trident LS-1 will be the world's first hydrofoil electric car-boat designed to prevent seasickness caused by a vessel's erratic motion on water, according to the company.

"People that couldn't even ride in small boats will finally be able to ride without any motion sickness. So basically flying over the water," Poseidon AmphibWorks founder Steve Tice recently told USA TODAY. "Because gravity is still pushing you through your rear end, you still feel like you're on an airplane. When you make a turn you don't feel strange, it feels natural."

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Three-wheel car-boat fits four people

The electric three-wheel vehicle will reach speeds of up to 95 mph on land and drive directly onto the water along a launching ramp, Tice said. For those who live near water, the Trident LS-1 will use multi-modal transportation for getting to the office or having a weekend fishing trip.

The vehicle features three permanent seats, including a center driver seat and two rear ones, as well as an additional fold-down center seat, Tice said.

Drivers will be able to park the 7 foot-long vehicle in their garage, a key requirement for the engineering company. The vehicle also removes the need for a tow vehicle, which runs the risk of falling into the water while releasing a boat, Tice said.

Tice said the company decided the vehicle would run on three wheels to avoid adding extra weight while maintaining the stability of any four-wheeler. He added that the car-boat will have all necessary safety feature from air bags, a tubular aluminum roll cage and multiple cameras.

'Basically flying over water'

As a hydrofoil, the Trident LS-1 is a car-boat that moves like a plane. While not made for high surf, the vehicle ensures riders avoid all the ripples of 1- to 2-foot waves.

"You're basically flying over the water at about 3 feet," Tice said.

When driving on land, Tice said the hydrofoil's vanes, or blades, retract into the vehicle so they can't be damaged by road objects like rocks. When moving on water, users have control over much of the vanes are deployed, depending on the depth of the water.

Tice said it's also a "vey maneuverable boat" that uses thrusters that turn on a dime, allowing the vehicle to stay in one spot over water for fishing or head toward any direction.

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Vehicle to be sold in $100,000 to $130,000 range

The Trident LS-1 is expected to be sold directly to the consumer at $100,000, Tice said.

Poseidon AmphibWorks will work with a number of dealers who will provide service and local support for around an additional $30,000.

With proper boat registration and a driver's license, anyone will be able to take the car-boat for a spin.

"You don't need a special license," Tice said. "We are certainly going to train people. We don't want them to crash this thing."

The company said the vehicle will appeal to a number of markets, including people who live on the coast, near waterway rivers or on islands. He added that it will also appeal to RV owners who can eliminate the burden of having to tow two vehicles, as well as yacht owners who don't want to steer their home to shore to buy groceries. He also said it makes the perfect starter boat for electric car owners.

The company is looking into commercial taxi uses, delivery services and military interest, Tice said.

Trident LS-1 joins league of car-boats

Car-boats are not a thing of the future and the Trident LS-1 is far from being the first.

The Amphicar was built in Germany in the 1960s. The small but heavy amphibious vehicle reaches speeds of 7 mph on water and 70 mph on land.

In 1999, the first WaterCar vehicle was introduced, and in 2007 it earned the Guinness World Record for being the fastest amphibious vehicle at 60 mph across water and 127 mph on land.

Other amphibious vehicles include the Amphi-Ranger , Gibbs High Speed Amphibians , the Hobbycar and the Dutton .

Prototype to be completed later this year

The creators have not started building and are currently finalizing the plan for the prototype, expected to be finished by the end of the year, Tice said.

"By December 2024, we will have a prototype in the water here in San Diego," he said.

By then the company plans to begin accepting deposits for the vehicles. Around December 2025, the company will sell to California customers so they can be helped at their San Diego location in case of service. Tice said non-California customers should also be able to pick up a Trident-LS1 in California at that time and hopes the company can ship to out-of-state customers by June 2025.

"It's not a vehicle for everybody," he said. "But if you're within a distance of a body of water that you'd like to recreate at or wish you could, there's your first boat."

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VESSEL REVIEW | Sinichka – Electric commuter boats designed for Russia’s Moskva River

A series of three new electric monohull commuter ferries have already begun operational sailings on the Moskva River in the Russian capital Moscow.

Built by Russian shipyard Emperium, sister vessels Sinichka , Filka , and Presnya – all named after rivers in Moscow – are being operated by the Moscow Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development (Moscow Deptrans). They are the first units of a planned fleet of 20 vessels that will serve the capital city and other nearby communities. The new ferry system will be the water transport system to be operated on the Moskva River in 16 years.

Each vessel has a welded aluminium hull, an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 6.2 metres, a draught of only 1.4 metres, a displacement of 40 tonnes, and capacity for 80 passengers plus two crewmembers. Seating is available for 42 passengers on each ferry, and the main cabins are also fitted with USB charging ports, wifi connectivity, tables, toilets, and space for bicycles and scooters. The cabin layout can be rearranged to allow the operator to adjust the distances between the seats and to install armrests of varying widths.

An open upper deck is also accessible to passengers and is the only area on each ferry where smoking is allowed.

The ferries are all of modular construction with each ferry’s wheelhouse, main cabin, and other structural elements being built as complete, separate components. This enables the ferries to be easily dismantled for transport to anywhere in Russia by rail and then quickly re-assembled within seven days.

The ferries are also ice-capable. Recently completed operational trials on the Moskva showed that the vessels can also easily navigate under mild winter conditions with broken surface ice, though year-round operations are planned for the entire fleet.

The ferries are each fitted with 500kWh lithium iron phosphate battery packs that supply power to two 134kW motors. This configuration can deliver a maximum speed of 11.8 knots, a cruising speed of just under 10 knots, and a range of 150 kilometres.

Emperium said the transfer of rotation of electric motors to the propeller is carried out by direct drive. As a propulsion installation, a pulling rotary propeller-steering column with double screws is used. The installation of double pulling screws, with similar power, allows an operator to increase the efficiency of the propulsion system to deliver a slightly higher speed or to reduce energy consumption. This arrangement also provides the ferries with enhanced manoeuvrability necessary for navigating in close quarters.

The batteries themselves have projected service lives of 10 to 12 years and are fitted with safety features such as built-in fire extinguishers and gas vents. Quick-disconnect features allow the batteries to be easily removed for replacement or maintenance.

Some of our readers have expressed disquiet at our publication of reviews and articles describing new vessels from Russia. We at Baird Maritime can understand and sympathise with those views. However, despite the behaviour of the country’s leaders, we believe that the maritime world needs to learn of the latest developments in vessel design and construction there.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.

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Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

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Canal boats, cutting back and real horse power

Ian Grieve, David Gordon and Catherine Phillips respond to one letter writer’s note of caution about the environmental impact of narrowboating

May I offer some words of comfort to Frank Keightley about the future of living our diesel guzzling, smoke polluting lifestyles ( Letters, 23 February ). As the 40% funding cut from government is likely to impact the basic maintenance of our canals and towpaths, many of us boaters will be forced to conclude our time afloat due to these costs being passed on to the boat owners, with unaffordable increases to the annual licence we pay. Obviously, this will be good news to those who enjoy walking or cycling the towpaths without our smelly old boats ruining their experience, but once funding cuts have taken effect, I’d suggest that Frank and his chums carry some cutting gear on their days out to hack a way through the undergrowth. Ian Grieve Gordon the Diesel Engine, Llangollen canal

Frank Keightley raises the potential pollution problem caused by canal boat users. Not to worry – I have the answer, with multiple benefits. First, instead of using nasty diesel, propel the boats using shire horses or Suffolk punches. Among the benefits of this will be reviving endangered species, lowering unemployment (more blacksmiths needed), and reviving canalside pubs. Then there is the added benefit for users of the boats. They don’t take the horses through tunnels, so those sunbathing on the tops of the boats can leg the boats through the tunnels (walking their feet along the roof). Just think how fit they’ll get. Then there is the added benefit of gathering the horse droppings … a boon for organic gardening.

Folk might get busier but they would have less time to write letters from the Llangollen canal. The scheme might have a few problems, but it could be worked out with a little thought. David Gordon Manchester

Even factoring in woodburning of locally collected timber and the use of diesel engines to move around and fuel the basics, people on narrowboats live lightly on this planet without the high carbon levels embodied in bricks and mortar, and high energy usage needed to keep houses and apartments running. Words of advice? I suggest, don’t mock people trying to do the right thing, and words of comfort for canal boat owners, if needed, would be to carry on in the knowledge you are still way greener than most of us landlubbers. Catherine Phillips Freshford, Somerset

• Ethical and green living

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Electric boats

Electric rv, revolutionizing the road trip: sealvans builds and sells electric caravan trailer boat combos.

Is it a caravan camper trailer? Is it a boat? Does it have an electric motor ? A Turkish company called Sealvans is blending the lines of recreational mobility, designing and selling trailer boat combos that deliver a hybrid mix of travel by land and sea. Check them out.

Sealvans was founded in 2020 in Bursa, Turkey, by a team of engineers whose combined experience totals over 50 years in the automotive ands maritime segments. Built upon the idea of offering customers the freedom to have a home to inhabit in every bay, forest, city, or country, Sealvans took a unique design approach – amphibious caravan trailers that can double as a boat.

That quest began with the construction of two separate prototype models – a 4.2 meter (~14 feet) trailer boat and a 7.5 meter (~24.5 feet) version. By the summer of 2022, Sealvans had completed the builds alongside their respect R&D studies, paving the way (by road and sea) for a start of production and sales operations.

Today, Sealvans offers both trailer boat combos with a slew of customizable options , including an all-electric powertrain. Here are some images of the Seal 7.50M:

Sealvans to “break the limits” with trailer boat combos

As you’ll be able to see in the video from Sealvans below, its unique hybrid blend of caravan trailer and boat gives customers to tow their fifth wheel and camp out anywhere. Or, if the lake or sea beckons, those owners can back in, unhitch, and go for a cruise on the water.

Top comment by Michi Can

If they are going to leave the trailer tongue on it, they should have called it the "Narwhal".

It is cool that you don't need to see out of the boat while driving it apparently.

The larger of the two Seal trailer boats rides on two centrally located axles for land as part of a galvanized Al-co chassis, offering a transport capacity of 3,000kg (6,600 lbs). Its exterior features EU homologated galaxy dark-glazed glass and a panoramic windshield. There is also an optional collapsible sunroof.

For trips out on the water, the Seal features monoblock marine technology as an outer fiber around the entire vessel as well as stainless chrome accents throughout. The interior features artificial or genuine teak all around and all the necessities like an electric burner hob, an 18-liter fridge, and a two-compartment gas oven. Telescopic tables make room for shock-absorbing bed legs and orthopedic mattresses – one single and one double. The water-resistant bathroom comes equipped with a shower stall and marine-grade pump toilet.

While the trailer boat seen in the images and video is powered by a Honda gas motor, Sealvans does offer all-electric options, which include two inboard DC Pod Drive motors, an 8,960 Wh battery, and a 30Ah charger.

We’ve asked Sealvans for details on pricing and performance specs of the electric versions of the trailer boats, but have yet to hear back. As of June 2023, the Seal 4.50 started at an MSRP of 28,000 euros ($30,380) and the 7.50 cost 58,500 euros ($63,500) before any add-ons or additional options. While we await a response, here’s a video of the Seal in action on both land and water:

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Scooter Doll is a writer, designer and tech enthusiast born in Chicago and based on the West Coast. When he’s not offering the latest tech how tos or insights, he’s probably watching Chicago sports. Please send any tips or suggestions, or dog photos to him at [email protected]

2024 Erie Boat show drops anchor at Bayfront Convention Center this weekend

Fishermen and boat enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2024 Erie Boat Show at the Bayfront Convention Center at 1 Sassafras St.

According to Mark Concilla, president of Erie Promotions, this is the first boat show that has been in Erie for a while, and the first boat show at the convention center.

“The Bayfront Convention Center is the perfect location for the boat show of course because it’s right on the water,” Concilla said. “We’re calling it the all-new boat and fishing show.”

The show will include six regional boat dealers who will be showcasing a variety of vessels from pontoon boats to fishing boats to pleasure crafts and watercrafts.

Boyer RV will also be showcasing a new brand of electric bikes and golf carts.

The boat show will showcase a variety of fishing industry vendors who will be selling fishing gear and tackle.

Guest speakers to share their expertise

Five guest speakers will present seminars, including Captain Jim Steel from Innovative Outdoors, professional tour angler Dylan Nussbaum, Lime Lake Marine Ashton Laird and Captain Daryl Wiese from Stress Reelief Sportfishing.

The presentations will cover a variety of topics from trolling for walleye to choosing a boat for your fishing style.

"The seminars are ongoing all weekend and they’re high quality seminars to help teach people Lake Erie fishing for walleye, perch, steelhead and more," Concilla said.

Captain Pete Alex of Vision Quest Charter Fishing will be hosting two seminars tackling Lake Ontario and Lake Erie fishing.

“The Lake Erie seminar, it’s going to be about how I catch fish day in and day out in the early summer to early fall period for walleyes,” Alex said. “That’s going to be from primarily 60 feet of water all the way out to the Canadian line in (the) deep water summer program and all the tactics we use.”

Saturday is Pirate Day at the boat show. Kids who attend will have the opportunity to hang out with the pirates from Scallywags Pirate Adventures.

Sunday at the show is also Teacher Appreciation Day sponsored by First Student. All educators who attend the show receive free admission.

Braving the bay: What it's like being part of the Scallywags Pirate Adventures crew

Where can I learn more about the Erie Boat Show?

Learn more about the Erie Boat Show on their website at https://bit.ly/3SZEqfz .

Contact Nicholas Sorensen at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 2024 Erie Boat show drops anchor at Bayfront Convention Center this weekend