Electric boat repower cost: what to budget in 2026

The most common mistake in electric boat repower planning is budgeting for the motor and battery, then discovering that the supporting components — controller, charger, BMS, cables, fusing, monitoring — often cost as much again.

This guide gives a realistic component-by-component breakdown for a typical auxiliary sailboat repower in the 10–20 kW range, based on European retail pricing in early 2026.

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Quick summary: what a complete repower actually costs

For a 35–40 ft sailboat targeting 5.5 knots, expect:

| Budget tier | What you get | Typical range | |---|---|---| | Entry (DIY) | Component-sourced, self-installed | €12,000–18,000 | | Mid (partial install) | Good components, professional install | €22,000–32,000 | | Premium (turnkey) | Integrated system (e.g. Torqeedo Deep Blue), fully installed | €38,000–55,000 |

These are installed costs including battery, motor, controller, charger, monitoring, cables, and yard labour. They exclude any structural work, new battery-box construction, or replacement of associated systems (windlass, galley, etc.).

Component-by-component breakdown

Motor and motor controller

For a 10–15 kW continuous system, expect:

• OceanVolt ServoProp AV 20 kW: €9,500–11,000 (motor + controller, excluding battery)
• Torqeedo Deep Blue 25R saildrive: €12,000–15,000
• E-Tech or Bellmarine inboard 15 kW: €6,000–9,000

Note: "motor price" almost always means motor + controller as a matched pair. Using a third-party motor controller with a manufacturer's motor typically voids the warranty and creates integration complexity.

Battery pack

The single largest cost in most repowers. LiFePO₄ pricing in 2026:

• DIY prismatic cells (CATL/Eve): €90–120/kWh for cells alone
• Pre-assembled marine pack (BMS included): €350–550/kWh installed
• Manufacturer-matched pack (e.g. Torqeedo): €500–700/kWh

For a 24 kWh pack (typical for a 35 ft boat with 3-hour range at 5 kn):

• DIY cells only: ~€2,500–3,000 (add BMS, enclosure, wiring: ~€1,500–2,500 more)
• Pre-assembled marine pack: €8,400–13,200
• Manufacturer-matched: €12,000–16,800

On-board charger

A 7–11 kW single-phase AC charger for 48 V:

• Victron MultiPlus-II 48/5000: €1,800–2,200 (includes inverter)
• Mastervolt ChargeMaster 48/25: €900–1,200 (charger only)
• Manufacturer-matched charger: typically bundled or €1,500–3,000

BMS

If not included in the battery pack:

• REC Active BMS (16S): €350–450
• Victron Lynx Smart BMS: €500–650
• Batrium Watchmon Core: €700–1,000

Monitoring and display

• Victron Cerbo GX + 7" touch display: €600–800
• Torqeedo TorqTrac display: included in Deep Blue system
• OceanVolt Energy Management unit: ~€800

Cables, fusing, and contactor

Often under-estimated. For a complete main circuit:

• 8–10 m of 70–95 mm² tinned marine cable (+ and −): €400–700
• ANL fuse holder + fuse (250–400 A): €80–150
• Main DC contactor (e.g. Gigavac GX14): €150–250
• Pre-charge circuit: €50–100
• Terminal lugs and crimping: €100–200

Subtotal cables/protection: €800–1,400

Installation labour

The most variable cost and the one most often omitted from online budget estimates:

• Saildrive swap (straightforward hull): 15–25 hours
• Inboard shaft drive (simple swap): 20–30 hours
• Complex routing, battery-box fabrication, new panel: 40–60 hours

At a European boatyard rate of €80–120/hour, installation labour alone runs €2,000–7,200 for most repowers.

What drives total cost above the estimate

Battery-box fabrication. If the boat doesn't have a suitable existing compartment for the battery (correct size, above waterline, ventilated), a custom fibreglass or aluminium box must be built. Budget €800–2,500.

Electrical panel upgrade. Many older boats have undersized DC panels that cannot accommodate the shore-power and charging loads of a new system. A full panel replacement costs €1,500–3,500 installed.

Prop replacement. The optimal propeller for electric drive (lower pitch, larger diameter, slower turning) differs from a typical diesel prop. A new folding or feathering prop sized for electric: €800–2,500.

Sea trial and commissioning. A reputable installer will charge 3–5 hours for commissioning, sea trial, and handover documentation. Budget €300–600.

DIY vs professional installation: the real trade-off

DIY component sourcing can save €8,000–15,000 on a mid-range repower. The cost is:

• Time: expect 150–300 hours for a first-time electric repower, including research, component specification, fabrication, and commissioning.
• Risk: a wiring error in a 48 V propulsion system can damage the motor controller (€3,000–6,000 to replace) or start a fire. DIY does not mean unchecked — have the electrical work inspected by a certified marine electrician before sea trials.
• Insurance: some European marine insurers require professional installation certification for full coverage. Check your policy before committing to a DIY approach.

Five-year total cost of ownership vs diesel

A diesel auxiliary refit (new engine + installation) typically costs €8,000–18,000. But operating costs favour electric decisively:

• Diesel fuel at €1.60/L, 100 engine hours/year: €480–800/year
• Electric equivalent at €0.25/kWh shore power: €75–150/year
• Diesel servicing (annual + 500h): €400–800/year
• Electric servicing (annual inspection): €100–200/year

Over five years, the running cost advantage of electric is approximately €4,000–7,000 — closing a meaningful portion of the upfront cost gap.