30-foot sailboat electric repower
Sized for typical 30-footers around 4–5 t displacement targeting 5–6 knots under power.
What this segment looks like
Why a 30 ft sailboat is a sensible repower target
A 30-foot cruising sailboat is the sweet spot for electric repower. Displacement is usually under 5 tonnes, hull speed sits around 6.5 kn, and a 10–15 kW continuous motor gives plenty of headroom for harbour manoeuvres and a calm-day passage at 5 kn.
- 10 kW continuous handles 5 kn easily; 15 kW gives reserve for short sprints and current.
- 48 V is the practical default — keeps cable runs reasonable and stays inside ABYC consumer limits.
- 12–18 kWh of LiFePO4 fits forward of the existing engine bay on most 30-footers.
- Saildrive replacements (e.g. Bukh, Volvo MD2) bolt up cleanly with adapter plates.
Related sizing guides
A practical guide to choosing 6, 8, 10, 15, or 25 kW for auxiliary electric propulsion—based on boat size, displacement, and target speed.
How to size battery energy for cruising, daily sailing, or hybrid use—without getting surprised by reserve, DoD limits, and charge time.
Practical sizing guidance for DIY sailors.
Different boat?
Size your 30 ft sailboat now
Wizard pre-filled with realistic defaults for this segment. Free to run; PDF from €29.