Integrated Design of a High-Performance, Low-Voltage Electric Marine Outboard with Remote Control Capabilities

Abstract

While electrification has transformed automotive transportation, the marine industry—particularly in high-power recreational and commercial applications—continues to lag behind. Gasoline-powered outboards remain the standard, despite their high emissions, noise, and maintenance demands. This thesis presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a high-performance, low-voltage electric marine outboard system tailored to fill this market and environmental gap. The system can deliver 20 kW of continuous shaft power at a nominal voltage of 55 V, integrating a dual-motor drivetrain, liquid-cooled inverters, and a modular 6.5 kWh battery pack within a corrosion-resistant, water-tight frame. The design also includes a long-range wireless control interface with video feedback and autonomous steering capabilities, laying the groundwork for unmanned and fully autonomous operation. Finite element analysis and physical testing verified the system’s mechanical stiffness, electrical performance, and thermal reliability. Compared to commercial offerings, the final system provides superior power-to-weight ratio and significantly reduced installation complexity. This work demonstrates the feasibility of compact, modular electric propulsion for a broad range of marine applications and serves as a platform for future development in scalable and autonomous electric boating.