GM Debuts Electric Boat at Miami Show
Under the name Forward Marine, General Motors debuted a fully electric pontoon boat at the Miami International Show, Feb 14, 2019. The naval architect-designed tritoon hull is made so that the center hull is wider to accept the inboard motor and batteries. It uses a standard Volvo outdrive. The 200 hp rated motor and 60 kWh battery are the same used in the Chevy Bolt with some added marinization. GM designed a closed cooling system that runs lines the length of the center pontoon.
The vessel weighs about 4700 lbs, LOA is 24′, cargo capacity 1,500 lbs, motor. Top speed is 20+ mph. Overnight charging can be done with 240V or longer recharging with 120V. According to the runtime curve provided by Forward Marine, 20 mph full throttle depletes batteries in just over an hour and running at 5 knots allows 12 hours.
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