Clean Boating Product: the Electric Paddle

February 25, 2013 | by Peter Schrappen

While we remain focused on certifying boatyards as Clean and encouraging boaters to opt for non-copper paint, we couldn’t help but notice some of the innovative – and clean – offerings at the recently-concluded Seattle Boat Show. This year’s show was no exception when it came to fun gadgets and new products. One of the items that I enjoyed learning more about was the Electric Paddle that Linda Grez (owner and exhibitor) shared with me. We’re talking no emissions, electric and lightweight. A green win, win, win.

Electric Paddle is a newish company run by a husband-wife team. They had a great experience at the Show and left enthused that their offering was as well received as they had hoped. We were impressed, too.

Coming in at less than 16 pounds (that’s motor, propeller and battery together), this electric outboard is designed to get canoes, kayaks and dinghys moving at 2 to 3 knots. At the high setting, the battery should last 2 hours; at medium, it should last 4 hours. Recharge time is about 3 hours.

We like the Electric Paddle because it takes the chance of fuel spills into the water away, it cuts out the noise pollution on the water and it encourages smart power/energy management. Check them out at the Electric Paddle website.