A fanatical angler, Schmidt used the electric motor to maneuver his boat silently. Needless to say, the idea caught on, and fresh and saltwater trolling motors are now ubiquitous boat accessories.

Lastly, an electric boat motor is lowered from inside the cabin ... But the ultimate goal, Aigars says, is an even more affordable DIY kit that can be put together with simple tools.

Hole-shot tests made clear the EP-250’s quick acceleration. When the brushless, permanent magnet electric motor engages, the boat just goes. Power steering eases the Legacy effortlessly into turns, ...