Harbour Master’s Verdict: Can an Electric RIB Deliver?

April 30 2026May 03 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Electric RIB with RAD Tested

While I’m not yet convinced that electric propulsion for motorboats is the future, I find its evolution worth following.

In Livington Harbor, senior harbour officer Gregory Patani evaluated a RAD-powered Ribcraft Rigid Inflatable Boat during intensive patrol operations.

Over several days, the crew conducted towing, river patrols, and daily harbour duties. Initial impressions were strongly positive.

The silent propulsion of this electric RIB improved communication with mooring holders and visitors without stopping or approaching closely. Manoeuvrability proved exceptional, with turns achieved within half a boat length.

The vessel reached 20 knots and delivered smooth, quiet performance. Battery life supported full working days, with overnight charging ensuring readiness.

He concludes the system suits commercial harbour operations.

This video was published on the RAD Propulsion YouTube channel.

There’s more to see here about this electric RAD propulsion system.

First Electric Ribcraft Pro 480 Powered by RAD

January 23 2026April 08 2026 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Electric Ribcraft Pro 480

I am absolutely in favor of innovation, but I remain far from convinced about using electric outboard motors.

The engineers have without any doubt my admiration and respect.

But at this stage, I see more drawbacks than advantages.

I have written an article discussing this topic in detail: Why an Electric Outboard Is Not the Better Choice Now.

This electric Ribcraft is fitted with the full RAD system. It features a console-integrated battery. The RAD 40 has 180° electric steering which is admirable.

Acceleration is immediate (as is with some EVs). Top speeds exceed 30 knots, though sustained performance depends on load, sea state, and throttle management of course.

And then there’s the claimed range of a full nine hours. It almost seems too good to be true.

I always wonder how this figure is calculated. Could it be also overestimated, similar to what we often see with electric cars?

Let’s see how the market reacts.

If anyone at Ribcraft or RAD reads my blogpost, I’m more than happy to spend 9 hours at sea with this combination.

As long as there is a RIB with a combustion engine nearby.

This video was published on the RAD Propulsion YouTube channel.

Want to see more Ribcraft videos, here they are. Also interested in RAD propulsion, get some info here

Specs

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The Unseen Cost of Clean Maritime

June 13 2025November 26 2025 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The Unseen Not-Mentioned Carbon Footprint

Claims of zero-emission maritime by midcentury sound more like wishful thinking than reality.

The global push for net zero conceals a significant paradox: the immense, often-ignored carbon footprint from manufacturing “green” technology.

Solar panels, windmills and batteries don’t appear from nowhere.

I’m not saying this as an activist. I’m all for technical innovations and all the people that make it happen.

Instead, I believe “net-zero” is a misleading concept and doesn’t address the full picture.

That’s why I think we need to move away from terms like “emission-free” and be more honest.

Saying something like: “We’ve worked hard to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions”—because that’s a goal people can trust.

Until we account for their entire lifecycle emissions, “net zero” remains a dangerously incomplete and potentially misleading environmental goal.

Two years ago I wrote this article: Why an Electric Outboard Is Not the Better Choice Now.

My opinion hasn’t changed since then.

(zoom in on the infographic)

RS Pulse 63 RAD Propelled Supports The Boat Race

May 02 2025November 29 2025 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

The RS Pulse 63 RAD Propelled Shines

RS Electric Boats were honoured to support the 2025 Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

They supported the race with two RS Pulse 63s. These boats were powered by RAD Propulsion (find out more about RAD).

The RS Pulse 63 RAD Propelled Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) joined the support fleet. This is the first time they were included.

This is a positive step towards a more sustainable future for this historic event.

I dropped more videos on this RIB brand: The RS Pulse 63.

This video was published on the RS Electric Boats YouTube channel.

You can find more info of the RS Pulse in this post. Check out the specs.

Testing the Electric Powered Highfield 420

April 10 2025November 29 2025 Karel Overlaet, RIB Advocate

Real-World Electric Test

The Aqua Electric team tested the Pure Watercraft Highfield 420 Rigid Inflatable Boat.

The test took place in Seattle. Bruno from The Green Boater was with them.

They explored the RIB’s simple controls, powerful instant torque, and impressively quiet motor.

It uses modular, removable 8.8 kWh high-voltage battery packs built in Seattle.

The boat features a trim graph for precision and a large prop for efficient propulsion.

Pure Watercraft’s team culture is rooted in a passion for rowing, sailing, and making boating more sustainable and enjoyable.

Proud to share that Highfield is a good Friend of RIBs ONLY.

Exploring the future of energy in boating—check out more details I’ve posted on it: What about electricity and hydrogen

This video was published on the Aqua Lectric YouTube channel.

Specs

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