Gosun Elcat Review: Experience the Freedom of a Solar Electric Boat in 2024
Solar electric boats like the Gosun Elcat provide an energy efficient and eco-friendly way to enjoy boating without the noise and fumes of a gas motor. Read on to learn why the inflatable solar-powered Elcat is one of the world’s most innovative boats in 2024.
The Elcat from Gosun is shockingly affordable, energy efficient, and tons of fun. This solar electric boat provides a surprising amount of power and stability in a portable package. With the Elcat, you can enjoy a day on the water with zero emissions and very low operating costs.
Elcat Electric Boat
- Shockingly affordable solar-powered catamaran electric boat made in Europe
- Weighs just 250 lbs for portability
- Carries up to 6 adults at speeds up to 6 mph
- Solar charging extends range up to 15 miles
- Drop-stitch construction rivals carbon fiber boats
- Electric power is quiet, smooth, and emissions-free
- Great for lakes, coastlines, fishing, and fun
- Under $10k, a fraction of the cost of most electric boats
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What Makes the Elcat Electric Boat Special?
The Elcat sets itself apart from other electric boats in several ways:
- Innovative design: The Elcat combines a catamaran-style inflatable boat with an electric motor and lightweight solar panels to create one of the world’s most energy efficient boats.
- Portability: The inflatable Elcat only weighs 250 lbs and can be deflated to store in your car or garage. Setup and breakdown is fast and easy.
- Stability: The catamaran hull provides more stability than a traditional dinghy. The drop-stitch construction also adds rigidity.
- Affordability: Starting under $10,000, the Elcat costs a fraction of most electric boats. Operating costs are low too.
- Eco-friendly: Solar charged and zero emissions make this an environmentally sustainable electric boat.
So if you’re looking for an affordable, portable, stable, and eco-friendly electric boat, the Elcat checks all the boxes. Keep reading to learn more about its features and capabilities.
What Can the Gosun Elcat Do?
Despite its small size, the Elcat packs impressive performance:
- Carries up to 6 adults or 1,100 lbs
- Top speed of 6 knots or 6 mph
- Range of 10-13 miles on electric power
- Solar panels can extend range 2-3 miles per day
- Stable catamaran hull for safety
- Drop-stitch construction as tough as carbon fiber
- Measures 14′ 8″ long by 8′ wide
The Elcat’s 1.3kw electric motor provides surprising power. It can easily cruise at 4-5 mph all day and reach top speed when needed. For an inflatable, it handles well and tracks straight.
With seating for up to six adults, the Elcat has room for family and friends. The open layout leaves plenty of legroom too.
Despite its compact size, the Elcat can carry you across lakes or along coastlines for a full day on the water. Recharging overnight prepares it for another adventure.
What Makes This Inflatable Boat So Tough?
Inflatable boats often bring to mind flimsy pool toys. But the Elcat’s specialized drop-stitch construction makes this boat as tough as carbon fiber while keeping weight low.
Drop-stitch fabric uses thousands of connecting threads between the top and bottom layers. This creates a stiff, sturdy, rigid hull when inflated – far tougher than a typical inflatable.
Gosun reinforces this already rigid drop-stitch material using advanced lamination techniques. The result is a hull that rivals fiberglass or carbon fiber for resilience and abrasion resistance. Yet it inflates and deflates for easy storage and transport.
The Elcat’s six separate air chambers also add safety. If one is punctured, the other five keep the boat afloat. For even more confidence, the boat includes a 3 year warranty.
Why Choose a Solar-Powered Electric Boat?
Electric boats, powered by the sun, provide some nice advantages over gas-powered boats:
- Ultra-quiet: Enjoy the serenity of water without engine noise
- Eco-friendly: Reduce emissions and environmental impact
- Low maintenance: No oil changes, winterization, or tune-ups
- Lower cost: Electric motors cost less to operate than gas engines
- Easy to use: Smooth, quiet power at the turn of a key
You still get great performance with solar-charged electric power – but without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas. The Elcat gives you access to the freedom of boating without the hassle.
What Types of Boating is the Elcat Good For?
The versatile Elcat works well for:
- Cruising around lakes and coastal areas
- Fishing – electric motor doesn’t scare fish
- Watersports like tubing or water skiing
- Transportation to islands or beaches
- Exploring coves, inlets, marshes
- Camping excursions and overnight trips
- Roomy enough for families and groups
With adequate freeboard and 6 separate air chambers, the Elcat remains safe and stable even in choppy water. The lightweight hull simplifies launching and retrieving.
The electric motor offers reliable power all day. Just plug in overnight to recharge the batteries with solar power.
Some limitations to keep in mind – the open design provides little shelter from sun or rain. And the light-duty motor best handles flat water, not big waves or fast currents.
But for protected lakes and coastal waters, the Elcat shines. It provides an affordable, portable solar-powered boat well suited to a wide range of activities.
Why Gosun Stands Out for Solar Electric Boats
As an innovative electric boat startup, Gosun strives to make electric boating accessible to more people.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company was founded in 2016 by a group of engineers and designers. Their goal is to build high quality electric boats that break down the barriers of cost, portability, and usability.
Gosun boats feature purpose-built electric powertrains, not merely converted gas platforms. Combined with composite hull materials, this makes their boats lightweight and energy efficient.
In a sea of expensive, complicated electric boats, Gosun delivers simple, intuitive, well-designed electric boats at reasonable prices. The Elcat shows how electric boating can provide freedom, fun, and sustainability on the water.
Is the Elcat Right for You?
If you’re seeking an electric boat that’s:
- Energy efficient
- Lower cost to buy and operate
- Portable and easy to store
- Roomy enough for family and friends
- Stable and durable enough for lakes and coastal use
Then the Elcat checks all the boxes. Starting under $10,000, it brings the benefits of electric boating within reach of more people.
The Elcat makes boating simpler. No fuel, noise, or regular maintenance to worry about. Just charge it up and enjoy a day on the water with smooth, quiet electric cruising.
For even more amenities, Gosun offers the Elcat Splash model with a higher bow and center steering console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Gosun Elcat electric boat delivers an unmatched combination of affordability, performance, and environmental sustainability. With lightweight portability, spacious seating for up to six adults, and a surprisingly capable electric motor, the Elcat removes many of the barriers that have traditionally prevented people from experiencing the joys of electric boating.
It requires no trailer or dock space, needs minimal maintenance, and can be charged overnight using solar power. Made in Europe with advanced construction that rivals far more expensive boats, the Elcat makes green boating accessible.
If you’re seeking an inexpensive, eco-friendly, hassle-free way to enjoy days on the water with family and friends, the Gosun Elcat is quite simply the most compelling option available today.
