Why it may be time for the “hybrid” outboard

In inboard engines, the hybrid is no longer in the news. But among outboards, however, there is a vast wasteland to explore. In a boating world that wants to impact less, but where large engines still struggle (and not a little) to be able to be 100 percent electric, what about the giant outboard market that, with rare exceptions, is now all perforce endothermic in these times of “green” transition?

The hybrid outboard

For now there are no certainties, but we can speculate. At a recent Honda presentation, we heard from top managers at the European level about the future of outboard propulsion. The Japanese giant has set its sights on leadership in the marine market, and to do so it is banking on major investments and, above all, on the enormous technological power this brand has in automotive.

It was reiterated several times during the conference how such a behemoth could benefit from all the know-how derived from the automotive industry. Unfortunately, we were not given any further details, but thinking about the very strengths of Honda cars, the question arises: are we about to see the first hybrid outboard in history?

Indeed, the time may be ripe, although, from a technical point of view, we understand that the difficulties are incredible. We can only speculate, but regardless of the technology used (series or parallel), it would mean having to install a heat engine and an electric motor in the body of the same outboard. To “save” space, the electric motor would save the starter motor and alternator, and could take the place of the gearbox assembly, somewhat as in some full-hybrid cars it simplifies the gearbox. However, it would remain a far from simple task to optimize volume and, above all, weight. A feature that is definitely critical in an outboard placed at the extreme stern.

Why make great hybrid outboards

This makes us think that such a technology, certainly expensive, would be dedicated to high power: a segment with greater growth, more economic margin, and installable on hulls that suffer less from weight variations. On the other hand, it could bring to a large number of new boats born for outboards those advantages now the preserve of electric boats or those with inboard engines, the only candidates to mount hybrid solutions currently on the market. Think of Marine Protected Areas or where stringent regulations apply, such as some lakes or Venice. For that matter, all areas where the average expenditure for new units is generally very high and could absorb the surcharge without too much trouble. From the point of view of use, on the other hand, compared to a pure electric, the thermal/electric combo on a planing hull would allow overall weights to be kept down, relying on a much more compact battery. And we will never tire of remarking how crucial the power-to-weight ratio is on planing hulls.

This means making a cruise/crossing at a good speed with the thermal engine recharging the battery, once you get to the area you proceed at low speed and absolute silence with the electric motor, and then return with the thermal, recharging the batteries again, without the anxiety of running out of range. In short, while it is true that there are very few certainties, expectations – and curiosity – are very high. We just have to wait…