Dino Celli Classic Venetian Tour Boat

Meet Stijn from Prestige Boats Amsterdam, a 22-year-old boat captain, who has embraced electric propulsion with his Italian Doncelli water taxi – a sleek, 9-meter vessel weighing 2000 kg.

Navigating the famous Amsterdam canals, Stijn made the switch to electric propulsion out of necessity for his tour permit. But what began as a requirement quickly transformed into a game-changer for his boating experience.

Since installing the electric motor, Stijn describes the experience as more direct and effortless. No need to worry about shifting gears – instant reverse is possible at any moment. And perhaps the biggest delight? The absolute silence while cruising.

Beyond the smoother operation, Stijn has enjoyed minimal maintenance and virtually no operational costs, making each journey stress-free.

The transition wasn’t without challenges – initially planning to install the motor beneath the floor, Stijn faced excessive pressure on the propeller shaft. A quick adjustment to a forward-mounted setup solved the issue, and now the boat performs flawlessly.

Though an investment, switching to electric propulsion is cleaner, more efficient, and a step toward a sustainable future.

For those considering the switch, Stijn has one key tip: ensure sufficient battery capacity if you plan to captain your vessel frequently!