Doncelli Classic Venetian Tour Boat
Gliding silently through the historic waterways of Amsterdam, this classic Venetian wooden tour boat has been elegantly transformed into a fully electric vessel, blending old-world charm with modern sustainability.
"It is more direct handling. You don't have to worry as much about shifting if you want you can go straight into reverse."
Prestige Boats Amsterdam
Motor power
10
kW
Battery capacity
20
kWh
Boat weight
2
tonnes
Boat length
9
meter
Read the story behind the showcase
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.
A new way of boating
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.
Benefits
Beyond the smoother operation, Stijn has enjoyed minimal maintenance and virtually no operational costs, making each journey stress-free.
The installation journey
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.
Would he recommend it? Absolutely!
Though an investment, switching to electric propulsion is cleaner, more efficient, and a step toward a sustainable future.
Final advice
For those considering the switch, Stijn has one key tip: ensure sufficient battery capacity if you plan to captain your vessel frequently!
