EP-5 Electric Outboard – Remote Throttle Control EP-5 Electric

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EP-5 Electric Outboard – Remote Throttle Control EP-5 Electric

Original price was: $6,000.00.Current price is: $5,500.00.

Elco EP-5 Electric Outboard

The Elco EP-5 Electric Outboard is a compact 5 HP-equivalent electric boat motor designed for small watercraft where quiet, low-maintenance propulsion is important. Elco rates the EP-5 as comparable to a conventional 5 HP gasoline outboard, with 3.0 kW of continuous power, a 24 V electrical system and 98 lb of static thrust.

The EP-5 is designed for dinghies, small tenders, trailerable sailboats and other lightweight boats. Elco offers the motor with either tiller or remote control and with short- or long-shaft configurations, allowing the installation to be matched to the boat’s transom.

Key Features

  • 5 HP comparable electric propulsion
  • 3.0 kW continuous power
  • 24 V nominal battery voltage
  • 20–35 V operating range
  • 125 A maximum continuous battery current
  • 98 lb static thrust
  • Brushless PMAC motor
  • Water-cooled motor
  • Up to 5,500 RPM
  • 2.08:1 lower-unit gear ratio
  • 3-blade 7.5-inch × 7-inch propeller
  • 65 lb outboard weight
  • Short- and long-shaft configurations
  • Tiller or remote throttle control
  • Side-mount or top-mount remote throttle options
  • Elco DASH app and optional NMEA 2000 connectivity
  • Manual trim/tilt with optional electric trim-and-tilt equipment

5 HP Electric Outboard Performance

The EP-5 provides electric propulsion comparable to a 5 HP gasoline outboard. Elco’s current specification lists 3.0 kW of continuous power and 98 lb of static thrust. The manufacturer also lists a 3–6 HP replacement range.

The brushless PMAC motor delivers consistent electric torque across its operating range, while the water-cooled design helps manage motor temperature. Elco’s technical documentation also describes protection against overspeed, overload, temperature, over-voltage and over-current conditions.

24 Volt Electric Propulsion

The EP-5 operates on a 24 V nominal battery system, with a manufacturer-listed operating range of 20–35 V. Maximum continuous battery current is 125 A and Elco suggests approximately 90–150 Ah of battery capacity.

The 24 V architecture gives buyers several battery configuration choices. Elco currently lists a two-battery 12 V/110 Ah AGM package and a 24 V/100 Ah lithium iron phosphate option.

Battery Options

Battery selection should be based on the intended cruising time, boat load and available charging infrastructure. Elco lists 12 V/110 Ah AGM batteries in a two-battery configuration as well as a 24 V/100 Ah lithium iron phosphate battery option for the EP-5.

Battery capacity affects available runtime, but actual range varies with throttle setting, hull design, displacement, wind, current, propeller and operating conditions. For this reason, the battery should be planned as part of the complete propulsion system rather than selected from motor horsepower alone.

Designed for Small Boats

Elco lists the EP-5 for boats up to approximately 8 feet in length and approximately 350 lb in boat weight under its current specification.

The motor is therefore suited to lightweight applications such as small tenders, dinghies and other compact craft. Always check the boat manufacturer’s transom rating and maximum outboard specification before installation.

Brushless PMAC Motor

The EP-5 uses a brushless permanent-magnet AC (PMAC) motor. Elco’s technical material describes the motor as more than 90% efficient and designed for consistent power throughout the speed range.

Because the propulsion system is electric, there is no gasoline fuel system or combustion exhaust at the motor. Routine maintenance requirements are different from those of a gasoline outboard, although the lower unit, propeller, electrical connections and cooling system still require appropriate inspection and care.

Water-Cooled Design

The EP-5 uses water cooling to manage motor operating temperature. Elco’s technical documentation identifies the water-cooled system as a feature intended to prevent overheating.

As with other marine outboards, keep the cooling-water passages clear and follow Elco’s maintenance and operating guidance. Regular inspection is especially important when operating in shallow or debris-filled water.

Tiller or Remote Throttle

The EP-5 can be configured with a tiller throttle or remote throttle. Elco currently offers side-mount and top-mount Livorsi remote throttle packages, each using a 16-foot throttle cable and incorporating a key switch and motor cut-off switch.

A tiller configuration is useful where the operator controls the motor directly from the stern, while remote controls can be better suited to a console installation. Choose the control arrangement based on the boat layout and steering system.

Short and Long Shaft Options

The EP-5 is available in both short- and long-shaft configurations. Elco’s current guidance recommends a long shaft when the boat’s transom is 15 inches or longer.

Configuration Manufacturer dimension
Short shaft transom height 17.15 in
Short shaft overall 18.5 × 11 × 41 in
Long shaft transom height 22.15 in
Long shaft overall 18.5 × 11 × 46 in

These dimensions come from Elco’s published EP-5 specification.

Propeller and Lower Unit

The current EP-5 specification lists a 3-blade 7.5-inch × 7-inch propeller and a 2.08:1 lower-unit gear ratio.

Propeller selection affects acceleration, efficiency and load carrying. Use Elco-compatible propeller specifications when replacing the propeller instead of choosing a generic propeller solely by diameter and pitch.

Trim and Tilt

Elco’s current EP-5 product configuration offers an optional Panther Model 40 electric trim-and-tilt kit. The system allows the motor to be raised and lowered remotely.

The original EP-5 technical specification identifies manual trim and tilt as the standard configuration, with electric equipment available separately.

Connectivity and Monitoring

The EP-5 can be integrated with Elco’s digital monitoring ecosystem. Elco offers a DASH Bluetooth connector that allows a compatible iOS or Android device to function as a dashboard, while an optional NMEA 2000 gateway can connect the motor to compatible marine navigation equipment.

Elco’s current product information states that NMEA 2000 connectivity can connect the motor to navigation displays, while the DASH system provides wireless monitoring. Compatibility depends on the installed gateway, display and NMEA 2000 network.

Battery Monitoring

Elco offers a Victron BMV-700 battery monitor for the EP-5 system. Battery monitoring can provide information about voltage, power consumption, amp-hours used and state of charge, helping operators understand available energy during a trip.

For an electric outboard, accurate battery monitoring is particularly useful because available operating time depends on battery capacity and real-time power consumption rather than a fuel-tank gauge.

Quiet, Low-Maintenance Boating

Elco describes its EP-5 as a quiet alternative to gasoline propulsion, with clean operation and lower routine maintenance requirements compared with traditional gas motors. Its technical material highlights consistent power, water cooling and multiple electronic protection systems.

The lack of direct combustion exhaust also makes electric propulsion useful for applications where reduced noise and cleaner operation are important, including small tenders, dinghies and recreational boating.

Technical Specifications

Specification Elco EP-5
Comparable gasoline rating 5 HP
Continuous power 3.0 kW
Nominal battery voltage 24 VDC
Operating voltage 20–35 V
Maximum continuous current 125 A
Motor Brushless PMAC
Cooling Water cooled
Static thrust 98 lb
Maximum RPM 5,500 RPM
Suggested battery capacity 90–150 Ah
Propeller 3-blade, 7.5 × 7 in
Lower-unit gear ratio 2.08:1
Comparable HP range 3–6 HP
Suggested boat length Up to 8 ft
Suggested boat weight Approximately 350 lb
Outboard weight 65 lb

Specifications are based on Elco’s current EP-5 product information and published technical documentation.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Confirm the boat’s maximum outboard rating and transom requirements.
  • Measure the transom before selecting short or long shaft.
  • Choose a 24 V battery configuration compatible with the EP-5.
  • Plan battery capacity around the expected cruising time and load.
  • Select tiller or remote throttle based on the boat’s control layout.
  • Consider electric trim and tilt if frequent shallow-water operation is expected.
  • Consider a battery monitor for better state-of-charge visibility.
  • Use compatible Elco battery cables, protection and charging equipment.

Compare Electric Outboard Motors

If you are comparing the EP-5 with other electric outboard motors, compare continuous power, battery voltage, battery capacity, thrust, shaft length, motor weight and control configuration rather than horsepower-equivalent ratings alone.

For compatibility, battery selection or installation questions, contact the Performance Engines team before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much horsepower is the Elco EP-5?

The Elco EP-5 is rated as comparable to a 5 HP gasoline outboard, with a manufacturer-listed replacement range of approximately 3–6 HP.

What voltage does the EP-5 use?

The EP-5 uses a 24 V nominal battery system and has a manufacturer-listed operating range of 20–35 V.

How much battery capacity does the EP-5 need?

Elco suggests approximately 90–150 Ah of battery capacity. Its current product page lists a 12 V/110 Ah AGM two-battery package and a 24 V/100 Ah lithium iron phosphate option.

Is the Elco EP-5 water cooled?

Yes. The EP-5 uses a water-cooled system designed to help prevent overheating.

Does the EP-5 come with a tiller or remote throttle?

The EP-5 is available with either tiller or remote control. Elco offers side-mount and top-mount remote throttle packages as well as short- and long-shaft configurations.

How much does the EP-5 weigh?

Elco’s current specification lists the EP-5 outboard at 65 lb. The complete installed system will weigh more after the battery, charger, controls and other equipment are included.