Can you convert a sailboat to electric propulsion without major modifications? That was the question facing the owner of a First 25 who regularly sails in the Gulf of Morbihan, France.
Tired of the noise, maintenance and inconvenience of her combustion engine, she wanted a quieter, simpler and more reliable propulsion solution. But questions about range, performance and installation complexity made the switch to electric feel like a big step.
After exploring several options, she chose the TEMO OUTPOD·3000, a retractable 3 kW electric propulsion system. And unexpectedly, she even managed to install it herself in just one weekend!
The Boat: A First 25 Sailing in the Gulf of Morbihan
Boat model: First 25
Manufacturer: Beneteau
Boat type: Coastal cruising sailboat
Sailing area: Gulf of Morbihan, France
Electric propulsion: TEMO OUTPOD·3000
Installation: Completed by the owner
The First 25 is a compact cruising sailboat designed for coastal adventures. In the Gulf of Morbihan, where tidal currents can be particularly strong, having a reliable auxiliary motor with sufficient power is essential for maneuvering and motoring when needed.
For its owner, the goal was clear: replace her combustion engine with an efficient electric propulsion system without making major modifications to the boat.
Why Switch to Electric Propulsion on a Sailboat?
As a regular sailor, she was familiar with the drawbacks of a combustion engine: noise, maintenance, fuel handling and the inconvenience of operating a traditional outboard on a small sailboat.
She had already explored several electric alternatives but struggled to find the right solution.
Electric outboards with integrated batteries seemed too bulky for her First 25. Meanwhile, fixed electric POD systems required more extensive installation work than she wanted to undertake.
She needed a compact electric motor with enough power to handle the Gulf of Morbihan's currents, while also being easy to retract when sailing to avoid unnecessary drag.
That's when she discovered TEMO's electric propulsion solutions.
Why Choose the OUTPOD·3000 for a First 25?
The First 25 has one significant advantage: an existing motor well, making it very easy to integrate the OUTPOD.
Thanks to its retractable design, the motor can also be lifted completely out of the water while sailing, eliminating the drag of a permanently submerged lower unit.
The next question was choosing the right power.
While the OUTPOD·1000 might have been suitable for more sheltered waters, its 1 kW output seemed insufficient for the wind and tidal currents regularly encountered in the Gulf of Morbihan.
After discussing her sailing requirements with the TEMO team, the owner selected the 3 kW OUTPOD·3000, providing a more suitable power reserve for maneuvering and navigating challenging conditions.
Choosing the right electric motor isn't just about boat size. Sailing conditions and how the motor will actually be used are equally important.
A Plug & Play Installation Completed in Just One Weekend!
Initially, the owner had limited knowledge of electric propulsion and plenty of questions about reliability and installation.
Conversations with TEMO's sales team helped her understand the system and gain confidence in her project.
TEMO also lent her a test motor, allowing her to check the installation feasibility directly on her First 25 using the existing motor well.
Thanks to the OUTPOD's Plug & Play design, pre-wired components and supplied installation templates, she was able to complete the installation in a single weekend.
A great example of how, with the right system and technical support, converting a sailboat to electric propulsion can be much easier than expected.
What Electric Propulsion Setup and Performance Does This First 25 Achieve?
To meet her sailing needs, the owner paired the OUTPOD·3000 with a high-capacity battery from TEMO's partner Powertech.
Installed configuration:
Electric propulsion: TEMO OUTPOD·3000
Motor power: 3100 W
Battery Powertech – 5,380 Wh / 105 Ah
Battery capacity: 5.38 kWh
Onboard charger: 350 W / 7 A
This setup highlights the flexibility of TEMO's electric propulsion systems, which can be paired with compatible third-party batteries to match each sailor's energy requirements.
With 5.38 kWh of battery capacity, the Powertec system provides a substantial energy reserve for coastal sailing while ensuring sufficient power is available when conditions become more demanding.
And the results on the water speak for themselves: the First 25 reaches 4 knots while drawing approximately 350 W, under the conditions of this test.
This demonstrates an important advantage of electric propulsion: a 3 kW motor doesn't constantly consume 3,000 W. At moderate speeds, power consumption can remain relatively low, helping preserve battery range.
Actual range naturally depends on speed, wind, currents and sea conditions.
The owner is also considering adding solar panels in the future to expand her charging options and increase energy independence.
From Combustion to Electric: A New Sailing Experience
This case study shows that replacing a combustion engine with electric propulsion on a small sailboat doesn't necessarily require major modifications.
Thanks to the First 25's existing motor well, the retractable OUTPOD·3000 design and its Plug & Play installation, this sailor successfully completed her electric conversion in just one weekend.
She now enjoys quiet, easy-to-use electric propulsion suited to the sailing conditions of the Gulf of Morbihan.
A great illustration of TEMO's philosophy: developing efficient, accessible electric propulsion solutions designed around the real needs of boaters.
Thinking about converting your sailboat to electric propulsion or replacing your combustion engine? Contact the TEMO team to find the right solution for your boat and sailing plans.
