electric wooden boat

Quality Electric Boats since 1987
two sizes of electric wooden boats

Quiet Electric Power:
Electric boats are nothing new, many have been around for well over a century and cherished by generations. Being absolutely quiet and pollution free, they create an intimate atmosphere unattained by other vessels. Our Boats blend time honored design with proven modern components and building methods to create beautiful hand crafted boats--each one built to special order.

electric wooden boat

Elegant Simplicity:
Elegance is reflected not only in its lines but also in its simplicity and practicality. It's unique cockpit, which comfortably seats passengers facing each other, is designed for conversation. Steering is accomplished by a convenient side-mount tiller while proper instrumentation gives a quick and accurate reading of battery load and remaining capacity. A specially crafted single lever control regulates the boat's speed and the forward/reverse direction, making operation extremely easy.

electric wooden boat with canopy

Elegant Practicality:
We pay particular attention to practicality; seating is comfortable, storage areas are ample and convenient, and all docking cleats are easily accessed from inside the cockpit. Full running lights and interior courtesy lights make evening and night operation particularly pleasurable. Simply unplug the charger, flip on the key and silently glide away. Our electric boats offer a unique perspective to power boating. Enjoy a tranquil cruise in the still morning waters, fish your favorite hole or noiselessly bird watch. Take in a colorful sunset or visit friends across the water, in style. What ever you do, as soon as you leave the dock, you will immediately be aware of the nature around you and the company with you.

cruising in an electric wooden boat

Responsive
Even at low throttle, the boat is very responsive. As you speed up, motor noise and vibration are almost imperceptible. Any tensions start to disappear as you lean back and head out across the water. Birds don't scatter as you approach and you're aware of the natural sights and sounds that you never noticed before. The world is gliding by, not flying by and you can keep going like this for hours--the Energizer® Bunny was never so cool.

socializing in an electric wooden boat

Perfect for those social occasions
More than anything, the Lightning Bug is an ideal social boat. Because it's so quiet, conversations can be conducted at normal levels. The driver's controls are convenient and unobtrusive - demanding very little attention. It's just you and the company you, fresh air and the water. And...on a calm, moonlit night...well, it's perfect!

electric wooden boat

People buy our boats because of how they look—but they use them because of what they are—quiet, precise, passionate.
For twelve years, we have been building some of the finest electric boats available.
Our boats are crafted one at a time by people who love their job.
They range in size from fifteen to twenty-two feet and in price from $16,300 to $75,000.
Their virtually silent operation provides up to eight hours running time and top speeds of six to eight knots.
"Refueling" is as simple as plugging in a cord.
Our waiting list is often long. To find out why, please continue reading.

For more information,
contact:
Mike Lapierre
Back Country Journal
800-866- 3140
Click here for more information

Two Models:

The Lightning Bug
Detailed Craftsmanship Starting At $16,900

The 15' Lightning Bug has been considered the jewel of electric boats ever since we started making them in 1987. The Lightning Bug offers comfortable seating for four adults and a wide variety of options. Each boat is handcrafted and customized to meet your individual needs. While the boat was primarily designed for sheltered waters, it is surprisingly seaworthy in the event of a quick weather change or when handling large wakes from passing larger boats. Whether you're looking for a quiet, durable and dependable boat or need a beautiful yacht tender that compliments your tastes, the Lightning Bug continues to be the boat of choice for discriminating owners around the world.

Specifications:
     Length: 15' overall, Length at waterline: 14'6"
    Beam: 4' 3"
    Draft: 14" (loaded)
    Weight: aprox. 525 lbs. depending on options
    Capacity: 4 persons
    Power: 700 watt, 24 volt electric motor
    Top Speed: 6.1 mph (top), 5.5 mph (cruising)
    Running Time: 4.5 hours @top speed, 5-6 hours @cruising speed
       Note: Using the main battery bank, the optional reserve battery banks adds 40% additional run time.

Choice of mahogany or painted hull

The hull of our all mahogany Lightning Bug is constructed with two layers of 1/8-inch cedar inner laminates followed by an outer mahogany laminate. The area below the waterline is covered with fiberglass while the inside is completely sealed with epoxy. The result is a 100% watertight, strong yet lightweight boat. The Lightning Bug is also available in a variety of hull colors. A painted hull is built of three layers of 1/8-inch cedar diagonal planking. We then fiberglass the entire outside of the hull before hand fairing and finishing with super durable awl-grip paint - a beautiful compliment to the exquisite wood decks and interior.

Choice of Mahogany or Ash Decks

While the majority of our decks are built from the finest hand picked mahogany, an ash deck gives the Lightning Bug a distinctly different yet classic look. An ash deck has pleasing golden yellow color and is a bit harder than mahogany.

Variety of Options

The Lightning Bug also comes with wide variety of options including a built in cooler, stereo system and a canopy which installs quickly and simply - the top lowers to deck height when traveling.

Lightning Bug Electric Launch
Mahogany Hull......$ 17,400
Painted Hull.......$ 16,900
Painted Hull w/mahogany sheer planks....$ 17,600
mahogany decks or ash decks
Built-in aft deck cooler....$ 440
Gold leaf (23 carat) lettering in name....$ 190
Reserve battery bank.... $ 650
Lifting eyes...$ 290
Canopy top....$ 1650
Full depth keel.......$350
Stereo CD system.....$860

PAYMENT TERMS: 1/3 total price deposit with order (if anticipated delivery is more than one year out, a $2000 deposit holds a building slot with the remainder of the first 1/3 deposit due before construction begins). 1/3 total price when hull is finished, less paint or varnish. Final 1/3 payment before delivery. Custom work is available on a time and materials basis at a rate of $35.00 per hour. Delivery is available at a rate of $1.20 per road mile, one way, in excess of 100 (the first 100 miles from our North Carolina facility are free).

ACCESSORIES for LIGHTNING BUG
(Options should be ordered with boat, accessories can be added later)
OPTIONS for LIGHTNING BUG BOATS:

BUILT-IN AFTDECK COOLER $440

Cooler installed in aft deck, accessed by a hatch. Perfect for entertaining.holds approximately two bags of ice and eight to twelve drinks. Connected to an overboard drain.no need to empty ice. Our most popular option.

GOLD LEAF (23 carat) LETTERING IN NAME $190

Hand applied by a local craftsman. A hand painted name is included with the boat price, we only charge extra if gold leaf is requested. Also available are 3. state registration numbers: 23k. gold foil: $110, colored vinyl: $70

RESERVE BATTERY BANK $630

A second bank of batteries (48 amp hrs.) installed under the aft seat.gives an additional 1½ to 3 hours running time. Mainly used when the boat is to be used for longer than four hours without recharging. The system includes a separate charger and monitoring gage for each battery bank.

LIFTING EYES $290

Used for cable lift systems in a boathouse or at a dock. This option is not needed if the boat is to be lifted using a more common under-boat lift.

CANOPY TOP $1650

For that .Turn of the Century. look. A nine-foot long canopy of Sunbrella fabric with a wood framework and mahogany poles. One person can install it in less than five minutes.has an overhead courtesy and running lights built in.

FULL DEPTH KEEL $350

Provides additional protection to the running gear (propeller and rudder) when grounding is expected, such as in coastal areas and shallow rivers. It also allows the boat to be beached (pulled up on shore). This keel will make the boat ride 4. higher on a trailer and consequently a bit more difficult to trailer launch from
shallow boat ramps.

STEREO CD SYSTEM $860

A hidden six-speaker system designed to surround you with sound while at the same time not distract from the classic look of the Lightning Bug.s interior. A remote volume control is located next to the driver.s controls.

ACCESSORIES and COVERS for LIGHTNING BUG BOATS

FOLDING COCKPIT TABLE.OILED TEAK $380, VARNISHED MAHOGANY $480

A small folding table for drinks or hors d.oeuvres. It can easily be removed and stored under the fore deck. Another very popular item. The mahogany table includes a cushioned cloth storage bag (also available with the teak table for $30).

MAGIC TILT TRAILER $890

A 1200 lb. capacity welded trailer custom built for the .Lightning Bug.. Equipped with extra long bunks, jack stand, bearing protectors, winch and tie downs. Has twelve-inch wheels for easy maneuverability. A 1 7/8. ball hitch is standard but another size can be substituted. Our top quality trailer.

LOAD-RITE TRAILER $650

An 800 lb. capacity trailer equipped with a jack stand, winch and tie downs. Has twelve-inch wheels and a 1 7/8. ball hitch. Although not as rugged as the Magic Tilt, this trailer is perfectly suitable when trailering distances are short or for winter storage.

VINYL DOCKING FENDERS $20 per 2

Taylor 3 ½. X 13. soft white protective fenders. Practical and inexpensive. Larger sizes are available.

HAND-KNOTTED SOFT COTTON FENDERS $120 per 2

Classic knotted 4. diameter fenders. The craftsmanship which go into these fenders is impressive.

EXTRA SET OF CUSHIONS $460

This is becoming a popular request. Some people get an extra set of vinyl cushions for use when fishing or taking the pets out for a spin. The price is the same for either Sunbrella® or vinyl.

HANDHELD CORDLESS SPOTLIGHT $70

The 24-volt operating system of the boat makes a conventional spotlight difficult to accommodate. This 300,000 candle power cordless light is a practical and convenient solution. It recharges with any 110 volt outlet.

DUAL BATTERY BANKS AND ONBOARD CHARGERS:

The Absorbed Glass Mat batteries used in the Phantom are completely sealed-unlike standard batteries, they never require water and don't give off any dangerous gasses. The onboard automatic chargers operate with any standard 110 volt outlet and are specifically designed to match the battery bank size and type. At 80% power, the boats will operate for 5 hours on the main bank and 2 hours on the reserve. Each bank is individually monitored to give an accurate indication of charge remaining. A larger battery bank is available as an option.

COVERS:

TRAILERING COVER $450

Outside storage cover of Sunbrella marine fabric complete with cockpit support slats to keep the rain from pooling. This cover extends down to the waterline and has a zipper at the stem and rope ties along the bottom to hold it snugly to the hull. Very quick and easy to put on.

N-WATER DECK COVER $490

A specially fitted Sunbrella cover, which allows access to the cleats and chocks of the boat. It extends eight inches below the sheer and is held in place during high winds with soft lead weighted rope sewn inside its bottom edge. A crosswise zipper located in the cockpit area draws the cover tight without having to access the
ends of the boat. Also includes cockpit support slats and rope tie loops. It can be used for trailering but the entire hull will not be covered.

N-WATER DECK COVER FOR BOATS WITH A CANOPY $540

Same In-water cover as above with the addition of Velcro-tabbed cutouts for the canopy poles.

N-WATER FULL COVER $540

Very similar to the in-water deck cover, i.e., cleat and chock access, soft lead rope weight, support slats, and crosswise cockpit zipper, but it extends down to the waterline to protect mahogany hulled boats from the sun. It is perfectly suitable for trailering.

N-WATER FULL COVER FOR BOATS WITH CANOPY $590

Same In-water cover as above with the addition of Velcro-tabbed cutouts for the canopy poles.

LIFT COVER $490

This cover extends down to the waterline and is typicallyused when the boat is stored on an under-boat lift. It is held in place by soft lead rope sewn along its bottom edge and is drawn tight to the hull with a crosswise zipper located in the cockpit area. Also includes cockpit support slats and rope tie loops. No cleat or
chock access but it is perfectly suitable for trailering. It can be modified to access lifting eyes.

LIFT COVER FOR BOATS WITH A CANOPY $540

Same as the Lift cover above with the addition of Velcro-tabbed cutouts for the canopy poles. Note: The above covers are all typically made using gray Sunbrella® marine fabric, with a navy blue transom panel and a sewn in red trailering safety flag. Other colors could be substituted at an additional cost.

ELASTIC COVER $170

An economical soft canvas cover perfect for inside storage. It has a contrasting color at the transom to make it easy to identify front from back. Equipped with eyelets for tie down ropes but because it is not a tailored
fit, the cover may billow some if trailered at high speeds.

For more information,
Contact:
Mike Lapierre
Back Country Journal
800-866-3140
Click here for more information

Photos:

For more information,
Contact:
Mike Lapierre
Back Country Journal
800-866-3140
Click here for more information

The Phantom

SPECIFICATIONS:
Length overall: 21' 6", Length at waterline: 20' 10"
Beam: 6' 1"
Draft: 1' 7"
Freeboard: 1' 10" (midship)
Cockpit Length: 9' 3"
Power: 4.8 Kw (7 HP), 48Volt Battery Banks: Main: (4) 4D 210 Ahr, Reserve: (4) G31 105 Ahr Seating: Cockpit: 6-8 adults, Optional Mother-in-Law seat: 1-3 children

Phantom hull

STANDARD EQUIPMENT and FEATURES:
SPECIALLY DESIGNED HULL WITH BOXED KEEL:

The Phantom was designed from the ground up specifically for electric power. Its unique boxed keel holds the main battery bank and motor, keeping the weight centered and down low in the boat and making for a very stable and comfortable ride, even through choppy conditions. The keel affords excellent protection for the propeller and rudder, allowing the boat to be safely beached. Also, because the keel ends well ahead of the rudder, the boat tracks and turns beautifully. The hull is constructed of three layers of vacuum laminated cedar. Then it is completely fiberglassed, laboriously hand faired and sprayed with polyurethane paint. The transom is of varnished mahogany. (All mahogany hulls are also available).

EXQUISITELY CRAFTED MAHOGANY DECKS AND INTERIOR:

The detail and craftsmanship that go into every boat is what makes them so special. We'll let the pictures do the talking:

CUSTOM BRONZE LIGHTS AND HARDWARE:

The lighting and hardware for the boats are custom fabricated for us by foundries in England. The bronze fittings are available either chrome plated or they can be left alone to mature to a beautiful natural patina. As an option, they are also available gold plated, which gives a highly polished look without the work.

TEAK FLOORING AND BOARDING STEPS:

Oiled teak provides an elegant yet practical solution for these high wear areas. Two boarding steps are located at the ends of the side seats. For extra security, a removable boarding pole easily attaches to these steps.

BUILT-IN AFT DECK COOLER:

The cooler is located just behind the aft seat and is accessed by a deck hatch. It holds two to three bags of ice and twelve to twenty drinks. An automatic overboard drain is connected so there is no need to empty the ice.

SOLID BRASS RUB RAILS:

For added hull protection, solid brass rub rails are attached to the white oak bumpers and to the stem.

SUNBRELLA CUSHIONS:

All cushions are covered with easy-care marine rated Sunbrella® fabric. The seat backs are all easily removed to access the storage areas behind them.

DEDICATED LIFE JACKET STORAGE:

Life jackets are stored behind the side seat backs, quickly accessible in an emergency yet out of the way. This leaves the main storage area under the fore deck convenient and available for more frequently used items.

AUTOMATIC SUMP MOUNTED BILGE PUMP:

The Phantom's main bilge pump is located in the boxed keel in a sump just forward of the battery compartment. This means that the boat's bilge area will stay absolutely dry and without the usual couple inches of water sloshing around which is needed to activate the automatic switches found on most boats. An additional emergency pump is located in the motor compartment.

BOTTOM PAINT AND BOOT TOP STRIPE:

The bottom is coated with an antifouling paint to mach the local water conditions, and a contrasting boot top stripe is painted at the waterline.

Phantom Electric Launch
Mahogany Hull ............$ 64,500
Painted Hull ...........$ 61,100
Painted Hull w/ mahogany sheer plank......$ 63,600

PAYMENT TERMS: 10% deposit with order, 30% before construction begins, 40% when hull is finished,
less paint or varnish, 20% before delivery. Custom work is available on a time and materials basis at a rate
of $35.00 per hour. Delivery is available at a rate of $1.50 per road mile, one way.

Options for 22. Phantom Electric Launches

CANOPY TOP $3,800

Constructed using solid mahogany poles, laminated mahogany framework and Sunbrella® marine
fabric. Two people can easily install the canopy in minutes. The top frame can safely be lowered to cockpit
height for easy trailering.

MOTHER-IN-LAW SEAT $$2,900

A very traditional feature for launches of this type. It may
not be the best place to put your mother-in-law, but kids
absolutely love their own space. The hatch lifts out and can be stored at the dock or in the forward under deck storage
compartment.

SLIDE OUT COCKPIT TABLE $850

Located under the long fore deck, this 44. long table is always available and simple to use. It is constructed study enough that no support legs are needed. Has four built in drink holders. Its unique latching mechanism allows the table to be extended any amount and locked in place.

LIFTING EYES $750

These lifting eyes have rods which extend down to the keel of the boat for extra strength. Used only when an under hull lift is not available. The boat weighs 2500 lbs, so make sure that the building can support such a weight.

IN-WATER DECK COVER $1,075

A specially fitted Sunbrella cover, which allows access to the cleats and chocks of the boat. It extends ten inches below the sheer and is held in place during high winds with soft lead weighted rope sewn inside its bottom edge. A crosswise zipper located in the cockpit area draws the cover tight. Also includes cockpit support slats and rope tie loops. It can be used for trailering but the entire hull will not be covered.

TRAILERING COVER $1,175

FM/CD STEREO SYSTEM $1,550

A hidden six-speaker system designed to surround you with sound while at the same time not distract from the classic look of the Phantom.s interior. The main unit is located behind the aft seat while a remote control for most functions is located next to the driver.s controls.

CUSTOM DUAL AXLE TRAILER $2,900

A 4000lb. capacity aluminum framed trailer specially made for the Phantom. Two sets of carpeted side bunks keep the hull stabile while the majority of the weight is by a long bunk under the boxed keel.

For more information,
Contact:
Mike Lapierre
Back Country Journal
800-866-3140
Click here for more information

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you know how much power is left in the batteries and how is the boat recharged?
The boat is equipped with a battery "fuel" gauge that continually monitors the battery condition. If the boat has the optional reserve batteries, then there is a second gauge for them. These gauges act very similar to the fuel gauge in your car. The battery charger and its cord are located behind the aft seat. To recharge the boat, you simply plug the cord into any standard 110V outlet. When the batteries are fully charged, the three-step smart charger will automatically cut itself off, so there is no fear of over-charging. It takes anywhere from one to ten hours to recharge the boat, depending of course on how much it was run. If the boat is to be kept at an unpowered dock, then a dock mounted wind or solar powered charging system could be utilized.

What type of batteries are used?
We use Lifeline absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries made by Concord. These are an advanced deep cycle version of the same lead acid batteries used in cars and trucks. The AGM batteries offer quite a few advantages over conventional deep-cycle batteries: 1. The AGM batteries are completely sealed and maintenance-free. There is no water to add and they don’t leak acid.
2. They have a very low discharge rate when stored for long periods. Meaning, if a boat is properly charged and put away in September, the batteries will still have ample power left in them the following April. Left alone, a conventional battery would self-discharge over that time and would be damaged.
3. Freezing temperatures do not harm AGM batteries, even if they are stored away stone dead. (A fully charged battery of any type won’t freeze.) 4. They have a much higher cycle life. The AGM batteries will generally last 4-5 years before they need to be replaced. Battery replacement is really the only operating cost of electric boats. The cost of the electricity used when charging the boat is minimal when compared to the operating costs of a comparable gasoline motorboat.

What kind of maintenance should be expected?
The electric drive system itself is very low maintenance, especially when compared to a gasoline fueled boat. The electric motor’s bearings and brushes should be replaced on average once every four to five years, the same for the underwater shaft bearing. These are very simple tasks for any marine mechanic. As far as the woodwork, the real concern here is keeping the boat clean and out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Some of our boats are kept either in a boathouse or under a covered slip, while others are stored using our specially fitted in-water or trailering covers, which go on quite easily.
The varnish used on the boats is a two- part polyurethane which is much harder and has better durability than conventional varnish. Still, any clear finish won’t last as long as a painted finish when left exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. On average one should expect to recoat the varnish work every four to six years (longer if stored inside, and less if stored outside). Lastly, the bottom should be cleaned and repainted occasionally, as with any type boat. How often is dependent on local water conditions; figure every 3-4 years in fresh water, a little more often in salt water.

What about areas where there are restrictions against boat houses and covered docks?
Yes, there are many areas like this and they are getting more and more popular. So far, most customers in these locations make use of our covers, which need only a few minutes to take on or off. An even easier solution would be to have a boat which retains all the varnished wood inside and around the cockpit, but has painted decks. I&# 8217;ve thought long and hard about this scenario and feel I have come up with a solution that doesn’t compromise the classic look and detail of our boats. In this case, we would incorporate a fitted cover for the cockpit that could be put on in less than a minute.
If you are interested in hearing more about this design, please give me a call and I’ll explain the details and send you out a drawing.

You offer three hull types, what are the differences?
Mainly the hull choice is one of aesthetics. If a boat is to be kept in the water at an open dock, then I would recommend using one of the painted hull versions, to cut down on maintenance. In any other case, the choice is purely the customer’s preference. One hull style I get many questions on is the "painted hull w/ mahogany sheer plank".
With this style, we laminate the three layers of diagonally planked cedar together, and fiberglass the outside of the hull. Then before the hull is painted, we add the top mahogany sheer planks and varnish them with along with the decks. The beauty is that our in-water covers extend far enough down the side of the hull to protect these planks. I should probably explain why our hulls do not leak. Yes, older wooden boats that were constructed with caulking between thick wood planks did sometimes leak if their hull dried out. However all our hulls are constructed much differently--they are vacuum laminated using three opposing layers of thin wood and no caulked seams. Hence, the hulls are completely water- tight even before we apply the protective fiberglass to them. This construction method has an additional benefit in that our hulls are just as strong but much lighter than a traditional wooden boat.

Do the boats need any special treatment during the winter?
Not much, other than charging up the batteries and making sure the boat doesn’t get frozen in. The fact that the boats don’t require any winterization can really extend your boating season. On those sunny late fall and early spring days, electric boat owners can pretty much have the water to themselves.

Five to six knots—how fast is that in mph?
Six to seven miles per hour—about the top speed of most sailboats of the same length.

How many skiers will the boat pull?
Okay Mr. Schmarty Pants.…Two; Ken and Barbie.

How well does the boat handle large wakes or rough seas?
Well, you are in a boat and you’re on the water so I’m not going to say you won’t get wet, but it will take a pretty large wave to wash into the cockpit. The "Lightning Bug’s" lightweight, round bottom hull combined with it’s enclosed decks make for a more seaworthy boat than most people might expect. A two or three foot wake coming off a large powerboat shouldn’t be a problem.

Is there much onboard storage space?
Both seat backs fold down to access storage areas located under the decks. The largest space is under the fore deck; it will hold four or five life jackets as well as a soft cooler and our optional folding table. Because the battery charger and the optional built-in cooler are located under the aft deck, there is not as much space back there. It still makes a good storage area for docking fenders and smaller items. Also, we mount some mesh pockets on the fold-down seat backs to keep small items like suntan lotion, corkscrews and CDs convenient.

Can you customize a boat to fit special needs?
We certainly will try. Since each hull is assigned to it&# 8217;s future owner as soon as construction starts, we can usually accommodate special requests. Quite often we are asked to use different woods such as flame mahogany, teak or curly maple in a boat’s construction. Another common request is to incorporate special hardware or lighting. I count myself blessed to have a talented crew building these boats who enjoy a challenge—so don’t be afraid to ask.

How does one go about ordering a boat and how is delivery arranged?

If we can’t arrange to meet personally, I will send off a contract agreement and options list along with paint and upholstery fabric samples. I normally require a 1/3 deposit with the order, a 1/3 payment when the hull is complete and a final payment before delivery. Construction time depends on our current workload. An estimated completion date is established in the contract and boats are delivered in the order in which the initial deposits are received. Our employee who can familiarize the new owner with the boat usually makes the delivery.
Thank you, thank you for reading this over—please dont hesitate to contact us if any other questions come up.

For more information,
Contact:
Mike Lapierre
Back Country Journal
800-866-3140
Click here for more information

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