Giesler Boats now offering Elco Electric Propulsion

Giesler Boats now offering Elco Electric Propulsion © Martin Flory Group

For nearly 100 years, B. Giesler and Sons has built small runabouts, rowboats and canoes in the traditional style: with cedar planks, copper nails and craftsmanship handed down through three generations. Today, the Canadian boatbuilder is looking to the future of marine propulsion by becoming part of the Elco-powered Boat Builder Network.

Gerry Giesler, owner of B. Giesler and Sons and grandson of the founder, first encountered Elco when the latter commissioned a demonstration boat for taking to shows. The 4.8m French River he built is an all-purpose runabout ideal for fishing and cruising. It has graceful lines, exposed ribs, console steering, classic bench seating for four and the heritage style that makes the Elco electric EP-20RL the perfect outboard to hang from its transom. "We really like the way an Elco motor looks on our boats," said Giesler. "It's reminiscent of engines back from the 1960s."

While the outboard's cowling may be traditional, what's inside is pioneering. Paired with a 10.8 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, the water-cooled 20 hp PMAC motor delivers 390 lbs. of thrust—enough to propel the fully-rigged French River to 24kph with two large adults on board. Once Giesler saw the boat in action, he knew he wanted to become a Team Elco member.

"The future is with electric motors," said Giesler. "There may be some resistance now, especially for boat owners with working gas engines, but it's an environmental issue." With zero emissions and no chance of fuel spilling into the water, Elco is a sustainable propulsion solution. Plus, as municipalities increasingly restrict waterway access to electric propulsion only, some owners may begin to experience a lack of areas in which to use their diesel or petrol-powered boats.

Unlike fiberglass and aluminum, wood absorbs sound. The combination of Giesler's Canadian-sourced cedar and Elco's near-silent operation makes for an extremely quiet boat ride. "At idling speed, I didn't even know the motor was running aside from the water pump." Many Elco owners cite this added benefit, along with no annoying fumes, as major factors in making their boating stress-free.

B. Giesler and Sons offers Elco propulsion on three of its models: the 5.5m Lake Nipissing, the French River and the 4.3m West Arm. "Elco's a perfect match to the sturdy working rough-and-ready boats we build that will withstand abuse," said Giesler. "We really appreciate the support we receive from Elco." B. Giesler and Sons' website is www.gieslerboats.ca.

Celebrating 130 years of electric vessel propulsion, Elco manufactures electric inboard and outboard motors ranging in power from five to 200 hp. The motors make the ideal propulsion solution for recreational and commercial vessels alike, especially those operating in ecologically sensitive areas.

For more information visit www.elcomotoryachts.com.