The 97 year old recreational boating company has pulled off the impossible and delivered the first ever fully electric tow boat. Correct Craft is known as the manufacturer that consistently delivers the most advanced boats for water skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing in the world. The Super Air Nautique GS22E is the result of a collaboration between Correct Craft and Ingenity, the creator of electric propulsion systems. It should come as no surprise this tow boat has won a Boat of the Year title in the recreation market.
While the GS22E is currently the only electric boat in the tow sports boat category, there are a remarkable number of electric boats available in other applications. Correct Craft has certainly put their reputation on the line by being the first to launch a 100% electric tow boat and only time will tell if that was a good decision or a bit premature as it relates to the electrification movement.
How long will the GS22e run on a single charge?
The GS22e is stated to have a 2-3 hour operation time on a single charge. This may not seem like much, but you have to consider all the physics going on to operate a 22′ boat that weighs in at 5,900 lbs. before you calculate persons, gear, or ballast. It’s necessary to point out the GS22e is capable of holding up to 1,850 lbs in ballast in addition to 11 family members or friends, which adds up quick. The nature of tow sports with the constant starting and stopping to get this payload moving thru dense water is no short feat. Fortunately, the remarkable amount of torque delivered by the electric motor on demand is able to make short work of this. As a former recreational skier/wakeboarder, I never recall running my boat for myself or friends more than a 2 hours at a time and I must add there were plenty of small breaks in the operation of the boat during those sessions. I would even go on to say many operators of these boats will never operate it for 2 hours non-stop, but that is my opinion after having spent countless hours on the water.
Charging options for the GS22e include the following set ups:
| AC charger | 240V / 50A | 10 hour charge time |
| DC charger | 25kW | 4 hour charge time |
| Supercharger | 80kW | 1.5 hour charge time |
What makes the GS22e different from a gas boat?
Upon close inspection the GS22E looks identical to its gas counterpart and that is by design. In fact, I would guess most boat enthusiast would have no idea the GS22e was 100% electric if they were not otherwise informed. Only until you open the various hatches in the rear of the boat do you realize the battery pack and electrical components responsible for propulsion are cleverly located in the same area as a traditional gas motor set up. The stadium seating and premium surfaces along with the countless amenities that have become synonymous with Nautique boats are noted throughout.
I have to point out the onboard analytics available on the GS22e is simply amazing as to how it informs an owner/operator the charging status of the system via a remote application. Data such as charging status, remaining charging time and other critical details can all be reviewed via an App allowing the operator a hands off status at all times.
I can’t even begin to outline all the features available in the GS22e, so I found what I believe to be a fantastic video featuring wakeboard legend, Shaun Murray, providing a very thorough walk thru…check it out.
You’re likely thinking ok this is all good and well, but how much does it cost to play. All I can say is cinch down on your life jacket straps as the GS22e will set you back a cool $312,952 or you could alternatively buy the average home in America, your call!!!
Final thoughts on the GS22E..
There is no question this tow boat is pushing the boundaries of innovation as most people will find it hard to even conceive a quality boat with significant operating demands could rely on 100% electric propulsion. The price to play in this category is unquestionably stratospheric; however, there is always a small number of pioneers that desire and demand the newest technology the market can deliver and the GS22e is no exception.