Boat Test: 2023 X Shore Eelex 8000

Overview

The X Shore Eelex 8000 proves there’s another application for the old saying about children—you know, where it’s better to be seen and not heard. That’s because the Eelex 8000 center-console looks striking as it approaches the dock at idle speed, with its cork gunwales and cream-colored hull made from recycled fiberglass and carbon fiber. Plus, there’s the snubbed bow and broken sheerline. And as it glides to the dock, you can’t hear a thing except the ripples of displaced water. 

Engine

Built in Stockholm, Sweden, and imported to the US, the Eelex 8000 is at the forefront of a new generation of electric-powered boats. Instead of opting for hybrid power or a full displacement hull that never sees double digits in speed, the Eelex 8000 features a 170 kW Brusa motor set up as a direct-drive inboard that receives power through a 126 kWh Kreisel dual-lithium battery pack. 

The first thing that struck me was how quickly the Eelex 8000 got onto plane and up to speed. Conventional boaters attuned to pushing down the throttles to rev an internal-combustion engine will need to get used to the acceleration out of the hole. Turn the vertically mounted circular throttle and the boat just goes—sometimes jarringly. But after learning to use a softer touch, the Eelex 8000 was a lot of fun to drive, rapidly jumping up to its top speed of near 35 mph and handling like a champ as I put it through arcing turns at speed.

The boat is best suited to cruise in the 20 to 25 mph range, giving you over two hours of playtime. At idle speeds of 6 to 7 mph, you can kick around the lake for over 100 nautical miles. Charge time? It can take overnight at 230V, but X Shore claims it can go from 20 to 80 percent in an hour with enough voltage and a rapid charger. The big touchscreen provides real-time charge data underway.

Interior and Accessories

Did I mention the Eelex 8000 looks cool? It has an open transom behind the aft seats, making for a nice swim platform for watersports and an easy boarding spot at the dock. Overall, the boat can hold up to 10 people ready for a fun, quiet experience on the water.

How We Tested

• Engine: 170 kW Brusa motor
• Props: 19″ pitch 5-blade bronze inboard propeller
• Gear Ratio: Direct drive
• Battery Capacity: 126 kWh Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points 

• Planes almost instantaneously and can hit 30 mph in under 5 seconds.
• Cork decking and gunwale topsides are grippy and comfortable underfoot, and give the boat a totally unique look.
• Up to 10 different layout options let you customize the boat to your liking.

Low Points 

• Circular side-mounted throttle is very responsive and takes getting used to.
• Range is less than a boat with comparable gasoline power.

Toughest Competitor

Chris-Craft recently debuted its Launch 25 GTe powered with an electric motor delivering about 400 hp from a 133 kWh battery system. The estimated cost will be $448,600.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Running Time, Range

X Shore Boats – Stockholm, Sweden; 401-423-4347; xshore.com