Dutch zero-emissions powerboat company Edorado Marine has launched its 8S electric model that it believes is destined to change the future of powerboating via pioneering clean technology—and a new take on sustainable luxury. Giel Groothuis, CEO, and Godert van Hardenbroek, Product Architect, co-founded the company in 2015 in The Netherlands, a country well-known for maritime innovation, to develop a premium, ultra-fast design that they hope will “make waves” in the industry.

Their aim is to disrupt and innovate in the powerboat market. They say that, while traditional powerboats heavily pollute the air and water around them, destroying what they are designed to enjoy in the first place, the 8S offers premium design, power, and speed to thrill-seekers but with none of the oil, emissions, wake, or noise.

“What is considered innovation in the boating industry just doesn’t cut it anymore in the current reality of the climate crisis,” said Groothuis. “What is needed is a rapid transition to zero emissions, also for the leisure industry. After owning petrol-fueled boats, I realized that a complete overhaul of this product category is long overdue. The traditional boating industry is just waiting to be disrupted by a clean-tech approach. Our goal with the Edorado 8S is to chart a course for clean powerboating.”

Their team is doing this with a unique combination of retractable hydrofoils and a battery-electric drivetrain to quickly accelerate to speeds that lift the hull off the water.

“Once you reach take-off speed, you can really feel the acceleration as the resistance disappears and you feel a strong sensation of release, of being propelled forward,” said van Hardenbroek. “And then, unlike traditional powerboats—constantly smashing into waves—the Edorado flies right over the surface like a sports aircraft. It glides silently over the water: a new and totally unique feeling, like combining the speed of a powerboat with the tranquillity of sailing.”

The 8S uses a battery-electric drivetrain to power its carbon-fiber hull and fully retractable hydrofoil system. It measures 8.40 m (27.5 ft) long, 2.50 m (8.2 ft) wide, and displaces 1950 kg (4300 lb). It has a number of state-of-the-art tech features including a patented Collision Impact Safety System (CISS).

The boat’s unique hydrofoil system is equipped with a proprietary Automatic Control System, whose smart computer makes constant adjustments to its two foils for safety and stability. The system adjusts foil angles 100 times per second, enabling the lifting of the hull out of the water, which reduces drag by at least 60%. Hydrofoils dramatically reduce the energy consumption compared to a traditional planing hull, enabling greater performance and range.

The two propellers of the “twin drive” system give precision control for docking while offering dual redundancy for safety. The two 50-kW motors and an 80-kW·h battery pack enable a top speed of 38 knots and a range at 25 knots of 40 nm. That easily offers a range for most day trips, with the boat being suitable for lakes, rivers, and coastal waters according to CE-C certification.

The futuristic tech is housed in a design meant to fuse innovation with a timeless, classic appeal. Ivo van Hulten has applied his years of experience in the German automotive industry to design a boat with powerful lines and proportions from the extended bow to the wraparound screen.

“I wanted to capture that innovation, but also connect it with something timeless so that it’s not just futuristic but also has the feeling of a really classic boat,” described van Hulten. “Then, with the rear winglet extended, it has something like a bullet or airplane shape. So, it looks premium and classic, but it’s really fast!”

The pilot-oriented cockpit is relatively compact, with central steering and navigation console. A large touchscreen dashboard with three 15-in screens provides performance data and entertainment options. Integrated mood lighting, Bluetooth sound system, and a built-in picnic set with wine cooler are just some of the premium features onboard.

At the rear of the boat, the cockpit extends out to a pad for lounging and sunbathing. There’s plenty of storage for water toys and essentials. The transom folds down to form a swim platform with a built-in ladder.

The 8S is also a connected boat, enabling over-the-air software updates. From the Edorado app, owners can see the state of charge and can send a digital key to friends so they can take the boat for a spin.

Beyond its engineering, performance, and design, the 8S represents a loftier ambition for the powerboat industry—and sustainable luxury more widely. Backed by major investment from technology and media entrepreneur and philanthropist Steven Schuurman, Groothuis and van Hardenbroek are aiming to jump-start the inevitable shift to electric ahead of the big boat manufacturers, transforming the industry with the speed and innovation of a startup.

“I was instantly convinced, particularly by Giel and Godert’s unique clarity of vision,” said Schuurman. “It’s rare to have the chance to contribute to such a strong product. It’s even rarer to be part of something with so much potential. The beauty of the Edorado is that it will lead the way, pioneering innovations that can eventually trickle down into the wider industry.”

The Edorado co-founders are unveiling the design of the 8S, with a full-scale prototype on display, at a private event today at the Royal Maas Yacht Club in Rotterdam, presented by Laurien Verstraten, with lead designer van Hulten in attendance.

The Launch Edition of the Edorado 8S is exclusively available for select buyers, while pre-orders of the standard model can be made globally. The cost is €350,000. For further information, visit www.edoradomarine.com, and check out YouTube videos on how the company was started and watch the Edorado 4S Prototype in flight.