Propel signs up Marathon Leisure to bring electric marine propulsion to waterways in the UK and Ireland

• Expansion of Propel’s distribution network comes as European cities accelerate the transition to electrification

• Propel’s electric inboards and electric outboards feature advanced motor technology developed in the UK

• Propel launches its partnership with Marathon Leisure at the Boatlife Live Show in Birmingham, UK, on 16 - 19 February

Amsterdam, 15 February 2023 – Propel, the marine propulsion division of UK-based Saietta Group plc, has signed an exclusive agreement with marine sector distributor, Marathon Leisure, for sales and aftersales service of Propel’s electric marine motors in the UK and Ireland.

Amsterdam-based Propel has designed and developed the S1 electric outboard motor and D1 electric inboard in conjunction with Saietta’s British engineering teams that are also developing the motor technology for automotive applications. Propel started commercial production of the D1 in mid-2022 from a facility in the Netherlands.

Marathon Leisure, headquartered in Hampshire, gives Propel access to a customer base served by over 2,000 chandlers and sales sites throughout the UK & Ireland and will also provide aftersales and service support. Marathon’s has an experienced and growing technical department that extends the expertise from Propel to the UK & Ireland whilst offering support directly if required.

Propel and Marathon Leisure will launch their exclusive partnership Stand H60 at the BoatLife 2023 Live Show at the NEC Birmingham, UK, on February 16 - 19 (www.boatlifeevents.com).

“The shift to electric motors in Europe is accelerating rapidly, driven by legislation and customer demand. With partners like Marathon Leisure, we are in an ideal position to support the transition to quieter, more sustainable technologies on waterways across the continent,” said Sander van Dijk, Managing Director and CTO of Propel.

“The axial flux technology at the heart of our electric motors is the product of five years extensive R&D in the UK,” added van Dijk. “This highly efficient solution is simple, durable and robust, bringing numerous advantages to owners and operators. With a straightforward user interface, and with all the technology above the waterline, we offer optimal reliability, easy serviceability and intuitive operation.” 

Oliver Cook, Managing Director at Marathon Leisure, commented: “We are very excited to be working with Propel, a company with UK heritage and one that is at the vanguard of electric marine propulsion. We can now provide our customers with access to the latest in sustainable, efficient electric inboard and outboard technology, and we are pleased to be able to play a considerable part in Propel’s mission to clean up the world’s waterways.”

Propel and Marathon will outline their vision for the partnership at the BoatLife Live Show in Birmingham, UK on February 16 - 19. First deliveries will be made from April to the network following technical training.

Propel S1 electric outboard motor

The form of the S1 motor is rooted in the ‘pancake’ shape of the AFT140i electric motor, with the motor, controller and electronics positioned above the waterline. The motor controller is integrated on top of the electric motor, sharing the cooling system and connected by bus bars. This integration is fundamental to the S1’s remarkable reliability and serviceability. 

In addition, the S1 features a bespoke 12.8” propeller design created by engineers with aero and computational fluid dynamics expertise developed in elite motorsport. The Propel S1 is available in 7, 10 and 13 kW variants, and all run on 48V. Various screen, throttle and battery options are available to suit installation in many boats

Propel D1 electric inboard motor

Production of the S1 electric outboard motor builds on the success of Propel’s D1 electric inboard motor. More than 100 examples of the D1 have already been delivered, and production has now ramped up to meet the increasing demand generated by the growth in Propel’s distribution network. 

The D1, which shares the Saietta AFT140i electric motor with the S1, was designed with modularity in mind, supporting customers and service agents by making it easier to maintain, repair and stock parts.

About Propel

Propel is the next-generation marine propulsion division of leading global engineering company, Saietta Group. It exists to deliver the best in Dutch design, conceiving and delivering solutions to propel boating into the electric era while advancing affordable and accessible electric propulsion and battery systems that support the transition to decarbonisation and clean mobility on waterways.

About Marathon Leisure

Marathon Leisure is a trade-only distributor of leisure marine products representing a wide range of brands. It is innovative in its approach, maintaining an efficient and streamlined structure to ensure maximum flexibility in service to its customers. Established in 1992, Marathon Leisure’s warehouse and office facilities are based on Hayling Island on the south coast of England.