Motor & batteries: how to choose the right technology?

Choosing the right motor and battery system is essential to fully enjoy your pontoon boat. Between power, range, maintenance, and environmental impact, each option has its advantages and limitations.

At Moodulo, we studied several solutions before adopting a reliable, flexible approach perfectly suited to our pontoons.

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1. Gasoline engine: traditional power

The petrol engine is the most well-known type of engine in the nautical field.

Benefits

• Affordable to buy
• Good power available immediately
• Easy to refuel anywhere

Disadvantages

• Often prohibited on small lakes or protected bodies of water
• Noisy and emits polluting gases
• Regular maintenance (oil, filters, spark plugs)
• complex hibernation

This type of engine remains interesting for those seeking raw performance, but it integrates less well with a sustainable and ecological approach.

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2. Electric motor with integrated battery

Some models combine the motor and battery in a single compact unit, which is easy to install.

Benefits

• No mechanical maintenance
• Zero emissions, near-silent operation
• Quick installation and sleek design

Disadvantages

• High cost
• Proprietary battery difficult to replace
• Dependence on a single manufacturer
• Limited autonomy
• Charging is sometimes inconvenient (the battery must be removed from the engine).

This solution is particularly suitable for small boats or occasional use.

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3. Electric motor with separate batteries (our choice)

This is the configuration we prefer, as it offers the best balance between autonomy, power, reliability and flexibility.

This technology has existed for a long time in fishing boats: it is mature, simple and proven.

At Moodulo, we integrate the batteries under the floor, completely invisible, well protected, and above all with spaces designed to accommodate a very large number of batteries.
This allows you to increase the battery life as much as you want, without any real limit.

Main advantages

• Possibility of upgrading or replacing the batteries in the future
• Locally accessible components
• Minimal maintenance
• Clean design, no visible battery
• Fully customizable battery life to suit your needs

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Autonomy in real-world conditions

Autonomy varies depending on several factors: pontoon model, engine used, wind, current, weight on board.

For example, an 80 lb motor on an 8 x 16 pontoon boat with two 12V batteries can provide:

• 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours at full power
• 3 to 4 hours in cruise mode

Unlimited autonomy: add batteries

Thanks to the spaces provided under the floor, it's possible to add multiple batteries as needed. Each additional battery increases the range. Moodulo was designed to support a large number of batteries, without structural limitations.

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Smart charger

Each motor and battery set includes a smart charger that protects the batteries, optimizes charging during winter and can be stored indoors.

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Power supply to the dock

To fully utilize the electric motor, it is recommended to have a shore power connection. This facilitates charging and allows you to power other accessories.

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Why Moodulo motorization is simpler

Unlike other electric systems where the battery must be removed for charging, Moodulo makes the process invisible and automated. The batteries remain under the floor, and the smart charger plugged into the dock takes care of the rest.

With Moodulo:

• no battery to carry
• no manipulation
• No charges forgotten
• no clutter
• No boxes or cables to deal with.

Your pontoon recharges like an electric vehicle. You arrive at the lake, detach, and leave.

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Which engine is right for your Moodulo model?

Misti — 8 x 8 (3 people)

Packs available: 30 / 55 / 80 lbs
Recommended pack size: 55 lbs or 80 lbs
Typical battery life:

• Pack 30: 4 h / 5–6 km/h
• Pack 55: 3 h / 6–7 km/h
• Pack 80 (2 batt.): 4.5 h / 8–10 km/h

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Manitoba — 8 x 12 (5 people)

Packs available: 55 / 80 lbs
Recommended pack size: 80 lbs
Typical battery life:

• Pack 55: 2 h / 6–7 km/h
• Pack 80 (2 batt.): 3.5 h / 7–9 km/h

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Mistassini — 8 x 16 (13 people)

Packs available: 55 / 80 lbs
Recommended pack size: 80 lbs
Typical battery life:

• Pack 55: 1h30 to 1h45 / 5–6 km/h
• Pack 80 (2 batt.): 2.5 h / 6–8 km/h

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Conclusion

Thanks to the electric motor with separate batteries integrated under the floor, Moodulo offers a silent, ecological, reliable and scalable solution.
You can add as many batteries as needed to increase battery life, without complex handling or maintenance.

Your pontoon is always ready to go and adapts to your needs year after year.