At Elco, every motor we build carries the legacy of over 130 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and American maritime heritage. Our newest release, the EDGEMERE EP-3TS, is more than just a powerful and portable electric outboard motor—it’s a symbol of where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Rooted in Legacy: The Story Behind the EDGEMERE Name
Tucked along the peaceful shores of Lake George sits Camp Edgemere, a place where summer memories have unfolded for generations. It’s also home to an original Elco boat—still gliding gracefully through the water, running on the same electric equipment it was built with decades ago. That enduring vessel, reliable and elegant in its simplicity, was the inspiration behind our newest motor’s name: EDGEMERE.
This isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a celebration of it. The EDGEMERE EP-3TS embodies everything Elco stands for: endurance, clean design, and a quiet but powerful presence on the water. It honors the craftsmanship of yesterday while embracing the innovation of today.
A Historic Start: Elco at the Forefront Since 1893
Our story began at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. Elco—short for Electric Launch Company—stunned the world by operating a fleet of electric launches that ferried over one million passengers without smoke, soot, or noise. In a time dominated by dirty, dangerous steam and naphtha engines, Elco’s electric launches were a clean and elegant alternative. We weren’t just offering a different kind of boat; we were shaping the future of marine transportation.
As decades rolled on, Elco boats served everyone from industrialists and adventurers to royal families and the U.S. military. Our motors powered pleasure yachts and military craft alike. By the early 1900s, our innovation extended to fast, efficient gasoline and diesel propulsion. We introduced stepped hulls for recreational speedboats in 1911 and launched the first American diesel yacht in 1912.
Supporting the Military Through Innovation and Speed
Elco’s commitment to performance wasn’t limited to private use. During wartime, we answered the nation’s call with unmatched speed and precision. In World War I, Elco built 550 Motor Torpedo Boats in just 488 working days. In World War II, we produced 399 PT boats—one every 60 hours. Among them was PT-109, commanded by none other than John F. Kennedy.
Elco boats were fast, reliable, and battle-tested. Our innovations didn’t stop with boats; we pioneered production-line techniques that set the standard for the military and beyond.
The Return to Electric: Cleaner, Smarter Boating
After decades of helping fuel the rise of internal combustion, Elco returned to our roots in the late 1980s—bringing electric propulsion back to the forefront of recreational boating. Why? Because electric power isn’t just about being greener—it’s about delivering a better experience on the water.
Electric motors offer near-silent operation, virtually no vibration, and no messy oil or gas smells. There’s no need for winterization, no tune-ups, and fewer moving parts. In short, they’re easier to maintain, better for the environment, and more enjoyable to use.
We reintroduced classic launch designs with modern tech, blending old-world charm with forward-thinking performance. And in 2009, under new leadership, we doubled down on our commitment to high-performance electric marine propulsion.
Introducing the EDGEMERE EP-3TS: A New Standard for Portable Power
Today, we’re proud to launch the EDGEMERE EP-3TS—a lightweight, ultra-portable electric outboard that honors our heritage while pushing the boundaries of performance.
This isn’t your average under-2HP motor. The EP-3TS delivers:
Power: A 1200-watt motor and a 1440-watt lithium battery (see safety guide here)—the highest capacity in its class—giving it a thrust and runtime comparable to a 3HP gas engine.
Portability: Weighing just 26 pounds without the battery, and 48 pounds total, this motor is easy to carry, install, and remove. No more lugging heavy gas cans or dealing with fuel spills.
Performance: Our tests show 12–33% more range and 10.9–30% more power than other electric motors in its category. It’s not just efficient—it’s unmatched.
Thoughtfully Engineered for the Modern Boater
Every element of the EP-3TS was designed with the end-user in mind. Here’s what sets it apart:
Seamless Control: One-button start, intuitive tiller operation, and a direct-drive system that provides smooth, silent transitions between forward, neutral, and reverse. No cords to pull. No loud clunking gears. Just clean, instant movement.
Smart Display: The integrated backlit LCD screen shows battery level, power output, speed, and distance remaining—all with GPS integration.
Safety First: The battery floats. The motor stops instantly if the magnetic lanyard is pulled. And without fuel or seawater plumbing, the risk of leaks or fire is virtually eliminated.
No Fuss Maintenance: With a brushless, permanent magnet motor and just one moving mechanical part, the EP-3TS requires no oil, no filters, and no scheduled servicing for thousands of hours.
The Power + Range Advantage
In electric motors, power and range are often a trade-off—you get one at the expense of the other. But with the EP-3TS, we deliver both. Thanks to a larger battery and highly efficient design, the motor excels in both categories, giving you more time and thrust on the water than anything else in its class.
Snapping in a spare battery instantly doubles your range, without the noise or mess of refueling. Whether you’re cruising a calm lake, navigating a marina, or tending to your mooring, the EDGEMERE is ready to go the distance.
Durable. Reliable. Built to Last.
Just like the Elco boat at Camp Edgemere that inspired it, the EP-3TS was built with endurance in mind. We rigorously test every motor to perform in the real world—not just the lab. From saltwater resilience to long-term durability, we engineer every component to withstand the demands of life on the water.
This isn’t just a portable outboard—it’s the culmination of everything Elco has stood for over 130 years: integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making boating better.
The Future is Quiet, Clean, and Connected
Beyond the hardware, we’re redefining how boaters interact with their motors. Elco’s DASH App connects seamlessly via Bluetooth to your phone or smartwatch, displaying real-time motor and battery data. Our systems are also NMEA 2000 compatible, ensuring universal compatibility with other marine tech and battery platforms.
That means greater integration, easier upgrades, and a smoother experience for boaters and boatbuilders alike.
The EDGEMERE EP-3TS: Built to Honor the Past. Designed to Power the Future.
With the EDGEMERE EP-3TS, Elco brings together everything we’ve learned over more than a century of boatbuilding. It’s efficient, clean, powerful, and incredibly easy to use. And just like the namesake boat gliding across Lake George, it’s made to last.
The EDGEMERE isn’t just a motor. It’s a legacy. And the next chapter starts with you.
