Propel appoints UK and Ireland distributor for its electric motors

Propel, the marine propulsion division of UK-based Saietta Group, has signed an exclusive agreement with 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, which 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.

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

Propel and Marathon Leisure officially launched their exclusive partnership during the BoatLife 2023 Live Show in Birmingham.

“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,” he adds. “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, comments: “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.”

First deliveries will be made to the network from April 2023, following technical training.