It would be very fair to call this boat a game changer.
EV Marine Canada, a local, family-owned business, is bringing electric power to the lake in the form of the Arc Sport, a first-of-its-kind vessel from Arc Boats out of California.
During a recent ride along on Wood Lake, the all-electric wakeboat was put through its paces, showcasing near-silent cruising, instant torque and a level of maneuverability rarely seen on the water.
“Boat's running, doesn't make much noise. The thruster system here is pretty cool,” explained Erik Anderson, EV Marine captain, as he demonstrated the boat’s capabilities.
Unlike traditional setups, the system allows for precise movement, even sideways. “No other boat does this,” Anderson noted.
The boat’s electric system also translates to immediate power and control, even under heavy load. With thousands of pounds of ballast and passengers onboard, the boat still accelerates quickly and cleanly.
Anderson demonstrated how easily the wave can be adjusted on the fly, shifting from steep, advanced setups to more forgiving options for beginners in just a few taps.
“You can pretty much go all day,” said Anderson, pointing to the boat’s battery capacity and efficiency. That usability is key for lake users who expect a full day of surfing, cruising and towing without interruption.
Beyond performance, the simplified design is a major shift from traditional gas-powered boats.
“Something that blew my mind is just to how simple it is,” added Anderson. “When you remove the engine, you gain all of this space here.”
The boat also integrates multiple onboard cameras, customizable drive modes and a digital interface that allows drivers to monitor energy use, speed and performance in real time.
Combined with reduced noise and emissions, it points to a different kind of boating experience, one that leans heavily on electric efficiency without giving up capability on the water.
EV Marine has also installed the first EV charger on the water at Turtle Bay Marina to ensure the Arc Sport can be charged at all times.
Along with EV Marine, the Anderson also owns Kelowna-based Kanuk Board Co, which is Canada's only manufacturer of wakesurf boards.
To learn more about EV Marine and the Arc Sport, click here.
