Among the world’s leading marine brands at boot Düsseldorf, an Italian startup is introducing a new perspective on the outboard motor, presenting a design developed entirely from scratch. That startup is Boatee, which is unveiling the Boatee Smart 1.3 to the public for the first time worldwide. More than a simple product presentation, the launch reflects a clear and focused vision aimed at making electric boating lighter, smarter and more accessible.
After an initial industry preview at METSTRADE Amsterdam, Boatee now presents the outcome of a design process driven by uncompromising principles. The company avoided adapting existing solutions or adding unnecessary complexity, choosing instead to redesign every component from scratch. At the core of the project lies a firm belief that true innovation is achieved through simplification. The emphasis has been placed on reducing weight and volume, delivering an intuitive and silent user experience, and integrating smart technology only where it offers genuine value. The Smart 1.3 reflects this philosophy as an essential and well engineered electric outboard, delivering 1,300 watts of power with a total weight of just 6 kilograms, designed for those who want to enjoy the sea without complexity.
“We started with a very simple question: what should an outboard motor be today?” says Cesare Malescia, founder of Boatee. “Instead of adding features, we focused on removing everything unnecessary. We designed the motor we would want to use ourselves: light, intuitive, sustainable and beautifully simple.”
In an industry traditionally dominated by large corporations, Boatee illustrates how strong design, intelligent engineering and a clear strategic vision can allow a startup to carve out a distinctive position. For the company, boot Düsseldorf marks a significant milestone, representing the moment when an idea that began on a blank page is introduced to an international audience.
