Beatrice Lang
In September 2023, former US President Donald Trump warned of the dangers of electric boats, claiming that if they sink, the passengers will be electrocuted. He also added a twist to the tale, asking whether it would be better to risk electrocution or be devoured by a shark. Trump's comments were made during a speech in Nevada in June 2024, and he has repeatedly shared this story in various states during his campaign trail. Trump's concerns about electric boats first emerged after a visit to a boat manufacturer in South Carolina, where he claims he was warned about the weight of electric boat batteries affecting the boat's floatation. While some have dismissed Trump's story as a tall tale, it has sparked discussions about energy policy and the practicality of electric boats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 28 July 2024 |
| Source | The Washington Post |
| Context | Former President Donald Trump has periodically told a tale involving a sinking electric boat, a potential electrocution, and a shark attack. |
| First Mention | September 2023, following a visit to Sportsman Boats, a boat manufacturer in Summerville, South Carolina |
| Retellings | October 2023 in Iowa, November 2023 in Texas, June 2024 in Las Vegas, and June 2024 in Nevada |
| Key Points | Trump claims he asked a "very smart" question to a boat manufacturer about the risk of electrocution if an electric boat sinks due to battery weight. He also introduces a shark element to the story, asking if one would rather be electrocuted or devoured by a shark. |
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What You'll Learn
Trump's concerns about electric boats
Trump's primary concern, as expressed in his various retellings, centers on the risk of electrocution. He posits that if an electric boat sinks due to the weight of its battery, the occupants could be electrocuted. Furthermore, if they jump into the water to avoid electrocution, they might encounter a shark, as he dramatically adds a twist of a shark lurking just "10 yards" away. Trump's narrative sparked a range of responses, with some fact-checking his claims and others criticizing his understanding of the issue.
While the validity of Trump's conversation with the boat manufacturer has been questioned, his persistent retelling of this story highlights his apparent belief in the dangers of electric boats. He has shared this narrative across multiple campaign rallies and speeches, including in Nevada, Iowa, Texas, and Las Vegas. Trump's concerns about electric boats and his unique way of expressing them have become a notable aspect of his public discourse.
It is important to note that electric boats do not pose a significant risk of electrocution in the event of sinking. EV lithium-based batteries, while more dangerous than traditional boat batteries, have numerous safety precautions in place. The risk of electrocution typically arises when an individual comes into contact with both the positive and negative terminals of the battery, which is designed to be highly unlikely in these battery systems.
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Electric boat motors and electrocution
In a series of rallies and speeches, former US President Donald Trump has periodically brought up the topic of electric boat motors and the possibility of electrocution. Trump's comments centre around a conversation he claims to have had with a boat manufacturer in South Carolina, who purportedly warned him about the issues with electric boats, including their heavy weight and the large size of their batteries.
Trump's narrative, which has been labelled a "weird rant" and a "tall tale", often includes a sinking electric boat, a potential electrocution, and a shark attack. He first shared this story in October 2023 in Iowa, and has since repeated it multiple times while campaigning. In his telling, Trump poses the question: if an electric boat sinks under the weight of its battery, could the passengers be electrocuted? And if they jump off the boat, might they be devoured by a shark?
While Trump's story is fictitious, it does raise the question of whether electric boat motors pose a risk of electrocution. Electric boats have been used for over 120 years, and modern advancements in battery technology and design have made them safer and more powerful. Safety features like watertight electrical enclosures and ground fault protection devices are built into electric boats to prevent electric shock. Additionally, electric boat batteries are obsessively insulated and designed with fail-safes to isolate the battery in case of an accident.
However, some people still express concerns about the safety of electric boats and the possibility of electric shock. It is important to note that while electrocution is a valid concern in any situation involving electricity and water, the risk of electrocution from a 12-volt battery is highly unlikely. Higher voltage systems, such as those found in electric vehicles (EVs), use a floating ground to prevent electrocution if the vehicle becomes submerged.
In conclusion, while Trump's comments about electric boat motors and electrocution are largely fictional and exaggerated, they do bring attention to a valid concern. However, it is important to distinguish between fiction and fact, as electric boats have been used safely for over a century, and modern advancements have made them even safer and more efficient.
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Shark attacks and electric boats
In September 2023, former US President Donald Trump visited Sportsman Boats, a boat manufacturer in Summerville, South Carolina. He claims that he was first warned about the dangers of electric boats during this visit. According to Trump, a boat manufacturer expressed concerns about electric boats, arguing that their large batteries leave little room for passengers and that the weight of the battery might prevent the boat from floating.
Trump then posed the "very smart" question of what would happen if the boat sank due to the weight of its battery, and the boaters were thrown into the water near a shark. He suggested that they would face a dire choice: stay on the boat and risk electrocution, or jump into the water and risk being attacked by the shark.
Trump has repeatedly recounted this scenario at rallies and campaign events, sparking discussions about the validity of his claims. While some have dismissed his story as a "tall tale" or a weird rant, others have engaged with the hypothetical situation he presents. For instance, Siegel, when pressed on Trump's scenario, said his choice would depend on the size of the shark, indicating that he might prefer the risk of electrocution to a particularly fearsome shark.
Despite the dramatic nature of Trump's story, electric boat motors typically operate at low voltages, and the risk of electrocution is generally low. In fact, lithium-based EV batteries, which are commonly used in electric boats, have more safety precautions than traditional boat batteries, making it very unlikely for someone to be electrocuted by coming into contact with the battery.
Trump's fascination with the interplay of electric boats, electrocution, and shark attacks has captured the attention of the media and the public, with some speculating about the underlying messages or motivations behind his recurring narrative.
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Electric boat batteries
One of the most common types of electric boat batteries is the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery, which is a lead-acid battery known for its safety and reliability. AGM batteries are cost-effective and have a simple technology, but they may need to be replaced every six to ten years. On the other hand, lithium-ion electric boat batteries have gained popularity due to their exceptional performance, longer lifespan, and less environmental impact. They are also lighter, easier to install, and have a higher efficiency of up to 98%, compared to 80% for acid batteries.
The capacity and performance of lithium-ion batteries make them a preferred choice for sustainable technology. Additionally, they are less likely to harm living organisms in the water compared to acid batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are typically more expensive than their lead-acid counterparts.
The energy stored in electric boat batteries is converted into mechanical energy to power the propellers, allowing the boat to move through the water. This relationship between energy and power determines the speed and distance travelled by the boat.
While electric boat batteries have faced skepticism due to concerns about range and depletion, technological advancements have addressed these issues, making them a viable option for sustainable yachting.
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Electric boats and energy policy
While some have dismissed Trump's comments as a "tall tale" or a weird rant, the discussion does touch on certain energy policy considerations. Firstly, it raises the question of safety regulations for electric boats and the potential risks associated with their battery systems. This includes the possibility of electrocution, which, although unlikely due to safety precautions, has been a point of concern raised by Trump.
Secondly, Trump's comments reflect a broader discussion about the feasibility and performance of electric boats. The weight and power of electric boat batteries can impact the speed and floatability of the vessel, as mentioned by Trump. This relates to energy policy considerations regarding the adoption of electric vehicle technology in the boating industry and the potential challenges and limitations of such a transition.
Additionally, Trump's remarks about electric boats and sharks highlight the potential environmental impacts of electric boat technology. The presence of powerful batteries and electrical currents in the water could potentially affect marine life, although the likelihood of this may vary depending on factors such as distance and short-circuiting. While Trump's comments on this topic may be exaggerated, they draw attention to the potential ecological consequences of electric boat usage.
Overall, while Trump's statements on electric boats and energy policy may be controversial and at times unverifiable, they do raise certain valid points about the safety, performance, and environmental aspects of electric boat technology. These considerations are relevant to energy policy discussions and the ongoing transition towards more sustainable transportation options, including in the boating industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Trump has claimed that electric boat motors will electrocute people if they fall in the water. He also said that electric boats are heavy and can't go fast because of the weight.
Trump first talked about electric boats in September 2023 after a visit to a boat manufacturer in South Carolina.
Trump's comments about electric boats were made in the context of a fictitious scenario he recounted at a rally in Nevada in June 2024. In the scenario, Trump posed the question of whether it would be better to stay on a sinking electric boat and risk electrocution or to jump into the water and risk being attacked by a shark.
