Blog | Newsletter
FREE Subscription

2025 Princecraft Brio E19

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

Photo Gallery

On the shores of a small lake in central Quebec, the Boatdealers.ca and BoatBlurb test team were once again invited to experience the newest evolution from Princecraft. The BRIO series was recently re-positioned to target small lakes like Lac Megantic for boaters looking the experience of silence of electric engine technology.

With parent company Brunswick rapidly expanding their offering of Avator electric engines, along with helm and charging technologies, it was fitting that we would test the BRIO alongside the recently released Avator 35E XL.

Let’s look first at the boat, then dive a little deeper into the Avator itself.

The BRIO series are constructed using the same 5052-H36 marine grade aluminum alloy that we have seen on every Princecraft pontoon we have tested over the years. This ensures the same build quality as the BRIO’s larger siblings, and something boaters have come to expect (and appreciate). The same applies to her undercarriage, which features 2 ½” heavy duty extruded Z-aluminum cross channels, sealed pontoon bulkheads with top-mounted air plugs, a V-shaped aluminum engine pod, extruded aluminum full-length pontoon keels and skirting, as well as stern-molded casting corners.

Her three gates, located stern, bow, and port side, all include lift and lock hinges and you’ll find four 6” chrome deck cleats perfectly positioned for tying up dockside.

Her rotomoulded helm console features a handy cargo net, the molded dash panel has black inserts and lighted switches, and a console courtesy light sits at your fingertips.

All seating offers up heavy weight plush and comfortable vinyl textures, self-draining seat bases and backs with storage, plus port and starboard bow loungers and a main salon port side lounger. The helm seat offers arm rests and a swivel feature for the captain.

A black bimini top is standard with latches and traveling struts. Princecraft installs all snap fasteners at the factory for easy installation of a mooring cover or camper enclosure further down the road in your ownership experience.

Cup holders are dotted throughout the interior and a stern reboarding ladder invites guests and crew to comfortably slip in the water for a dip or climb back on board for more relaxation.

To the Mercury Avator 35E we go.

The engine itself delivers the equivalent of 3.7 kW of power, which makes her comparable to their 9.9 HP gas model. There is an undeniable quiet in the driving experience. The 35 is said to be up to 63% quieter at full throttle than their 6 HP gas-powered outboard. Other than a soft sound of humming electricity, the engine was silent.

Smaller Avator models incorporate an internal battery, while the 35E model feeds off of external 2300 watt lithium-ion batteries. She requires a minimum of two batteries and our test boat was equipped with a total of four, which are linked in parallel to deliver maximum range and charging speed. The batteries are both dustproof and waterproof and feature a tool-less twist lock power connection.

Mercury has introduced a gauge that offers up real time data, including charge percentage, estimated run and range time, speed, and current power. The full color display was easily legible on the BRIO’s helm while we were on the water and paying attention to the data will help avoid any charge run down concerns.

The Power Center charger on our test boat can charge all four batteries simultaneously for convenience.

The thrust of electric technology is undeniable and comes in part from Mercury’s ‘Transverse Flux Motor’ which delivers immediate torque and reliable power.

Leaving the dock in an electric powered boat is still somewhat unusual to me. The lack of transom sound translates to an unusual feeling when you’re used to sounds at the helm. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, but the feeling is undeniably different and takes a bit of getting used to.

The legitimate benefits of electric engine technology to expand boating experiences on waterways that do not permit combustion engines is absolutely satisfying. The unique on-water experience for families looking simply to get on the water in near total silence is a neat thought. We noted the sounds of the water lapping on the pontoon tubes was louder than any engine sounds.

The BRIO E19 isn’t going to win any races, but that’s not her purpose. She is purpose-built to create experiences for families and friends that appreciate the sounds of nature while experiencing smooth performance and zero emissions.

*Test boat has optional features. Please contact your local Princecraft dealer for details.