Fully Custom Electric Mini Jet Boat Debuts
The Prop Department YouTube channel team has completed a three-year project to build the world’s first DIY Tesla-powered mini jet boat. The electric boat, equipped with a modified Tesla Model S motor, delivers over 350 horsepower and underwent its first water test in early August 2026. The team explained that the project was driven by a lack of small, high-performance electric jet boat options available on the market, prompting them to design and fabricate the vessel from scratch.
The project began with no existing template, as the team handcrafted the hull, battery enclosures, and custom-designed key components, including the electric motor, controller, and inverter. Initial testing used a Tesla Model 3 motor, which provided around 280 horsepower, but the team later deemed this insufficient and upgraded to a custom-tuned Model S motor, boosting output to over 350 horsepower to meet performance demands.
Challenges and Breakthroughs in Battery and Powertrain Systems
During development, the team encountered technical issues with the battery modules. Of the four original battery modules, two suffered from dead cells, causing sudden power loss under heavy throttle. To resolve this, the team replaced the faulty modules with two fresh ones and implemented an aftermarket Battery Management System (BMS). Each module was also fitted with a liquid cooling system to match the thermal performance of Tesla’s original battery pack, enhancing overall safety and stability.