Boat Hire With a Twist
“Since 2011 we have been supplying five-seater electric ships to the boat hire industry, it’s ‘boat hire with a twist!’ Not only do the kids get to choose from a fleet of individually crafted GRP ships, but get to be in charge and drive their parents!”
There are now fleets of Miniport Ships in over 10 counties between North Yorkshire and the Channel Islands, mainly on smaller pieces of water.
Having seen an upsurge of interest in using their boats on larger lakes, we've been busy producing produced a boat tailored for the purpose: the Pirate Touring Boat.
The Electric Pirate Ship
The boat has a seaworthy, traditional shape – it looks like a clinker planking construction, but is entirely in GRP. At 5 m length it has a seating and buoyancy arrangement allowing people to move around easily whilst afloat, with an option to fit a picnic table. The boat will be available to private buyers, with a combi trailer, as well as the version for use in boat hire businesses, where the themed design makes it very attractive.
“We have found that a boat that isn’t just a boat, but a mini theme park, is really profitable. Driving a ferry or a pirate ship appeals to kids in a way that a rowing boat or a pedalo cannot compete with!
“Early trials of the boat in Chichester Harbour suggest a maximum speed of 5.5 knots, with an endurance per lithium battery of about 3 hours at the cruising speed of 4 knots – we’re still experimenting with two motor versions.” explains David
“In reality the boat could be sold with a traditional petrol outboard, which fits in the well, but the experience of cruising in almost complete silence is so good, that we’re focused on the electric version, which we think will appeal both to boat hire venues, and families looking for a river or lake boat.
