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Marine

Inflatable motorized GoBoat packs down into a carry bag

By Paul Ridden
May 26, 2023
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The GoBoat 2.0 is reported to offer improved performance, stability, and packability compared to the first model
GoBoat
The GoBoat 2.0 is reported to offer improved performance, stability, and packability compared to the first model
GoBoat
The adult version of the GoBoat 2.0 measures 70 inches in diameter, a Mini version for kids and small adults comes in at 55 inches in diameter
GoBoat
The GoBoat 2.0 is supplied with an electric trolling motor, but U1 batteries will need to be purchased separately
GoBoat
The GoBoat 2.0 weighs in at 57 lb without the trolling motor and batteries, and can be deflated for transport or storage
GoBoat
Going bumper to bumper with the GoBoat 2.0
GoBoat
The non-slip upper surface is home to storage bungees and slot rails for accessories
GoBoat
View gallery - 6 images

Way back in 2016, startup GoBoat introduced an odd-looking boating craft that sat the single occupant in the middle of a huge inflatable ring, and could be collapsed down for transport on land. Now the company has launched the much-improved Gen 2.0 PWC.

The first-generation personal water craft was crowdfunded over on Kickstarter. The latest model is said to combine the best of a paddle-board, kayak and powered boat, looks much more slick than its predecessor, and comes in different sizes and color options.

The GoBoat 2.0 is reported to be "extremely stable and rigid" when inflated using the included handpump thanks to proprietary AirCore composite construction, with three separate air chambers for safety and a circular design that should "slide past obstacles with ease" – unless those obstacles happen to be other GoBoaters, then you can challenge them to a game of dodgems.

Going bumper to bumper with the GoBoat 2.0
GoBoat

There's detachable inflatable seating that straps onto the non-slip foam deck, along with storage bungees and slot rails for accessories, and grab handles positioned around the edge for transportation ease. It weighs in at 57 lb (25.8 kg) and can pack down into a carry bag or the trunk of a sedan when it's time to go home, and can be stowed away in a closet between trips.

The package also includes a 35-lb (15.8-kg) five-speed electric trolling motor for cruising speeds of up to 5 mph (8 km/h), an auto shutoff mechanism is connected to a lanyard, and the aluminum transom can accommodate two U1 batteries (though these aren't included in the purchase price) for hours of fun on freshwater or salt water per charge.

The non-slip upper surface is home to storage bungees and slot rails for accessories
GoBoat

The adult version of the GoBoat 2.0 measures 70-inches (177.8-cm) in diameter and starts at US$1,076, though a promotion currently brings that down to $753. A Mini flavor at 55 inches (139.7 cm) in diameter is also available for kids or small adults for $683 ($478 on promotion). All models are up for pre-order now, shipping is expected to start from June 5.

Product page: GoBoat 2.0

View gallery - 6 images

Tags

MarinePWCElectric BoatsInflatable
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Paul Ridden
While Paul is loath to reveal his age, he will admit to cutting his IT teeth on a TRS-80 (although he won't say which version). An obsessive fascination with computer technology blossomed from hobby into career before hopping over to France for 10 years, where he started work for New Atlas in 2009. Now back in his native Blighty, he serves as Managing Editor in Europe.
8 comments
promotousa
Good article and interesting product. Title makes mention of a carry bag.... I haven't see a photo of one before inflation.. You think that might be useful.
BlueOak
Cool stuff, ‘hope it reaches broad distribution.
Expanded Viewpoint
WOW!! What a totally awesome invention! But I would ditch the lame trolling motor and it's batteries that need to charged up, and put in a 49CC two stroke engine instead. Put in a ducted impeller (Archimedes' Screw), and that thing would really scoot!
lbeck37
It doesn't come with a battery? And the batteries to buy are lead acid? I figured it was going to be like an electric bike with a lithium-ion battery and charger and a decent range. Lead-acid batteries are a bummer, they not only weigh too much, if you don't watch it and you run the battery below half-charged, you have pretty much started ruining the battery. I'm not sure why spending $200 for two lead-acid batteries is better than using a lithium battery with about the same range and much longer life?
Marco McClean
Be careful, don't slip and put your foot down in the cuisinart hole.
see3d
@Ibeck37, If you go to their site you can see that they sell a lithium-ion 12.8V 30Ah battery for the GoBoat.
windykites
Let's hope the Lithium battery is waterproof! Would rectangular be a better shape?
That carry bag sounds almost unliftable.
ljaques
Wow, for only a grand, you get a river tube with a foam top and an inflatable chair. $200-250 Motor and $100 battery NOT included. That slows down the fun a lot. How fast will a 55lb thrust trolling motor push it? 5mph?
Hmm, a stand up paddle board, also inflatable, is only $200 these days. Add a suBlue motor/power pack for $399. Hmm. About half the price.
@Marco Cuisinart hole. LOL
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