Watercraft

One of the big complaints about power boats is the fact that they bring noise and pollution to lakes that should be pristine. Electric boats address those problems, and one of the latest – from Pure Watercraft – was developed in partnership with GM.

In recent years, we've heard about electric surfboards, bodyboards, hydrofoil boards and underwater scooters. Buying all of those separately could get pretty expensive, which is why the mo-jet system combines them in one modular setup.

Although most kayakers like their boats because they're human-powered, a motor could still help out in some scenarios. And while there are already pre-motorized kayaks, the PacMotor system adds two motors to an existing boat.

Among other items, serious canoeists are advised to carry an extra paddle (in case they lose one) and a bilge pump (in case their boat gets swamped). The Paddle Pump is designed to make things simpler, by combining both tools in one device.

While we have seen motorized kayaks before, most of them simply utilize an outboard motor, or they don't have the form factor of a true kayak. The Czech-made eMogi, however, looks fairly conventional, and has its own integrated electric motor.

After first appearing on our radar in late 2017, the Manta5 XE-1 Hydrofoiler has now entered production. The company has a range of water hydrofoil bikes planned, including racing versions, electric-only motorcycles for the water, and a surfing model.

While some people like the idea of kayaking, they may be put off by how cumbersome the boats are to transport, and how tippy they can be. The Super Kayak – currently on Kickstarter – is made to address both concerns.

The world’s first fleet of autonomous boats is growing – literally. MIT’s self-driving Roboat has now doubled in size, allowing it to carry two people at a time, plus the boats have had an intelligence upgrade and can now move in coordinated groups.

We've seen various fold-flat kayaks and canoes, but motorized watercraft? Not so much. That may be about to change, though, if the AquaNaut 270 reaches production.

Visitors to this year's Genoa Boat Show – which apparently is taking place in a physical venue – will see a rather unique watercraft. Made by Milan-based Moi Composites, the MAMBO is claimed to be the world's first "real" 3D-printed fiberglass boat.

If you want a kayak (that isn't inflatable), you typically also need a car with a suitable roof rack. German product designer Daniel Schult has come with an alternative, however, in the form of a folding kayak that can be carried like a backpack.

More than 10 years ago, François-Alexandre Bertrand came up with a concept for a novel above/below watercraft named the Platypus. The first Blue Ocean edition was sold last year and now his company has launched a new version, the Platypus Swordfish.