The UK’s Miniport Electric Ships has announced a new hire boat available now for the 2020 season, the Pirate Touring Boat.
David Ritchie, the company’s managing director, believes the newest generation of electric motors are changing the industry for the better, as they are less noisy and smelly. “We actually touched one swan by mistake - it simply didn’t hear us coming,” he said after trailling the product at Chichester Harbour.
Continuing the company’s traditional themed boats, the attraction seats five to six people with plenty of room to move around. Ritchie said it is light enough to be used at night but tough enough to be stored on a mooring if desired.
The 1kw motor typically moves the boats at four knots an hour, which, he said, is ideal for boat hire. “The trick is to build the boat strong enough and to be well enough protected to withstand impacts, but not so heavy that it requires more power, or breaks something it hits. There is a delicate balance that some boats for boat hire achieve and some absolutely do not.
“The target market is venues with a larger lake, river or canal venue. It comes with a Snakes and Ladders-themed picnic table as an option, too,” he said.
