Toby Hodges looks at the latest inflatables, water toys, and accessories that will help maximise your enjoyment afloat in the sunCaption goes hereWith the Northern Hemisphere summer now in full swing many of us have our boats back on the water. But with long distance cruising still difficult, perhaps it is time to look at some fun inflatables and water toys to make the most out of your time on the water this summer.
\nHere in the UK it may seem like we have a comically short summer season, but the Brits certainly like to make the most of the sun when it does choose to come out. While gearing up for your summer cruise or next long weekend in the sun however, have you considered which kit might maximise your enjoyment aboard?
\nIt\u2019s still all about inflatable tech and electric power in the tenders and toys world \u2013 and some foiling too of course.<\/p>\n
Red Paddle Co Ride 10\u20196 stand up paddleboard
\nA few years ago a step change in technology brought us the inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP). It was not long before many yacht owners added them to their inventory thanks to affordable prices, along with their compact size and light weight \u2013 some fit in a small backpack and weigh less than 8kg. These are fast becoming a replacement for inflatable dinghies for some.
\nNowadays you\u2019ll likely be the odd one out in an anchorage if you don\u2019t carry a SUP (or two) aboard \u2013 and in which you\u2019ll be missing out on fun, exercise and some adventure for all the family.
\nThis will be our fourth year\/season of using our Red Ride 10\u20196 and for much of the summer it replaces any need for a conventional inflatable tender. This remains the most popular all-round and near-bulletproof model available and one, that many consider to be the best paddle board on the market \u2013 it\u2019s certainly the most well-respected manufacturer.
\nThe Plymouth-based company has since released a 9\u20196 Compact model, which better suits small lockers.
\nRed Paddle Co Ride 10\u20196 deals
\nBuy it now from Red Paddle Co
\nRead our guide to the best paddleboard options on the market
\nRead our guide to the best inflatable paddleboards on the market.
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Valo Hyperfoil
\nThe ubiquitous jet ski gets the foiling treatment in this new product from a California-based marine start-up. Valo can carry two people, using a 108hp electric motor and three foils to carry them 60cm above the waves. Top speed is an impressive 50 knots, while electronic flight controls keep the craft stable. The foils fully retract for launch and recovery. The first units hit the water this summer, with full production ramping up in 2024.
\nExpected price is around $59,000.
\nSee more at boundarylayer.tech<\/p>\n
Flitescooter
\nFoiling toys are standard fare for superyachts these days, but they\u2019re not simple for beginners to get the hang of. Flite has tried to remedy this with its new Flitescooter, which offers more stability and a handle to help newbies get their balance. The technology and control system on the inside is the same as the original Fliteboard, but greater buoyancy means there\u2019s no need to get wet. The handlebars can be easily removed as riders improve their skills.
\nPrice: \u00a312,995.
\nBuy it now at fliteboard<\/p>\n
AquaDart Nano
\nIaqua sat down to reinvent the underwater scooter, and the result is the AquaDart, which claims to be half the weight of the competition (24kg), with a 30% smaller footprint and 60% more thrust than conventional jet drives. It\u2019s hard to verify these figures, but the product is certainly compact.
\nThe AquaDart comes in three varieties, ranging from the sporty version with 450N of thrust up to a 620N option. They\u2019ll take you to 40-45m depth, but you can also set an operational floor at 2m depth. Battery life is between 60 and 90 minutes.
\nPrice from $5,830.
\nBuy it now from iaquawatercraft
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yamaha Seawing II
\nFor those who can\u2019t be bothered with flippers\u2026 this is the latest in the Seabob style underwater dragging craze. The Seawing II is licensed by Yamaha and has twin motors that pull to a speed of 5mph (faster than it sounds when submersed).
\nThe 10aH battery pack gives a run time of around 40 minutes and charges in three hours and there is a battery level display. It\u2019s very compact and weighs just 3.7kg.
\nYamaha Seawing II deals
\nBuy it now from Amazon (US)
\nBuy it now from Amazon (UK)<\/p>\n
ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO
\nMeanwhile, we recently conducted a test on lightweight inflatable dinghies with sister title PBO and on electric outboards with Yachting Monthly. The results for both will be published during the autumn but it\u2019s clear to see that the days of petrol outboards aboard yachts look numbered.
\nePropulsion\u2019s Spirit EVO range looks particularly appealing. These are the first electric outboards with hydro generating capabilities. The Spirit 1.0 EVO is equivalent to a 3hp outboard, which can charge while sailing.
\nBuy ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 EVO from Norfolk Marine<\/p>\n
F-One Rocket Air
\nThere have been two recent explosions in the watersports market: firstly with inflatable toys such as paddleboards and then with foiling. So what happens when you fuse the two?
\nRocket Air \u2013 potentially the best bang for your buck that you can fit in a compact locker space. It can be used as an inflatable surf or paddleboard, or with the addition of a foil, for foil surfing, foil paddle boarding, wing foiling (with an inflatable wing) or just towing behind the tender (it\u2019s amazing how little pulling power you need).
\nF-One offers a range of sizes from 4ft 10in (75lt) through to a 7ft 11in board, which has a massive 185lt of volume. The smaller boards better suit surf and wing\/kite use and the larger boards are for wing and SUP enthusiasts.
\nThey are designed around F-One\u2019s highly popular rigid boards, down to the same foil position.
\nThe dropstitch construction is ideal for the stiffness required while ensuring a ding-proof toy to lug around your yacht.
\nBuy F-One Rocket Air from sup.co.uk<\/p>\n
Packraft \u2013 Lightweight inflatable dinghies
\nPackrafting is the latest new inflatable water sport with equipment relevant to cruising yachts that\u2019s rapidly gaining popularity, says Rupert Holmes. It uses ultra lightweight one or two person inflatable dinghies, many of which weigh less than 2kg.
\nThese are made of a very lightweight urethane nylon fabric that\u2019s resistant to both abrasion and tears.
\nIt\u2019s also possible to find lower priced packrafts made of a similar PVC to inflatable tenders, though these tend to be somewhat heavier at around 8kg.
\nWhile a packraft is unlikely to replace a conventional tender it means there\u2019s no longer a big barrier to carrying one, or even two, spare dinghies. This can enable crew members to go ashore independently, or allow older children to explore a sheltered estuary, for example.
\nThe Anfibio Sigma TXV is a two person model with a transparent floor panel so that marine life can be viewed under the boat.
\nThe boat weighs 2kg, while each of the two seats adds a further 250g. This model is 260cm (8ft 6in) long, with minimum tube diameter of 27cm \u2013 barely more than an inch smaller than the old Avon Redcrest, though the narrower beam restricts payload.
\nIt\u2019s important to recognise that there are many different specifications of packrafts available.
\nSome are only suitable for use on lakes and other very sheltered bodies of water, while at the other end of the spectrum others are designed for use in white water.
\nBuy Packrafts at packrafting-store
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Electric scooter
\nA growing trend with cruising sailors is to use electric scooters as a mode of transport ashore as they are much more compact than a folding bike (for stowage and transporting ashore).
\nThere are so many available now ranging from around \u00a3250-\u00a32,500, but as well as price, chief considerations include battery limits, wheel sizes and weight, plus the need to check out the legal constraints of using specific models and speeds in different countries.
\nPictured is the popular Pure Air Pro, priced at \u00a3599 from www.pureelectric.com. There\u2019s a handy guide to the latest at t3.com.<\/p>\n
Temo 450
\nFor those going lightweight this electric sculling oar remains an intriguing solution. The 1.7m long oar contains a 450w electric motor and built-in rechargeable battery, which provides 45 minutes of grunt at full speed. The TEMO weighs only 4.9kg
\nBuy Temo 450 from temofrance.com<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
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The post Best water toys: the latest inflatables and kit for fun afloat appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Toby Hodges looks at the latest inflatables, water toys, and accessories that will help maximise your enjoyment afloat in the sunCaption goes hereWith the Northern Hemisphere summer now in full swing many of us have our boats back on the … <\/p>\n