Boatdealers.ca E-Magazine
Nauticraft
Dayana Moreno
July-Aug 2006 Issue
Pedal, or glide across the waters this summer with Nauticraft’s latest model
pedal boats. These sleek, environmentally friendly pedal boats provide the
unique option of not only pedaling but of using an electric motor to move along
the waters.
All Nauticraft boats are constructed in a manner where there are no seams or gaps
to leak or break apart. Even the color is molded completely through the material.
Apart from their modern appearance these boats are also loaded with convenience
and innovative features. Nauticraft boats are "dry" pedal boats so unlike
conventional pedal boats, there is no need to worry about getting wet.
There are several Nauticraft models. The Sprite accommodates one person. There's
space around the cockpit to store safety gear and personal items and also features
a self-draining cockpit and a weed clean-out hole. The Escapade is slightly larger
and has space for the pedaler along with one or two passengers. It has the benefit
of extra storage areas along with a "dry shelf" that is meant for items
you would like to keep from getting wet such as towels or a radio. While the Encore
model line is designed with the convenience of a four-person boat and allows the
convenience of battery-electric power for a variety of model combinations. You hold
the option of making small customizations to your boat to suit your needs.
The operation of the motors requires 12-volt deep cycle marine batteries and all
versions come with their own on-board chargers for simple 120-volt plug-in battery
regeneration.
And all three pedal boats feature a smooth, quiet drive system, which produces easy
forward movement through conventional bicycle-type pedaling.
But according to Monique Heemskerk, owner of Mary Lake Marina (Ontario’s first
Nauticraft dealer), one of the things that makes the Nauticraft pedal boat so unique
is that it is actually an electric boat with the added luxury of pedaling.
“If you are on the water, you can paddle there and have the option of using
the motor on the way back. It’s great for seniors, for example, who want to
get some exercise....But it is also great for smaller lakes were you can not have
a motor boat.”
Prices range from approximately $1,800 to $5,500. “It’s expensive
compared to a play toy boat but if you compare it with a standard fishing boat it’s
a very affordable price,” says Heemskerk.
Another added benefit is that all Nauticraft boats are safe for the environment.
The manufacturing process utilizes clean technology. That means that no hazardous
pollutants are released into the atmosphere. According to the Nauticraft website,
“the polyethylene material is potentially recyclable - it can be ground up
and remelted to form other products so it doesn't add to the ever-expanding landfill
problem.”
“They require no gas, and emit no noise or pollution…For the future,
everyone wants an environmentally safe boat,” says Heemskerk. “It is
the right time for a product like this.”
Heemskerk says that after visiting the Toronto Boat Show, people have been very
receptive to the product. Orders are growing as knowledge of the Nauticraft is expanding.
But with a sole dealer in B.C., Monique expresses the need for dealers across Canada
in order to continue to expand the market for these truly unique boats.
For more details on Nauticraft please visit:
www.nauticraft.com
www.marylakemarina.com
www.ped-el-power.com