AND YOU THOUGHT YOUR BOAT WAS SPECIAL

Is that a large child or an extraordinarily small boat?

The latter, you’ll be relieved to hear. What you’re looking at here is being touted as the world’s first electric and very eco-friendly mini boat – the Jimboat 6.5.

Who came up with it and why?

Denis Jimenez is a French boat designer and builder. Married with two sons, it was discovering that his five-year-old grandson was passionate about boating that inspired Denis to build the Jimboat 6.5 for him.

That’s remarkable. How big is it?

It’s just 6.5ft long – that’s exactly 2m. That’s a full half metre less than the beam of a Sea Ray 190 sportsboat, for example.

Astonishing. So it would fit in the back of my pick-up?

Absolutely! In fact, there is a promotional shot of it in the bed of a double cab.

What makes it go?

A 55lb thrust electric motor spins a prop that is concealed within a tunnel, safe from dangling legs or swimmers.

How fast is it?

The builder reckons it’ll do about 5.5 knots, controlled by a five-step throttle (limitable) that also offers a single-speed reverse.

And how long will it run for?

About four hours on a full charge.

Is it just for kids, or can grownups have a play?

It’s aimed predominantly at children, but small adults (up to 5ft 6in and 70kg) can have a go.

So where can I buy one and how much are they?

At the moment only one exists, the prototype. Denis is currently seeking crowdfunding investors with the intention of putting the boat into build. If he succeeds in getting the necessary funding (never a given in the boating world), he expects the finished product to cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Go on Youtube to see the boat in action.