A floating device halfway between a drone and an electric jetski
A small 3.1 metre long electric catamaran, the Overboat designed by Vincent Dufour and his team at Néocéan, was presented for the first time at the Nautic in 2019. Equipped with foils, it can fly over the water at a speed of more than 15 knots, with a 4.5 kW engine. "The Overboat, approved in category D, passes very well through a 0.5 m chop, which is rare for a boat of this size, and has a range of 2 hours at a cruising speed of 12 knots" rejoices its designer. The onboard electronics guarantee the stability of the flight, but it also allows the boat to be remotely controlled, like a marine drone.
A ship born from containment
Neocéan also had the opportunity to floor a second version of its overboat during the 1st containment in March-April 2020. The so-called "Classic" model, without the front foils, offers a more economical and streamlined solution. In this configuration, the overboat reaches 10 knots and remains remote controllable.
Further developments are expected in 2021. An 8 kW engine, requiring a boat licence, will be available to reach 20 knots. A larger, two-seater boat hull is being prototyped. "This will enable us to share the experience of flying and sailing," explains Vincent Dufour.
A crucial year 2021 with varied markets
If the initial business plan was counting on the toys and luxury market, rather at half-mast, Vincent Dufour sees many applications for the Overboat and is busy preparing for the 2021 season. "We were aiming for luxury yachts and hotels, but that seems complicated in the short term, even if we remain confident in the medium term. For 2021, there are jet ski or electric boat rental bases, sites close to hotels or large campsites, to offer a flying experience to the user, without the need for a permit. There are also requests from inland waterways in Switzerland and professional niches such as the French Canoe Kayak Federation, to follow competitions without making waves. The classic version is of interest to captain's offices to welcome boaters," says the manager
If the crisis linked to the Covid-19 disrupts the launch of the Overboat, the company is investing so as not to miss the year 2021 and the summer season, which is a turning point for the project. "The 1st orders are in progress and a first series of around fifty boats should be ready before the summer. The long-term goal is to have around a hundred within the year," concludes Vincent Dufour.
