Top 10 Water Toys for Boating Fun: And None is Gasoline Powered
For families that need a bit of added entertainment aboard this summer, there’s a plethora of new water toys on the market. Some are simply gadgets that might last only one season with luck, others are solidly engineered and built to provide many years of service. Prices vary accordingly, from less than $200 to more than $10,000.
The type of boat will dictate what sort of toys are carried — towable water toys aren’t much use on a sailing yacht, for example. But plenty can be used independently from the boat.
And happily, none of the toys we’re looking at burn expensive petroleum-based fuels, though you’ll still feel the pain at the pump when you fill up your powerboat. Here are 10 that stood out in our search:
Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are great toys to carry aboard in warmer months, but finding a spot to stow them can be a hassle on smaller boats. An inflatable SUP solves the issue. Bote offers a variety of sizes of inflatables, including their popular 11’ (3.4 m) Classic Cypress model that weighs just 36 pounds (16.3 kg) but is rated for paddlers to 300 pounds (136 kg). The company says the military-grade PVC skin is virtually indestructible, while the inner core has tens of thousands of composite fibers that connect the top and bottom halves of the board and, when under pressure, create solid board rigidity. With break-down paddle, pump and stowage bag, it’s priced at $1,349.
Though you wouldn’t want to take it very far from boat, the TubeRunner is an interesting water toy for putting around the stern on a calm day with minimal currents. It includes a tiny electric motor powered by six D-cell batteries and is steered with a joystick. The 3-blade nylon prop is protected by a 360-degree blade guard. The tube is vinyl so keep it away from barnacles and sharp edges. There’s no data on how long it will run on a set of batteries, but you’ll probably need plenty. Price is about $150.
The Sea Eagle 380X Inflatable Kayak is 12’6” long (3.8 M) and has a 3’3” beam (1 M), yet weighs just 40 lb. (18 kg). It’s rated for three adults or 750 lbs. (340 kg). Three air compartments provide safety and the 1,000-denier reinforced nylon shell should stand up to years of use. Multiple floor drains quickly get rid of water that splashes aboard and a removable skeg improves tracking in open water. An optional mount permits adding an electric trolling motor. Total package including the pump and the QuickRow kit seen above is $1,399.
The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is a water bike that includes an electric-assist motor that can push it at up to 13 mph (21 kph) on foils. It jumps up on the foils at 6 mph (9 kph), according to the company, and gives up to four hours of ride time. The motor assist has adjustable resistance for a workout, or for maximum help if you just want a relaxing ride. The bike folds for easier stowage or transport. Weight is 68 lbs. (31 kg) and recharge time about three hours. An app links it to a smart phone for battery level and speed data. Price is $8,990 plus shipping.
Your boat may not have a “teak beach” but it won’t need one with the Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock. It has rigid, high-pressure, drop-stitch construction that lets it support standing adults. A high-pressure air valve allows quick inflation and deflation. It inflates with any high volume pump or shop vac, according to the company. The floating dock measures 10’ x 8’ x 6” (3 m x 2.4 m x 15 cm) and has a 1,320-lb. (599 kg) weight capacity. Weight is about 60 lbs. (27 kg). Price is $729.
The YuJet Surfer is an electrically jet-powered surfboard that can reach speeds to 24 mph (38.6 kph). It can run up to 40 minutes on a charge and range is up to 16 miles (26 km) at lower speeds. A floating wireless remote controls power and you steer by shifting body weight as with a conventional board. The jet and battery are modular and can be removed for shipping back to the factory for service. Four removable fins add stability. The exterior is carbon fiber, the footboard is EVA foam. Price is $9,999.
The Airhead Mach 3 is a jumbo towable tube designed to tow up to three riders in a tough PVC design with nylon cover. Seating includes soft backrests for long-term riding comfort. The tube is 107” wide (2.7 m) and 75” (1.9 m) front to back. Inflated floors provide cushioned seating. A speed safety valve allows rapid deflating for storage when the weekend is over. Price is about $375.
The Subwing is an underwater towing planer designed for speeds of 2 to 4 knots and one or two riders. Simply hang on with two hands and steer by tilting the wings in the direction you want to go. Tilt both wings up or down in order to dive or resurface. This would be a handy device to look for bay scallops or spiny lobsters, as well as a great way to watch a reef go by below. It’s also possible to roll and plane along upside down. A GoPro mount lets you film your adventures. It’s about $150.
Squeeze the trigger of the electric water jet-powered Seabob, point it downward and you’re imitating James Bond gliding along effortlessly beneath the sea. The digital console keeps tabs on depth and remaining battery power as well as water temperature. It’s also possible to set a maximum diving depth for safety. With a weight of 64 lbs. (29 kg), the Seabob has a propulsive force of about 0.6 hp or 480 Newtons. The E-Jet Power System has four power levels. The entry level F5 model goes for about $9,980.