Interboot showing inflatable catamarans, electric fins, and self-charging e-boats

Sustainability has arrived in the boat-building industry: sleek boats with long-range electric motors and attachable solar-paneled kites are just a couple of the latest trends and innovations being presented at the 2022 Interboot. Taking place from September 17 to 25, 2022, the event features 348 exhibitors and represented companies showing every facet of the water sports industry in six halls, in an outdoor area, on the exhibition center lake, and on Lake Constance. The day before the fair, a selection of the latest novelties and world premieres was presented to the press. There is a lot to discover at this 61st edition of the international water sports exhibition in Friedrichshafen, including a daysailor highly anticipated in the sailing scene, an inflatable catamaran that doesn't require a berth, an electric motor for standup paddleboards, and an adventure boat with a powerful electric motor.

A faster, more spacious, and comfortable 30-footer

The sailing scene is excited for the rollout of the new Pointer 30, which is to be presented to the public for the first time at the Interboot. 9.2 meters (30 feet) long and 2.9 meters (9,5 feet) wide with sleek lines and a racy sail plan, this world premiere constitutes a redesign of the successful 22 and 25 versions. While the roomy cockpit accommodates up to eight sailors, in fact the boat can be conned alone, coming equipped with either a classic tiller or (for an extra charge) a steering wheel. The interior design can be customized with an online tool. One unusual feature for this size of boat is a bar with two swiveling chairs. The standard version of the Pointer 30 costs just under 135,000 euro without sails or a motor; ready to sail with no extras, it starts at 162,000 euro.

A milestone in the history of maritime aviation

The MS Altenrhein was the tug and tender of Dornier's legendary Do X flying boat. It was built in 1927 at Bodan shipyard in Kressbronn, Germany, and from 1928 on it was used at the Dornier Werke Altenrhein plant as a motorboat for the air service. Currently being extensively restored at the Michelsen dockyard in Friedrichshafen, the MS Altenrhein is being presented to the general public for the first time with her fresh coat of paint at this year’s Interboot.

Modular solar panels for mounting on the railing or flying from the mast as kites

With the transition to electric drives, a lot of attention is being focused on the on-board batteries. At the Interboot, the company FLIN solar from Kiel, Germany, is showing its diverse range of products, including solar sails, flexible solar mats, and walkable solar floor panels – and also presenting its latest: double-sided solar modules that can be attached to a railing (FLINrail+) or drawn up the mast of a sailing yacht one after the other (FLINkite+). The panels can be tilted to best catch the sun’s rays. These is being exhibited at the Interboot’s Green Area in hall B3.

Catch the monster wave on a wakeboard

Water skiers and wakeboard fans have been eagerly anticipating the new version of the Moomba Craz, with its redesigned hull and interior. With a 6.2-liter V8 Ford Raptor inboard engine (355 or 411 hp) from Indmar and a new, optimized hull shape, the Craz has already received praise from expert testers. A total of 7.36 meters (approx. 24 feet) long including the platform and 2.59 meters (8.5 feet) wide, this model is the only one of the Moomba family to feature a classic V-bow. The ballast was increased to somewhat more than two tonnes, nearly as much as the weight of the boat itself. For training purposes, it can seat up to 14 guests in addition to the driver.

An inflatable catamaran never needs a berth

From the trunk of the car to the water in barely ten minutes – that’s the promise of Portless Catamarans from Hungary. These two-level double hulls are made of plastic with the same drop-stitch technique used for SUP boards, and are inflated the same way too. Driven by a small 1-kW electric outboard engine whose lithium-ion battery is charged by a walkable solar paneled roof, these cats have a range of up to 30 kilometers (48 miles) at about seven kilometers (11 miles) per hour and do not require a license. The Portless 14 weighs 120 kilograms (264 pounds) and can be disassembled into four parts. Fully assembled using zippers, it measures 4 × 2.5 × 2 meters and is designed to accommodate six people.

Speedy adventure boat now equipped with a powerful electric drive

The newly founded Polish motorboat-builders Virtue Yachts is causing a stir far beyond Europe's borders. At the Interboot, they’re presenting for the first time their all-new Virtue V10. According to founder and former sailing world champion Marek Stańczy, it's  a future-facing recreational boat in the 10-meter (30-foot) range that satisfies high standards of quality and sustainability. With a central helmstand, a fixed sunroof with solar panels, and lots of outdoor space, this boat is in a class of its own. The hull was optimized with the patented Swedish Petestep technology and constructed using vacuum infusion. To motorize the future, Virtue turned to the electric outboard motors of Evoy of Norway. With 150 hp each, they are approved for single use on Lake Constance. The maximum-power version has two motors with 250 hp each. The versions of the V10 weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can be trailered.

Smart e-drives for SUP boards and more

Offering higher speeds with less effort and thus longer range for each tour, the e-fin from Jaykay has a lot to offer stand-up paddleboarders. The smart e-fin senses each paddle stroke and provides up to 400 watts of additional power. The speed can be controlled using a power controller. The e-fin can be fitted to SUP boards as well as other water sports equipment such as kayaks using a screw-on adapter.