GoBoat UK expands dealer role underpinning Yamaha’s acquisition of Torqeedo

GoBoat UK, the self-drive boat rental company that operates electric boats on London’s waterways, is expanding its relationship with Yamaha Motor.

GoBoat UK has used Torqeedo outboards exclusively since launching in 2016 and now runs 57 boats across Paddington, Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton. According to the company, its fleet carries more than 150,000 customers each year.

With Yamaha owning Torqeedo (since April 2024), Thames Ditton Boatyard – a business set up by GoBoat founders Julian Wooton and Grant Sweeny to maintain the rental fleet and support private boat owners – will become a sales and service point for Yamaha’s petrol outboards while continuing to service Torqeedo units.

Julian Wooton, co-founder of GoBoat UK and Thames Ditton Boatyard, comments: “We’ve relied on Torqeedo for years because of their simplicity, safety and sustainability – all of which are values that align perfectly with GoBoat’s ethos. Now, with Torqeedo and Yamaha operating under the same roof, we’re able to enhance our offering by introducing Yamaha outboards to private boaters through our boatyard.

“This is an exciting evolution for us. We’re tapping into the innovation and support of both Yamaha and Torqeedo, a partnership that positions us strongly for future growth, both in our rental operations and in serving the wider boating community.”

Yamaha confirmed earlier this year that Torqeedo electric engines would be available through its European dealer network.