New inflatable houseboat fits into an SUV
Slovenian manufacturer, Hovercraft, has launched an updated model of its ‘foldable’ Electricat inflatable houseboat.
The Electricat 16 inflatable houseboat has 16 m² of deck space and is designed to accommodate up to ten people. The 6m² (65 sq ft) roof space can store paddleboards, be used for sunbathing or removable solar powers to charge the electric motor’s battery. The salon area offers 2m of head room.
Like its predecessors, the updated Electricat 16 uses solar energy for sustainable and silent operation.
The houseboat (not including the motor and battery) can fold up and weighs 170kg (375lb) with the heaviest part being 50kg (110lb). According to the manufacturer, the houseboat takes a few minutes to inflate and the parts zip together.
The inflatable houseboat has a claimed top speed of up to 4 knots with a 1kW electric outboard and up to 7 knots with a 3kW unit.
The Electricat 16 can also convert to an on-water tent for overnighting.
Hovercraft’s first electric inflatable houseboat model was a finalist in the 2020 Gussies Electric Boat Awards and won the Solar Award at the e-Regatta of the 2021 Venice Boat Show.
Blaž Stepišnik is the president and CEO of Hovercraft founded the company in 2003 (read more about the company on its website).
