Tectrax targets UK growth as SBS Trailers becomes first international partner
The push to commercialise electric launch-and-retrieval systems is advancing as Tectrax appoints SBS Trailers as its first international partner for its Boat-Launcher. The move brings what the company describes as the world’s first fully electric, remote-controlled boat-launching system (eliminating the need for a tow vehicle to launch or retrieve the boat), to the UK and Ireland.
“Boating should be all adventure and no hassle — that is the core of our ‘effortless launching’ philosophy,” says James Morton, chief executive of Tectrax, positioning the partnership as a strategic entry into a major market with strong commercial demand.
“We have already had a large number of enquiries from the UK and Ireland. This has been a mixture of search and rescue organisations, other commercial operators like tourism and fishing. Demand from the recreational boating sector is coming from people who have waterfront properties across the British isles, and are looking for a solution that gives them better access to the water, and allows solo launching.”
Boat-Launcher arrives in UK and Ireland
The first Boat-Launcher has just arrived in the UK with SBS Trailers, and will be on the beach in the next few weeks. To start it’ll be tested with a 28ft Axopar. Next will be a 32ft boat.
Morton says that Boat-Launcher came from the constant requests from customers asking to retrofit their existing boat with the Tectrax amphibious wheels, or to install the wheels on trailers. “It was the market that shared their experience – their pain points and frustrations with launching and retrieving their boats.
“We worked closely with our customers and the market to ensure that Boat-Launcher would meet their needs and also be able to handle the various launching terrains that our customers were battling with.”
Following its New Zealand debut at the Hutchwilco Boat Show in May 2025, Boat-Launcher adapts Tectrax’s 48V amphibious wheel technology — developed over more than a decade — for use on conventional boat trailers.
The system provides electric drive wheels powerful enough to move a boat and trailer without a tow vehicle, allowing launch or retrieval on boat ramps, beaches or yards.
Metstrade proves pivotal for remote boat launching system
The partnership follows a strong response to Tectrax’s recent appearance at Metstrade. For SBS Trailers, which manufactures trailers for vessels ranging from dinghies to larger powerboats, the product represents a shift toward cleaner, more automated handling systems. Details of how the company works with boatbuilders are available on its website.
“We are constantly looking for innovative solutions that enhance the experience for our customers,” says Andy Wyer, director of SBS Trailers. He says the technology addresses common frustrations such as long ramp queues, reversing difficulty and the need for tow vehicles, noting its relevance to both recreational and commercial users.
Morton accedes that there are some competitive options on the market, however but says that they are custom hydraulic solutions that are very different to his system and technology.
“None of them offer the versatility, or ability to scale, like ours.
“Boat-Launcher is 100 per cent electric drive. There are no hydraulics which makes it more reliable, but also delivers more torque to the wheels, providing more traction and power to be able to launch in difficult terrain.”
Modular make-up of Boat-Launcher
Tectrax says the 48V electric drive systems are what makes Boat-Launcher unique and more end-user friendly. It’s easy to operate and charge, and requires minimal servicing or maintenance. “Our wheels are triple sealed and fully submersible. We have moisture sensors inside just in case there is a failure with the seals. The seals are the main part that needs regular servicing, depending on the amount of use.
“Boat-Launcher is also modular, meaning that you can add more wheels to accommodate for larger/heavier vessels.”
The modular system allows manufacturers to integrate powered, or unpowered, wheels depending on boat weight, size and operating environment.
“We can have all wheels powered, or only the rear and the front wheels, depending on the launching requirements of the customer. We have designed the system for versatility to satisfy recreational boaters, commercial customers (search and rescue, surf lifesaving, etc.), and shipyards that need to move boats around or launch for their boat owners.”
As part of the agreement, SBS Trailers will design and manufacture chassis frames engineered specifically to integrate the drive units for customers in the UK and Ireland.
Tectrax says the partnership reflects rising interest in low-emission marine mobility solutions. The company’s broader portfolio focuses on electric amphibious wheel systems for recreational, commercial and government applications.
