April 2026 Column NEXT-GEN WATER TOYS…RIDING THE NEW WAVE By Capt. John N.Raguso After completing the usual boat show circuit over the past few months, one thing jumped out at me as a consistent trend…boating families LOVE their water toys.Three newbies caught my attention and we’ll detail these aquatic playthings in this month’s column.There’s one thing they all have in common with the usual coastal boating theme… they are definitely not inexpensive! Fliteboard eFoils David Trewern, founder and CEO of Fliteboard, started his operations back in 2016,
with customers in more than 90 countries. Fliteboard won more than a dozen major awards for its unique product design and in September of 2023, Brunswick announced their acquisition, adding its eFoiling technology to the company’s electrification and shared-access strategies. Fliteboard, which combines advanced
hydrofoils and electric propulsion on the water, allows Brunswick to enter the emerging, electric-foiling surfboard market and presents the opportunity for techno- logical, manufacturing commercial and consumer synergies with the existing Brunswick portfolio. Fliteboard will operate as a business within Mercury Marine. So what’s a Fliteboard eFoil and why should you consider getting one? If anyone in your family enjoys surfing, skateboarding or snowboarding, a Fliteboard eFoil is a natural extension of this type of excitement on the water. The system consists of a surfboard (carbon fiber/fiberglass), a lithium-ion battery, an electric motor, a mast and a hydrofoil wing. The battery drives an electric motor located at the base of the mast, which is submerged under the water, offering a quiet, eco-friendly experience. As the board gains speed, water flows over the submerged wing, cre- ating pressure differences that generate lift. This raises the entire board 2-to-3 feet above the surface, significantly reducing drag. The rider uses a handheld, wireless Bluetooth controller (Flite Controller) to manage speed and power, with speeds up to 30-mph or more. The rider controls the flight height and direction by shifting their weight, similar to surfing or snowboarding. Users can customize their experience by changing wings (front and sta- bilizer), masts and boards to suit different skill levels. Fliteboards can run up to 90-120 minutes on one charge, depending on battery size and the motor automatically shuts off if the rider falls. According to the Flite folks I spoke with on the boat show circuit, most users can learn to ride in less than an hour. There’s also a mast controller with handlebars like a scooter for beginners, so Fliteboard caters to all skill levels. Prices range from $11,000-to- $18,000 and up, depending on the features, battery power, foil wing types, board material and accessories. The lat- est Flite is the Race model, designed in conjunction with Mercury Racing. For more information, visit www.flite-
board.com. Seabob
A Seabob is a high-performance, electric handheld underwater scooter that propels swimmers and snorkelers on the surface or underwater, reaching speeds from 10-to-14 mph on the surface or 7-to-9 mph underwater (depending on model). It is designed for easy maneuvering, allowing users to dive and glide through the ocean by controlling the device via handgrips, with a runtime of up to 90 minutes. The Seabob uses a patented electric jet system (E-Jet Power System) that sucks in water and expels it with high
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