The EU-funded SEABOAT project aims to tackle this problem by introducing a groundbreaking manufacturing process to the recreational vessels market; the innovation will include a novel hull design which reduces hull weight and associated manufacturing costs. The new technology will ensure sustainable, environmentally friendly, zero-emission boats made of advanced composite materials.

The SEABOAT concept will tackle inherent issues in the recreational boat manufacturing industry, with a particular focus on addressing outdated, inefficient, costly and environmentally inferior hull-manufacturing processes that will not meet new legislation. It will also address the demand by recreational boat users for improved performance and sustainability advantages, comparable to those delivered by electric cars. In response, SEABOAT will deliver significant positive impacts in terms of industry/EU competitiveness, scalable company growth in revenue & jobs, and a wide array of performance & environmental benefits.

This will be achieved by commercialisation of the Composite Powder Epoxy Technology (C-PET) manufacturing process within the recreational boat manufacturing segment and by introducing a revolutionary E-Boat design incorporating the C-PET manufactured hull into the market, enabling ÉireComposites (composites manufacturing technology expert) to achieve in excess of €45m cumulative revenue and 260 jobs from 2021-2023.

Originally conceived for aerospace/renewable energy applications, C-PET is a high-performing, cost-effective manufacturing technology that will lower the cost of boat hulls by 30%, eliminate toxic Volatile Organic Compounds & reduce hull weight by 45%. Reduced hull weight will allow extra batteries and enhance boat range/performance, so that for the 1st time ever, battery-powered boats will be able to compete with fuel-powered alternatives. C-PET will be demonstrated & tested in an advanced electric boat, reducing operational costs by 60% & delivering 0 emissions, with tangible benefits along the whole life-cycle.

SEABOAT will enable wider adaptation of electrical boats (replacing fuel powered engines), helping drive growth in the market for electric boats estimated to achieve global worth of $20bn by 2027 and rejuvenate peripheral, coastal economies.