This summer, there’s an abundance of new boating toys available for families who want extra enjoyment while they’re out on the water. Some of these are flimsy novelty items that will probably only survive one season, while others are robustly designed and built to serve their purpose for decades. Prices range from under $100 to almost $10,000.
Some are more universally suitable than others. Towables, for example, aren’t very practical on a sailing yacht; thus, the type of boat you have will usually determine what water sports you can take part in and what types of toys are brought along. However, a good number of these are useful even when you’re not on a boat.
Full Face Snorkel Mask
In more ways than one, the Subea Easybreath full-face snorkel mask will raise an eyebrow. The designers of this cool mask took a close look at the conventional snorkel and came up with a makeover that’s not only innovative but also immediately noticeable in all the right ways. The best part is that it functions really well as a breathing device. The Subea Easybreath, developed over seven years, is a mask with separate portions for breathing and seeing. Fog is eliminated thanks to a novel air circulation system, and the unobstructed field of vision extends a full 180 degrees. The Subea Easybreath can be purchased for about $70.
Electric Surfboard
The YuJet Surfer is a jet-powered electric surfboard capable of speeds of up to 24 mph (38.6 kph). It has a maximum range of 16 miles (26 kilometers) at modest speeds and can operate for up to 40 minutes on a single charge. You steer by shifting your weight (as on a regular surfboard), and a floating wireless remote adjusts the power. Both the jet and the battery are detachable modules, so they can be sent back to the manufacturer separately for maintenance. Carbon fiber makes up the shell, while EVA foam is used for the footboard; there are four detachable fins for extra heft. The cost is $9,999.
Sea Kayak
The Sea Eagle 380X Inflatable Kayak is 3 meters long and 1 meter wide, yet only weighs about 40 pounds (18 kilograms). It can support up to three people or 750 pounds (340 kilograms). The 1,000-denier reinforced nylon outside should last for years of usage, and the three air chambers within ensure the user’s safety. A detachable skeg improves the kayak’s tracking in open water, and many floor drains make drying out easy after a rainstorm. An electric trolling motor can be installed via a mount that’s sold separately. The total package, including a pump and QuickRow kit, can be purchased together for $1,399.
Diving Aid
The Subwing is an underwater towing device for one or two riders being pulled at speeds between 2 and 4 knots. You can control the direction you move in by holding on with both hands and tilting the device’s “wings.” To dive or surface, you must simultaneously raise or lower both wings. This fun toy is useful for exploring reefs and searching for seafood like bay scallops and spiny lobsters. It’s also possible to roll and plane in an inverted position. With a GoPro mount, you can capture all your action. The Subwing sells for close to $150.
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are fun to have on board during the warmer months, but they may be difficult to store on boats with limited storage space. But a SUP usually isn’t a problem if it’s inflatable. One of Bote’s most popular inflatable SUPs is the 11-foot (3.4 meter) Classic Cypress, which can support paddlers up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) while weighing only 36 pounds (16.3 kilograms). The outside layer is made of military-grade PVC, which the company claims is unbreakable, while the core is made of thousands of composite fibers that join the two sides of the board and make the whole thing stiff. The price is $1,349 and includes a storage bag, pump, and paddle that folds up.
Three-Person Towable Tube
The Airhead Mach 3 is an extra-large, triple-rider towable tube made of durable PVC and covered with nylon. The seats are designed with padded backs to make even a long trip more comfortable. The length of the tube is 6.2 feet (1.9 meters), and it measures 75 inches (1.9 meters) wide. Seating is provided via inflated flooring. When Monday rolls around, you can quickly deflate the Mach 3 and stow it away thanks to its speed safety valve. The cost is around $375.
Electric Water Bike
The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is a water bike with an electric-assist motor that allows it to reach speeds of up to 13 mph (21 kph). The manufacturer claims the XE-1 can foil when it reaches speeds of 6 mph (9 kph), and the bike offers a ride time of up to four hours. The XE-1 takes around three hours to fully recharge and weighs 68 pounds (31 kilograms). The motor assist features adjustable resistance for more challenging exercise, or you can decrease it for a stress-free ride. The bike folds up for simple storage or transportation, and it can send information about its battery life and speed to a smartphone through an app. Cost is $8,990, plus shipping.
Dive Scooter
The Seabob is a nifty self-propelled underwater diving aid. Squeeze the trigger on the Seabob’s electric water jet-powered scooter, aim it down, and you’ll be gliding under the waves like James Bond. The digital control panel monitors not just water temperature and remaining battery life but also your depth; a maximum dive depth can be set for safety purposes. The Seabob’s e-jet power system offers four output levels; propelling force is around 0.6 horsepower (480 Newtons), with the device weighing in at 64 pounds (29 kilograms). The base F5 Seabob model runs about $9,980.
Floating Dock
If your boat doesn’t have a “teak beach,” the Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock is all you’ll ever need. It can hold adults in a standing position thanks to its high-pressure, drop-stitch design. Fast inflation and deflation are possible via a high-pressure air valve. According to the manufacturer, the Dock can be inflated using a standard shop vacuum or a high-volume pump. It can support up to 1,320 pounds (599 kilograms) and has dimensions of 10 feet by 8 feet by 6 inches (2.4 meters by 3 meters by 30 centimeters). Weight is approximately 60 pounds (27 kilograms), and the cost is $729.
Powered Tube Float
On a day with light currents and calm seas, the TubeRunner tube float makes an entertaining water toy for a quick spin around the stern. It has a joystick for control and a small electric motor that runs on six D-cell batteries. An all-around blade guard protects the three nylon prop blades from harm. The tube is made of vinyl, so be sure to protect it against barnacles and rough surfaces. No information is available on the battery life, so it’s probably best to stock up. Price of the TubeRunner is roughly $150.
