Drawing a boat for a little sailor
Denis Jimenez is a French boat designer and builder, married and father of two children, aficionados of long distance cruising. He has travelled the world with his family for a long time on his monohull "Luna" and then on his cruising catamaran Neos' 48, which he designed himself. He is also responsible for several floating projects such as a bungalow with an underwater bedroom or a catamaran to clean up the oceans.
But it is thanks to his 5 year old grandson that he had the idea to build this mini electric boat. "I discovered that my 5-year-old grandson is passionate about motorboats. So to give him a wonderful surprise, I designed and built this mini electric boat with natural fibres. This boat has several symbols for me: to continue to work for the protection of the planet while offering my grandson the opportunity to enjoy its wonders and to pass on my values, my knowledge and my passion. I also hope that he will have a lot of fun and that it will bring back wonderful memories in his life as a little sailor."
A mini boat for fun on the water
The 6.5 is particularly suitable for children, although it can be used by adults with some restrictions (170 cm/70 kg). It is made of natural fibre, which gives it a real ecological dimension and its electric motor ensures silence and respect for the environment (non-polluting). With an autonomy of 4 hours, it allows to walk on the sea (coasts), on lakes or even on rivers (draught of 30 cm). The 6.5 can go forwards (5 speeds) and backwards and the accelerator can be bridled for the youngest.
On the equipment side, you'll find everything you need to enjoy a good time on the water: waterproof marine stereo with speakers (radio and USB port), 2 rod holders for fishermen or a cup holder. Inside, the floor mat, seat and backrest are made of non-absorbent foam from Seadek.
Its small size (2 m L x 1 m W) and light weight make it easy to transport in a van or pick-up truck.
Its designer has also thought about safety with the propeller protected in a nozzle, a general circuit breaker with removable key or 4 watertight compartments that make the boat unsinkable.
Moving from prototype to mass production
Currently at the prototype stage, Denis Jimenez is launching a crowfunding campaign that would allow him to start mass production of his 6.5. If the campaign works, he will also organize the "6.5 Mini-Boat Tour" to meet all the 6.5 owners in the world.
