Sealver brought out its first rigid hull model powered by a jet-ski - the waveboat 525 - in 2009, then presented the 656 in 2015. The shipyard, based in the Landes, is now tackling the smallest models with the release of the waveboat 444, a 4.44 m model.
Contrary to its two big brothers, the waveboat 444 is more accessible to the general public, and therefore much cheaper (8,999 euros including tax). It will be a very simple model, easy to understand and use, with few options. It will be proposed in two versions - standard and sport -, but there will be no real difference between the two models, except for the finish, with flashier colors (more sport finish). On the design side, it has a much more angular design than the other models, which accentuates the sport side of the boat.
"The 444 has an incisive and directional hull, designed for the marine environment, thus offering a great crossing capacity and real flexibility in chop. On the deck, the circulation on the boat is very simple and the front part allows to comfortably accommodate several people around a table. From the jet's point of view, the reception area has been designed to integrate the jet into the boat and become one with it" explains Raffaele Venturelli, the brand's designer.
With its bow higher than the 525, it has a hull shape designed to be easily steered and quickly gain speed. Moreover, a 90 HP jet-ski will already allow to reach good speeds, when it remained a little light for the propulsion of the biggest models.
In order to simplify the concept, the 444 will have fewer customization options (no sound system, no wake tower...). The comfort on board will remain the same however. "The idea is to propose a basic model to give the boat's sensations to those who want to get into the concept." explains Clément Farèniaux, in charge of brand marketing.
In the first version, there will be seating and sufficient storage space at the bow, but depending on customer feedback, a version with a saloon convertible into a sundeck should be available.
This model, designed and tested in augmented reality ( read the article ) should be completed within 1 week ½. The hull and deck are already built, but the yard is still working on the first official presentation of the boat in France. This virtual reality design has even made it possible to recreate the marine environment needed to test the boat in real conditions, on the water, and it turns out that it reacts very well.
With the waveboat 444, Sealver hopes to seduce new customers with an affordable product, as it is less expensive than some jets. But also to make the range accessible to boaters who were interested but did not have the necessary budget. "For less than 20,000 euros, you can get a boat and a jet, and still get the sailing feeling of a real boat." he adds leniently.
The 444 is therefore an ideal compromise for jet-ski fans looking for comfort and more space for family cruising. It is possible to comfortably accommodate up to 5 passengers on board. The model is compatible with almost all major jet-ski brands (Sealver sells the hull alone and not the whole) thanks to compatibility kits. And for those who wish to keep the pleasure of jet-skiing, just anchor with your waveboat and detach your jet-ski from the location, a very easy manoeuvre.
