Having lost its original function, the Commuter Boat has become a pleasure boat for day trips or weekends on board. What's more, the boat's original concept has adapted to new lifestyles, with more and more people moving away from overcrowded city centers to live in the suburbs or even further afield, thanks to telecommuting.
From utility boat to leisure boat
Sailing times have also shortened, and today's yachtsmen are more likely to set off for a weekend than for a week's coastal cruising. The demand for on-board comfort has also increased, and the Commuter boat is the perfect answer.
The size of the new Commuter Boats averages between 30 and 45 feet. In terms of engines, as with all motorboats, power ratings are constantly increasing. Similarly, the Commuter Boat of the 21st century is no longer available only with inboard engines, but also with powerful outboard motors, enabling it to offer very sporty performance.
In terms of comfort, the new-generation Commuter Boat still offers a cabin with enough seating for everyone, but is now equipped with a galley and one or more cabins for a weekend on board.
In terms of materials, wood has of course been replaced by fiberglass or aluminum, and while you won't necessarily find only luxury boats, some brands are determined to keep the tradition alive.
Finally, the Commuter Boat is no longer the exclusive preserve of the Americans. Other manufacturers around the world are getting in on the act, particularly the Scandinavians who, ironically, have always used boats as a means of transport.
From traditional commuter boats to futuristic projects
Among the instigators of the Commuter Boats comeback are Wellcraft with its new range, as well as Nimbus, Artic and Axopar, to name but a few.
Other brands are continuing the tradition with boats that evoke the designs of the original period, even if the construction methods are very modern. Examples include Hacker-Craft, Hodgdon, Zeelander, Van Dam and Zurn.
Finally, a number of brands are attempting to completely reinvent the concept with bold designs and hybrid or even fully electric propulsion. Examples include Yachtwerft Meyer and Hodgdon's Limousine Tender.
Finally, like the rest of the pleasure boat market, the new-generation Commuter Boat embraces the latest technologies. These include, of course, hybrid and electric engines, as well as self driving boats, foils and recyclable materials.
It's a boat that has reinvented itself, while drawing on its historical heritage to create a category of its own.
