With consultation from Ocke Manefelt design, Formtech,
and Volvo Penta

Our brief challenged us to produce a concept targeting new markets. The objective was to extend the existing product portfolio of Nimbus motorboats and add an affordable entry-level family motorboat. We were encouraged to design the next generation of folkbat.
Environmental issues were viewed from a wide perspective with importance placed on pollution, wake, fuel efficiency and weight.

  
 
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Environmental considerations lead me to research into more fuel efficient designs than the commonly used planing hull.
Record breaking boats such as the ‘Cable and Wireless Adventurer’ use similar principles in order to use as little fuel as possible.
This makes economic sense as well as prolonging the distance between fuel stops. Additional floats provide lateral stability for low speed and rough seas.
 
 
     

To make the class of boat more accessable it was necessary to consider more efficient methods of production.
Traditional glass fibre boats take time to prepare and to cure in their molds.Modern volume production technologies have progressed to a point where Aluminium panels can be pressed and welded as easily as steel.
Efficiency is gained by using lighter materials, giving the chosen engine less mass to propel, therefore burning less fuel.
Aluminium has lightness and strength along with corrosion resistant characteristics. It also has the great benefit of being recyclable many
years in the future.

 
 

At the end of my process I had succeeded in developing a very different looking boat. The efficient hull design sacrificed speed in return for comfort and efficiency. This would be a design that could be safely enjoyed comfortably in most weather conditions and climates.