Boat sharing service Skipperi launches in NZ
3 min read
Five of the 15 boats are already on the water. Photo: Supplied
Planning a day out on the water just got easier with shared-use boating service Skipperi that was officially launched in Auckland on 22 July with the blessing from local Māori iwi.
The boat sharing service, which was established in Finland in 2017 and now has 300 boats in service throughout Scandinavia, has five Haines Hunter SF545 boats, each powered with a Yamaha 115hp four-stroke outboard, with another 10 to be added to its New Zealand fleet.
Skipperi New Zealand CEO Alexander Rosenthal said the team asked the boating community the boat brand they would trust when venturing out on the water.
“According to our feedback, the Haines Hunter SF545 is the perfect match for our users to explore the Hauraki Gulf, a brand that Kiwi boaties trust.
“Kiwis love the outdoors, and they love boating. We’re excited to launch the Skipperi platform in New Zealand.
“The response so far has been exceptional, and we already have the first handful of boats fully subscribed. The rest of the boats will roll out over the coming months, with the full fleet of 15 boats on the water by the start of summer.”
With a focus on creating a fun, safer boating community, Skipperi and Coastguard NZ have created an educational programme around equipping Kiwis, who may not necessarily have had boating experience, with the required skills and qualifications to enjoy a day on the water, safely.
Online courses are provided through Coastguard’s boating education platform along with practical training on the boats, which is also included in the subscription for beginners and more knowledgeable boaters alike.
The boats are also kitted out with life jackets for all passengers of all ages, in addition to other necessary safety equipment.
“Approximately 20% of Skipperi boaters are beginners, and we at Skipperi want to make our service an easy and safe way for you to experience your boating hobby,” said Rosenthal.
Boaties can reserve their boat of choice through the Skipperi app, and once the day’s boating is complete, users simply refuel the boat, replacing what they have used.
Skipperi takes care of the boats’ maintenance, equipment, insurance, and boat availability. They have also teamed up with Marine Concierge, who will be looking after the boats in the water.
“Skipperi is perfect for all boaters, who might not have the time or might not have the means to own a boat outright themselves. It is a cost-effective and easy-to-use system so that you can get out on the water.
“From fishing and water sports to exploring the Hauraki Gulf – you can do it all with a Skipperi Haines Hunter.”
Pricing starts at $255 per month for weekday usage to $485 a month for usage across a full week. Reservation durations are 7.5 hours to 24-hour periods. With assistance from Auckland council agency, Panuku Development – the Skipperi Auckland fleet will operate out of Z Pier in Westhaven Marina, with Skipperi NZ looking to expand the operation into other centres around New Zealand.
Find out more at skipperi.nz.
