SKIPPERI NZ , a boat sharing service has added geofencing to its fleet of Haines Hunter SF545 boats in Auckland.
With geofencing, Skipperi will now be able to notify its users about shallow waters, speed restrictions or maximum speeds in harbour areas. Also hazardous zones and protected areas for birds and seals. It works via the onboard chartplotter’s GPS signal and there is a notification on the plotter screen as well as an audible warning signal.
“With an active boating community we want to take the lead in utilising new technology to ensure smarter and safer boating. We are also in a position to test new technology and ideas and get instant feedback from our members,” says Skipperi New Zealand CEO, Alexander Rosenthal.
“In the next phase of Skipperi we see the potential to work with environmental authorities and organisations to protect other sensitive locations like pest free islands and areas where there is endangered sea life.”
Originally established in Finland in 2017 with now 300 boats in service throughout Scandinavia, Skipperi launched into Auckland in June, and by Christmas had fleet of fifteen Haines Hunter SF545 boats, each powered with a Yamaha 115hp four-stroke outboard.
Booking a boat is easy, with access to the dock as well as the keys all done through the Skipperi app. Once the day’s boating is complete, simply refuel the boat, so its ready for the next days adventure.
The Skipperi fleet of Haines Hunters have life jackets for all passengers of all ages, and all other necessary safety equipment. Pricing starts at $279 per month for weekday usage, to $499 a month for usage across a full week. Reservation durations are 7.5 hours to 24-hour periods.
Skipperi takes care of the boats’ maintenance, equipment, insurance and boat availability. The majority of Skipperi boaters are experienced skippers, however, as part of the membership, online courses are provided through the Coast Guard’s boating education platform. Practical training on the boats is also included in the subscription.
