Enjoy hassle-free boating with a monthly subscription from Skipperi New Zealand
Planning a day out on the water just got easier, with shared-use boating service Skipperi that will launch in Auckland on 1 June.
The boat sharing service was established in Finland in 2017 and now has 300 boats in service throughout Scandinavia. In New Zealand, it will launch with a fleet of 15 Haines Hunter SF545 boats, each powered with a Yamaha 115hp four-stroke outboard.
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Boat sharing service, Skipperi, is launching a fleet of 15 Haines Hunter SF545s in Auckland
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The concept is a first for New Zealand, with Skipperi asking the boating public which boat brand they would trust when venturing out on the water. After extensive market research, the Haines Hunter/Yamaha packages were chosen for the first Skipperi location in Westhaven, Auckland.
“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,” says Skipperi New Zealand CEO, Alexander Rosenthal.
“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.
“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’s 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.”
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Skipperi NZ CEO, Alex Rosenthal
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Boaties can reserve their boat of choice through the Skipper 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. The majority of Skipperi boaters are experienced skippers, however, as part of the membership, online courses are provided through the Coastguard’s boating education platform. Practical training on the boats 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.
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.
“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.”
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.