Bolt-on beach clubs
Make your way down to the water with these beach club supplement solutions.
Written by Esther Barney
15 January 2018
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In Issue 76 of Ocean, we featured some of the most exciting beach club designs to hit the water recently, with a particular look at the innovative solutions in the superyacht market. We also considered the trickle-down effect of beach club popularity to semi-custom and production yacht design (read the full article in Issue 76 of Ocean).
But what if you are not currently in the market for a shiny, new yacht with a great beach club that is ready to go? There are still options available to ramp up your enjoyment down by the water without the price tag and wait for a totally new yacht.
From palatial floating islands to more wallet-friendly inflatable units, there is a raft of options available to you. Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite…
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NAUTIBUOY MODULAR FLOATING PLATFORMS
What is it?
This DAME Award-winning modular system is designed to attach directly to a superyacht’s transom, extending your beach club enjoyment. “Designed by yachtsmen, for yachtsmen”, the inflatable platforms come in four sizes and shapes, connecting via patent-pending Air Toggle technology.
How does it work?
Easily inflated or deflated, the platforms are linked with simple technology that is safe and reliable. Connect in any number of combinations to create a custom platform that’s perfect for your day’s activities. The platforms are stable thanks to the 40-litre ballast bags attached to each corner. Once deflated, the units roll up like a carpet for easy stowage.
How about accessories?
Available in a traditional beach club shape, a jet ski platform (great for protecting the back of your yacht from damage), Seabob docking station, walkway or diving platform. NautiBuoy offers a range of comfort seats which fasten securely to the platform with Velcro. For ease of entry and exit from the water, swim ladders are available, too.
How big is it?
The largest individual platform weighs 46kg, so can be carried by a single person. They range from 2.5 metres x 1.5 metres to 4.0 metres x 2.0 metres when inflated, and 1.6 metres x 0.3 metres x 0.3 metres to 2.20 metres x 0.3 metres x 0.3 metres when deflated for stowage.
Price: POA
FUNAIR INFLATABLE FLOATING ISLAND
What is it?
From FunAir’s already wide range of inflatable toys and accessories for on-water entertainment is this inflatable floating island, complete with up to six sun loungers, side tables and a central dipping pool in which to cool off. Those who worry about getting in and out of the water with grace and ease can add one of FunAir’s Sea Stairs; great for kids or less mobile family members. The company works with superyacht partners to test out prototypes, ensuring they fit the bill.
How does it work?
This is the simplest from our selection to assemble. Fill the compartments with air and you are set for relaxation on the water without a fuss.
What about accessories?
You’re spoiled for choice with FunAir; the sky’s the limit with its wide range of inflatables. Take your pick from on-water trampolines, submerged pools with protective netting to keep stingers at bay, jet ski docks, jousting games and floating golf holes. If you have bigger budget, the company’s climbing walls, ‘Glacier Extreme’ climbing frame and customised yacht slides are favourites with big and small kids alike.
How big is it?
Inflated, the floating island is 7.4 metres by 6.6 metres. Once deflated, it’s the most storage-friendly of our options, taking up just 1.1 metres by 0.8 metres by 0.8 metres, and weighing just 139kg.
Price:
Cost is based on individual requirements, as FunAir prefers to custom-build many of its products. As a general idea of costs, the jet ski docks start at US$5,500 and the ‘Glacier Extreme’ will set you back US$14,995. Chapman Yacht Management is the sole distributor for FunAir in Australia.
FOLDING RECREATIONAL ISLAND
What is it?
The brainchild of up-and-coming yacht designer Henry Ward, this floating recreational island will hit your wallet harder than simpler inflatable options. But if nothing but the best will do, it’s a stellar option for on-water entertainment with a five-star service. As well as doubling as a handy helipad, guests can enjoy the floating swimming pool, dining area, bar, glass-bottomed seating area, shaded sun lounges, bar and golfing platform. At night, it makes for a great movie theatre, too.
How does it work?
Stowed in a folded position within the tender bay, the recreational island is launched with a tender crane and opened by a built-in pressurised hydraulic system. Once open, it attaches directly to the transom of the superyacht. Alternatively, it can be used as an independent island when towed by tender to shallower waters that are not accessible to the mothership. The cleverly operated system has been approved by renowned British naval architecture firm BMT Nigel Gee, which collaborated with Ward on the design.
How about accessories?
The recreational island is so large and has so many built-in features that it can be used for pretty much any activity you could imagine on the water. Think luxury cabana meets the comfort of the mothership and you are close.
How big is it?
The 10.0-metre by 8.0-metre platform can support up to 10 tonnes of weight. Naturally, its scale limits the size of yacht onto which it can be stowed. Ward suggests it would be suitable for superyachts of 70 metres or more.
Price: POA
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