Boon Boat

As a child, Andre Shoman loved nothing better than playing with model boats. Today, he’s working with the real McCoy, and combining it with his passion: environmental sustainability.

This summer Andre launched Boon Boat, a motorised sailing vessel powered by transparent solar glass technology. An innovative and stylish solar canopy integrates into the structure of the Trimaran-Tritoon, enabling it to glide smoothly through the water without the need for fossil fuels, and without the visual impact of standard solar panels.

Sustainable materials have been used wherever possible: low-carbon aluminium, reclaimed wood, upcycled plastics and plant fibres such as bamboo. 

Trials carried out in April suggested the boat could run for up to seven days in normal weather conditions - including overcast and wet, and even by night - enabling mariners to travel some distance.

The watercraft promises to be a game-changer for Dorset’s coastal leisure industry. The Boon Boat BBQ will see Andre’ wife Zizzi, a professional host, cooking for up to eight guests.

Meanwhile, the Jurassic Sea Trail will combine solar technology with Augmented Reality (AR), travelling through time to the age of the dinosaurs as you sail up and down Dorset’s world heritage coastline, wearing interactive headsets. Think Jurassic Park, on the water.

“It’s very different to anything else that’s currently out there,” says Andre, 44, who lives close to Weymouth Marina where the Boon Boat is currently berthed.

Last year saw Andre make his mark in the field of decarbonisation, being named Climate Champion of the Year at the Unlock Net Zero Live Awards, based on his pioneering work with Harrow Council in the social housing sector. Buoyed by his success, Andre turned his attentions to a personal project. The Boon Boat was inspired by news that Weymouth received over 1,900 hours of sunlight last year - “around five per cent more than most other places”.

Having self-invested in research and development, Andre turned to the Start Up Loans programme for a cash injection to make his big idea a reality. He borrowed £11,000 from the Start Up Loans programme via its Business Support Partner First Enterprise Loans. “It needed to come together fast to be viable, and the programme was very helpful, very quickly,” he added. “I also could not have done it without the support from Boatfolk Marina at Portland who provided the berthing and storage for prototype testing”.

Andre has relished the opportunity to adapt his interest in technology and sustainability into a business. “I love having the freedom to develop it as I wish and promoting the place where I live.”

As for the future, it’s looking bright. “I would love to see the Boon Boat on coastal or inland waterways across the country – Bournemouth, Brighton, Exeter, any lakes. The canopy is scalable and could make a possible franchise. It’s exciting stuff.”