The electric picnic boat hire business GoBoat Australia is primed to ramp up growth through franchising. There are more than 70 craft in the fleet, and more than 100 employees.
Nick Tyrell introduced the Danish concept to Australia in 2017 after experiencing an electric boat trip on holiday.
“My inspiration for the business was to give people access to the water, to enjoy freedom, relaxation and fun, without needing a boat licence,” Tyrell said.
Unlike their noiser counterparts, GoBoats operate silently, powered by state-of-the-art German electric motors, and are fume-free.
The Danish-designed picnic boats are constructed in Australia from fibreglass which uses recycled PET bottles instead of virgin glass.
GoBoat focuses on a relaxed and leisurely approach to boating – each vessel features a picnic table and shade cover, with room for eight people – and pets – on board.
Customers helm the boats themselves, and don’t need a boat licence.
GoBoat craft are monitored in real time so customers are alerted to any dangers, and the local team patrols the area.
Although a novice to boating, Tyrell brought substantial franchise experience to the business. He spent 10 years with McDonald’s, the Freedom Group, and Gloria Jean’s Coffees.
“These are all businesses built around systemisation and GoBoat is a very well systemised business,” Tyrell said.
“We’re in five cities – Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne – and there are a few more sites in the pipeline. We’re just beginning the franchise journey,” he said.
