The 'Bato' is an innovative folding boat that is designed to function as an upgraded and more streamlined version of the origami-inspired folding canoe originally released by Belgium-based company Onak.
This particular folding boat weighs in at only 15.4 pounds but is capable of carrying over 250 pounds of payload. It measures 1.2 x 0.5 x 0.12 meters when flat and transforms to dimensions of 2.7 meters in length, 0.8 meters in width and half a meter tall when folded. The structure of the 'Bato' makes generous use of OnaCore polypropylene, which allows for the contraption to be folded out into boat configuration in only around five minutes.
The 'Bato' folding boat is currently the subject of a crowdfunding campaign over on Kickstarter, where it can be reserved for a pledge of around $518 before it hits the retail market, at which point it is expected to cost around $648.
Portable Folding Boats
The 'Bato' Can Be Folded Into Boat Configuration In a Matter Of Minutes
Trend Themes
1. Portable Boating - The trend of compact, portable boats that can fold and carry easily is disrupting the traditional boating industry, creating an opportunity for lightweight products.
2. Innovative Materials - The use of materials like OnaCore polypropylene is disrupting traditional boat-making and creating opportunities for affordable, durable, and lightweight boats.
3. Crowdfunding for Boating - Crowdfunding for boats and boat-related projects is a growing trend, disrupting traditional boat financing and providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs to introduce innovative products.
Industry Implications
1. Recreational Boating - The recreational boating industry can capitalize on the trend of portable folding boats by incorporating lightweight products that cater to the needs of outdoor adventurers and families looking for convenient and easy-to-use boats.
2. Outdoor Adventure Retail - The rise in demand for portable folding boats presents an opportunity for outdoor adventure retailers to offer a variety of compact and durable boating products, catering to customers who prefer easy-to-carry, on-the-go products.
3. Materials Manufacturing - The innovative use of materials like OnaCore polypropylene create an opportunity for materials manufacturing companies to disrupt traditional boat-making and provide lightweight and low-cost materials for non-traditional boating products.