Our Startup Spotlight series introduces you to our community of innovators, highlighting their unique journeys. This week, we put the spotlight on Ghinis Boats, the Portugal-based startup creating custom aluminum boats with space-saving motor mounts to transform comfort and functionality in boating.
What's your story? How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been investing in the nautical sector since 2011, but my passion for boating started back in 2005 when I became an active user in this fascinating world. Over the years, I gained deep insights into the market and the needs of users, which gave me a clear vision of the opportunities for innovation.
When I moved to Portugal to start a new chapter in my life, I decided to also embark on a new project that combined my two great passions: the nautical industry and manufacturing. However, from the beginning, we didn’t want to simply replicate what was already being done in the market. Our goal was to create something truly innovative that would surprise and transform the industry.
This is how the idea for a pivoting outboard motor mount was born. This innovative system, which we patented, optimizes the use of space on boats, allowing up to 70% more usable deck area. It addresses the needs of users who prioritize both comfort and functionality.
From this idea, we designed a boat that incorporates this technology. This project led us to seek support from innovation hubs such as CRIA, the Regional Center for Innovation of the Algarve, where we are currently incubated, and the Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), which mentors us with its expertise in technology and innovation.
Today, we are not only building a boat equipped with this patented technology but also preparing to enter key markets such as Europe, the U.S., and Brazil.
Our commitment is to bring groundbreaking solutions to the nautical industry, combining design, functionality, and innovation to offer users a truly unique experience. This journey represents the realization of a dream and the beginning of a broader impact on the nautical sector—an ever-evolving market ready for innovations that make a difference.
Why does the industry need the solution you're providing?
Our system offers the best of both worlds for boats that use outboard motors. It allows for the use of these motors, which are significantly more modern, efficient, and economical than inboard motors, while solving a critical limitation: space.
With our pivoting outboard motor mount, we free up the stern area, which is traditionally occupied by fixed motors and systems. This innovation transforms the space into functional, usable area, providing up to 70% more space for leisure or customization to meet the user's needs.
This combination of advanced technology and space optimization addresses the growing demand for more versatile, comfortable, and efficient boats. It aligns with the expectations of modern consumers while raising the standard for design and functionality in the nautical industry. Our solution not only meets current needs but also anticipates future trends in the market.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to create a project that combines the two areas I love the most: the nautical sector and the industry. Being able to work daily on something that merges these two passions has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, building something from scratch, shaping every detail, and watching an idea turn into reality is a unique and enriching experience.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning?
The biggest challenges we faced in the beginning were finding the right people who believed in our project and shared our vision. Building a committed team aligned with our goals was essential, but not easy.
Additionally, seeking external investments was a necessity from the start, as our financial resources were limited. Convincing investors of the potential of our idea and demonstrating how our project could transform the nautical market required a great deal of planning, dedication, and persistence.
What’s next for your business? Where do you see it in 3-5 years?
In the next few years, we envision building an industry that will revolutionize the market for outboard motor boats, redefining standards in design, functionality, and efficiency. Our goal is to expand our global presence, selling our innovative vessels and technology across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
We aim not only to lead the market with our patented solution but also to inspire significant changes in how boats are designed and utilized, making them more versatile and accessible to a diverse audience worldwide.
Any advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in this space?
My advice is: believe in your business and believe in yourself. If you don’t, no one else will. Have faith in your vision, stay focused on your goals, and persist, even when faced with challenges. The journey may be tough, but determination and confidence in what you’re building will make all the difference in achieving success.
And a fun one—what’s a quote or some words that you live by?
I am deeply inspired by two quotes that were framed and displayed in my father's office, making them particularly meaningful to me. They are:
"He didn’t know it was impossible, so he did it." — Jean Cocteau
"It is far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." — Theodore Roosevelt
These words remind me to believe in the impossible and to always aim for great achievements, even when risks are involved. They serve as a powerful reminder that the true failure lies in not trying at all
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