This week’s Startup Spotlight features Stephen Crane, founder of Aquatek Boats, who designs customisable fibreglass landing crafts for recreational, commercial, and emergency use, with modular kits for adaptable functionality.

What’s your story? How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I saw a need for a new type of affordable production boat that has broader appeal than just fishing, cruising, and waterskiing. Aquatek Boats are designed as a platform that offer dozens of uses in the outdoor recreation space utilising a variety of owner installed “Activity Kits”.

As an example, our 21Ft model with “Camping Kit” has 4-fold out bunks and storable tent. These kits can be added at any time after purchase either by the factory or the owner.

That same 21Ft model has more open space and greater carrying capacity than a full-size pickup truck. And we’re having more fun.

Why does the industry need the solution you’re providing?

It greatly reduces the cost of ownership as cost is the single greatest impediment to purchasing a boat. An Aquatek Boat buyer can purchase a stripped-down basic boat (boat + motor + CG spec) and add Activity Kits over time.

Aquatek’s scalable single architecture platform has the effect of reducing costs and increasing sales as it appeals to a wider variety of outdoor athletes who never considered a boat before.

What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?

Evolving an idea. I invented an electronic tool years ago and by adding a Bluetooth circuit the sales quadrupled. It was fun and I learned a great deal about business and product development.

Adding product development to a boat design just added to the fun I’m a yacht designer and Aquatek Boats started as design exercise and quickly became my passion, it’s like a waterborne pickup truck.

What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning?

Finding the right people with the necessary skills and a tolerance for a startup.

What’s next for your business? Where do you see it in 3-5 years?

Getting to the Fort Lauderdale Show – FLIBS with 5 new boats. (3) 21Ft and (2) 25Ft boats in a variety of configuration Activity Kits.

We will be $100MM company by the end of 2028 (4 years) with 5 models16 to 30 feet.

Any advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in this space?

It will take far longer to get going than you think. Make sure you have good friends.

And a fun one—what’s a quote or some words that you live by?

“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

– Kenneth Grahame

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