Our first Review by B Jannsen Jan 2025

Review of the Qwikest Boat Prototype

I had the opportunity to test the Qwikest boat prototype over the holiday period, putting it through its paces in a range of conditions. As someone with experience in both inflatable boats and small dinghies/skiffs, I was eager to see how the Qwikest boat stacked up.

First Impressions

The Qwikest boat is designed with portability and quick assembly in mind, and it certainly delivers on those fronts. The lightweight construction and modular design made it incredibly easy to transport and set up, eliminating the hassle of trailer launches or excessive storage requirements.

The assembly was straightforward, no surprises here and I had the boat fully assembled and ready to go in under 15 minutes unaided. At the start, it appeared a little flimsy, but once assembly was complete, I was surprised at just how rigid it was. The material is tough, far more durable than any fiberglass or inflatable boat.

My wife and I spent time exploring and fishing on the magical Bushmans and Kariega rivers and estuaries in the Eastern Cape, which are paradise, to say the least. The Qwikest boat just works straight out of the bag. We only noticed one uncharacteristic difference from the conventional rigid hull: this boat seems to float over rough water or the wake from other boats, making for a pleasant ride rather than the major bobbing and hard thumping typical of a fully rigid hull. Overall, here is my summary.

Performance on the Water

• Stability & Handling: The Qwikest boat felt impressively stable, even when boarding from a dock or stepping around inside. Compared to an inflatable, it offered a much firmer platform.

• Speed & Efficiency: With a modest outboard motor, the Qwikest boat handled well, offering a responsive ride. It outperformed most inflatables in terms of speed while requiring less power than a traditional dinghy or skiff.

• Maneuverability: Tight turns and quick directional changes were easy, making it great for navigating narrow channels or close quarters.

Pros

• Portability: Easier to transport than a traditional dinghy or skiff.

• Quick Setup: Fast and straightforward assembly.

• Durability: Much more robust and durable than inflatables, no inflation/deflation required, and by far, tougher than similar fiberglass products.

• Efficiency: Performs well with small motors, keeping fuel consumption low.

• Free Space: Its shell-like design provides significantly more free space compared to most small boats.

Cons

• Seating Comfort: Could benefit from more ergonomic seating options for extended use.

• Dry Space: Being an open boat, there was nowhere to store towels and clothing to keep dry. That said, there are small zip pockets to keep car keys, wallets, and cell phones safe and dry.

• Conveniences: There were no drink or fishing rod holders, probably my biggest gripe, but I’ve been assured these features will be included in the production models, which is promising.

Final Thoughts The Qwikest boat is an innovative and highly practical solution for those seeking a portable, durable, and efficient small boat. The word "convenience" probably best describes the Qwikest boat: easy to transport, simple to store, no trailer, no paperwork, just the Qwikest boat to get onto the water with. Thanks for the opportunity to test it, and we are looking forward to seeing how it evolves in future iterations!