We are so excited! The Coast Guard has approved the Super Sprite and it is officially ON THE MARKET! We are in production, and will be sending an announcement and press releases for a major introduction prior to June 1st 2010. The introductory price for the Super Sprite pedal boat is $1,995 US. Check out the specs and see great photos: Super Sprite Pedal Boat Brochure with Specification
Our thanks to John for this update of his trek:
Dear Folks: Here is an “end of trip” summary of my Erie Canal Escapade with emphasis on the boat and our performance. The trip, from Tonawanda (Buffalo) to Waterford (Albany), 324 miles took 20 days at about 7 hours or less per day. During that time, there were two additional down days due to weather (rain). Nine of the days were last summer, when I interrupted at Lock 25 near the Cayuga-Seneca Canal junction. I picked up again at that point this year on August 15th. After 5 days of 90 plus degree weather and bright sun, I was close to heat stroke. I docked at the Holmes Marnina at the east end of Oneida Lake and went back to “home base” at Canandaigua Lake for 7 days. I then completed the trip over the next week.
The Escapade performed magnificently throughout. The so-called “prevailing westerlies” never materialized. On only two of the 20 travel days was there significant west wind, with virtually no pedalling. (John installed the sail kit from Sailboats-to-go). On many days there was significant east wind, and the rest NE wind. With the east wind, the boat, without the windshield and with bimini up, penetrated easily.
I noted the cadence: with minimal effort I could maintain 60 cycles/minute for long period-about 3.5-4 mph. Reducing the rate to 55 cycles/minute- no effort, which I could maintain indefinitely, I still went more than 3 mph.
The residents of the state of Michigan understand the effects of the declining automotive industry more than most. Detroit is on the news nightly, and for all those who have never been to Michigan, you may think we live in an industrial mecca. There is much industry here, but the majority of the state is not smoke stacks and huge factories. It is sandy beaches, pine and hardwood forests, secluded inland lakes and the Great Lakes too. It is golf courses for beginners or pros, and every skill set in between. It is fishing, hunting, hiking and biking like no other. It is people who love their state and would not live anywhere else.
We are inviting you to share in our wealth this summer, see what you’ve been missing. Go to the Pure Michigan web site for more information. And while you are here, give Nauticraft a call. We’d be happy to show you the boats we proudly say are “Made in Michigan”
Plan a day in Rhode Island this spring at the Roger Williams Zoo, the “finest zoo in New England”* . Take an Encore Pedal Electric boat out to cruise the lake and explore the beauty of Roger Williams Park (rental fees apply). For more information call (508) 984-8264 for times and availability.
Interested in purchasing a Nauticraft boat in Rhode Island, Connecticut or Massachusetts? Contact Alan at marco@gondolari.com for sales information.
*The Boston Globe, 2008
It’s a show celebrating the lifestyle of lake living, and Nauticraft Pedal and Electric boats will be represented by our Ontario Distributor Ped-El Power. It is taking place May 15-17th in Port Carling Ontario. Visit Ped-El Power web site for contact info, and Muskoka Lifestyle Show site for hours and location.
Don Clark of Sea Lark Sales, will have a display of Nauticraft pedal and electric boats at Rochester’s 4th Annual Earth Day Expo, the largest earth day celebration in Michigan. It is located in downtown Rochester, and is scheduled April 18th from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday, April 19th from 10am to 4pm. We are proud of Don’s efforts in this endeavor, and invite all to visit the festivities.
La Bella Gondola in Huntsville AL has decided to reduce their rental fleet to include just the Encores. They are selling these Escapades and Sprites at a very good price, please feel free to contact them directly for more information: info@labellagondolas.com
Just received a picture of the boats in the Al Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. Looks like a bunch of fun!!
John H. approached us a year ago, asking if it was possible to travel down the Erie Canal using the Escapade. We said yes, of course, which prompted him to order one last January. He picked up his Escapade here in Michigan in June of 2008. Read his accounts of the preparation for the trip, then his voyage down the Canal during the summer of ’08.