Dragons Den Last Night

[Golden Time]

Did anyone see Dragons Den last night?

This was one of the things seeking investment.

Boat Box Car Roof Box

I couldn't decide whether it was a good idea or not. I personally don't need a tender and I don't want a miniature sailing boat. But is the idea of having your tender on the roof of the car appealing? Its £745 for a roof box that turns into a boat and has oars and rowlocks. £595 without oars so you can get an electric outboard or sailing rig at extra cost (not priced online).

 

[Whitelighter]

I think its a good idea if you have a swinging mooring or need a tender and dont want to use an inflatable.

plus you can use it as a roof box the rest of the year.

 

[blueglass]

yes ideal if you have a swinging mooring in a place where if you leave your tender ashore when you go home, its gone walkabout next time you need it.

 

[WestWittering]

I think the designers original intention was best. It is roof box for the holidays and you can go out for a pootle when you get there - utilising the ugly great lump that you have stuck on your roof for the journey and is now empty

It would be a great thing to have if you camp regularly in France for example as there are some lovely lakes there all accessible. You would probably need a double decker roof boat though - by the time you have filled it with all the RNLI recommended safety equipment, picnic basket, fishing rods etc there wouldnt be a lot of room left for the camping kit

I don't think many of us would want to fanny around at 4am trying to get the thing off the roof to get out to a mooring. Not more than once anyway.

Di

 

[JClarkes]

Its a great idea but won't suit all as it looks quite small and I am not sure how it would handle anything other than calm waters.

As you say tho, would be great for holidays and a paddle in a local lough

 

[gjgm]

Lots of people have a use for a roofbox; not convinced that many have use for a boat.Tiny market, I fear.

 

[JClarkes]

Did they get an offer from the Dragons??

 

[Golden Time]

My concern would be that if you buy the motor or the sail kit, you will need the space in your new boatbox to accommodate those bits of kit - therefore negating the benefits of buying it for extra space.

Also, the bit that stays on the car roof will fill with rainwater when the boat isn't on it.

I didn't agree with the inventor when he said people are downsizing their cars for fuel efficiency and not having enough space so this solves that problem. From what I understand of roofbars/boxes, they often increase fuel use, so you'd be daft to buy a small car for fuel efficiency and load it up with his roof box.

 

[JClarkes]

My concern would be that if you buy the motor or the sail kit, you will need the space in your new boatbox to accommodate those bits of kit - therefore negating the benefits of buying it for extra space.

Also, the bit that stays on the car roof will fill with rainwater when the boat isn't on it.

I didn't agree with the inventor when he said people are downsizing their cars for fuel efficiency and not having enough space so this solves that problem. From what I understand of roofbars/boxes, they often increase fuel use, so you'd be daft to buy a small car for fuel efficiency and load it up with his roof box.

Exactly.

 

[Golden Time]

Did they get an offer from the Dragons??

Theo was really close to giving him what he wanted. But it got a bit complicated because the chap already had an investor and in order to get his investment he was knocking back the other investers %tage so he kept 51% overall.

He did say he is in the process of fulfilling 46 orders and Go Outdoors is stocking it on their site. £699 for the one with oars and rowlocks (EDIT: if you have a discount card - £800 if you dont).

 

[JClarkes]

Theo was really close to giving him what he wanted. But it got a bit complicated because the chap already had an investor and in order to get his investment he was knocking back the other investers %tage so he kept 51% overall.

He did say he is in the process of fulfilling 46 orders and Go Outdoors is stocking it on their site. £699 for the one with oars and rowlocks.

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/boatbox-boat-box-roof-box-p216824

just found it and more pictures.

 

[rafiki_]

I'm struggling with the logic. Most cars have a roof rack max load of 50 -75 kg max, inc roof bars. This will create a large box of wind, unless substantially overloaded. Mind you, it is going to be full of lifejackets presumably?

 

[paultallett]

Just had a look at the link. I think as a serious boat tender it's not much use, but for a family going camping and hoping to have a bit of fun on the fishing lake when they get there, it's a very good idea.

lets be honest though, all were iching to know is does it plane and can we fit a 100hp outboard on the back!!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I think the designer needs to be thinking more out of the box. Never mind turning into a poxy little boat but if his roofboxes could convert into a handy coffin for the mother in law, I'd buy one like a shot

 

[chris46]

saw it last night ,was a very good concept ,not sure if it would retain a huge market and generate enough sales for an investor,but the chap should make money on it for himself.

 

[Richard Shead]

Not sure the skis would fit?

 

[Golden Time]

Not sure the skis would fit?

Forget the skis, this thing has a 3rd use now... as a toboggan!!!

 

[Richard Shead]

Forget the skis, this thing has a 3rd use now... as a toboggan!!!

Ahh good point!

 

[U4]

I thought it looked like a good idea however in practical terms the boat was absolutely tiny!!! Ok for little children but that’s about it!

 

[rafiki_]

I think the designer needs to be thinking more out of the box. Never mind turning into a poxy little boat but if his roofboxes could convert into a handy coffin for the mother in law, I'd buy one like a shot