Hopkins Company Brings 'Green' Boats to the Water

A few years ago, two fellow boaters recognized a need for a ”green” boat—one that didn’t use gasoline power and was noiseless. Those requirements may have once seemed a tall order. But the two men’s dogged pursuit of the challenge resulted in a Hopkins-based company called Go-Float that’s enjoying growing success in its second year of operation.

“We spent a couple of years designing, testing and perfecting our first version before going to market,” said Steve Hendrickson, the general manager and one of the two founders. “Bart Jones, my partner, is a designer-engineering type who perfected the design.”

As businesses fight the challenges of the economic downturn, Go-Float has grown to employ about 10 people. It has its corporate office, a small showroom and a very large assembly area at an office and warehouse building on South First Street

Go-Float offers two versions of its electric boat. Its first model, the SL1, is made of fiberglass, weighs 131 pounds and is a little over seven-and-a-half feet long and four feet wide.

“It’s powered by a traditional lead acid battery, like the ones in electric wheelchairs, and reaches speeds up to four to five miles an hour.” Hendrickson said.

The one-person craft (you can have a small child accompany an adult during use) is designed to meet the needs of people who want to relax out on the water, catch some sun or already have a bigger boat. They can bring the Go-Float along and then use it to socialize with other boaters.

The $1,995 base price SL1 has especially resonated with women and kids. But while exhibiting at places such as boat shows and the Minnesota State Fair, the company quickly discovered men wanted something a bit faster.

Meet the RX1. This model reaches speeds up to 20 miles per hour and is powered by lithium iron phosphate cells, the same power source being used in the new generation of electronic automobiles.

The RX1, which starts at $9,495, weighs 219 pounds and is nine inches longer than the SL1 with the same width. While the SL1 is controlled with a hand tiller along the right side of the vessel, the RX1 has a pup up steering wheel.

Both models get roughly two hours worth of power before needing to be recharged.

Sales have been encouraging, Hendrickson said.

“We are looking at plans to offer a future boat that can accommodate two adults and are in discussions to expend into a dealership model and to work with existing retailers,” he said.

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For more information on the boats, visit the company's website.