News: New digital boat sharing service is coming to Canada

Skipperi Toronto

June 9, 2022

Following success in the Nordics and New Zealand, Skipperi is coming to Toronto with 15 new, fully equipped shared-use boats. Plan is to grow the service up to 430 boats across Canada by 2025.

The Skipperi Fleet is a modern and fully digitized boating service that provides access to a fleet of shared-use motorboats. With a monthly fee, members get unlimited access to 15 new Starcraft SVX 190 OB DC and SVX 210 OB DC boats located at Toronto Island Marina and directly on the Harbourfront corner Queens Quay/Yonge St. Next year, the plan is to expand to other marinas in the GTA as well as Vancouver, BC. In addition, members get access to over 400 boats in 40+ locations across New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

Shared boating is smart

ReservationSkipperi wants to make boating more accessible and sustainable by sharing resources. Attitudes are changing around the world and there is a growing focus on experiences and access over ownership.

There is an increased demand for alternatives that make it easier for people to access boating. Skipperi takes care of all the aspects of boat ownership such as maintenance, equipment, insurance and boat slips while members get to focus on the fun sides of boating.

“We come with a new technology and service that makes it possible to go on local boating adventures.” says Keven Dextradeur, CEO and Country Lead Canada.

Technology to support safety at sea

VenueSkipperi has a strong focus on technology – booking of boats, check-in and out and access to keys all take place within the Skipperi app. Skipperi has also implemented geofencing to ensure members are aware of speed limits and no-wake zones and for example wildlife habitats. AI is utilized to report possible damages and the app makes it easy for members to report for example missing equipment. With the help of technology Skipperi’s operative team can quickly fix possible issues so that Skipperi Fleet members can always enjoy safe and well-maintained boats and have great experiences out on water.

Skipperi’s pilot season in Toronto has been received with great excitement and is now at 90% capacity. Skipperi Fleet boating season starts Jun 15, 2022.

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Starcraft SV 16 OB

By Craig Ritchie

Photos by Starcraft Marine

Building great boats has always come down to a mix of art and science, and that’s particularly true when it comes to meeting the biggest challenge of all—creating an appealing yet affordable family runabout. Buyers want a boat that is affordable but not stripped to the bare bones.

Enter Starcraft and its delightful SV 16 OB, an all-new-for-2025 family deck boat that elegantly balances comfort, amenities and affordability.

Read More

Destinations

The Erie Canal – An Extraordinary Waterway

By Mark Stevens

Photos by Sharon Matthews-Stevens

As I shift our chartered canal boat into neutral, I’m soothed by the soundtrack of bird calls, the occasional plaintive horn of a distant train and the hum of our engine.

I reach for the VHF to radio the lockmaster in charge of Erie Canal’s Lock 32 dead ahead. Our boat spins gently in the current like a maple key in a mud puddle.

“This is Onondaga,” I say. “Headed westbound and requesting passage.”

Read More

Lifestyle