Riding the Wave of the Future: Electric Jet Skis Take to the Water, Led by Visionary Founders

Electric vehicles are taking over the road, and now they’re making a splash in the water with the introduction of electric jet skis. eSki, one of the world’s first fully electric personal watercraft companies, is aiming to make waves in the jet ski industry with its innovative product.

In this interview, Jack Duffy-Protentis, the founder and CEO of eSki, and Paul Protentis, the CFO and one of the lead investors, discuss their company’s mission to create a more sustainable and cost-effective jet ski experience.

Jack Duffy-Protentis

A Visionary Voyage: The Genesis of eSki

Jack’s story is one of remarkable resilience and a lifelong connection to the water. Though legally blind due to a degenerative eye condition, his passion for innovation and the environment never wavered. A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a strong technical background, Jack’s interest in electric vehicles blossomed while seeking cleaner alternatives for personal watercraft. Witnessing the environmental impact of traditional jet skis and recognizing the limitations of existing electric models, Jack, despite his visual impairment, saw an opportunity to develop a game-changing solution. This vision laid the foundation for eSki.

Jack’s leadership goes beyond technical expertise. He is a passionate individual with a clear vision for the future of the jet ski industry. He understands the needs of both rental companies and consumers, and his dedication to developing a product that addresses those needs, regardless of his personal challenges, is evident in every aspect of eSki’s design and functionality.

Paul brings a wealth of financial acumen and strategic expertise to the eSki team. As an early investor in the company, Paul’s belief in Jack’s vision and the potential of electric jet skis played a crucial role in getting eSki off the ground. His extensive experience in managing financial resources and navigating the intricacies of startup funding has been instrumental in ensuring eSki’s financial stability and growth.

Beyond his financial contributions, Paul actively participates in strategic decision-making. His understanding of the market and keen eye for potential challenges and opportunities help guide eSki’s path towards success.

Strategic Focus: Capturing the Rental Market

eSki zeroes in on the rental sector, identified as a burgeoning and vital part of the jet ski market. Recognizing a void in products tailored to the needs of rental companies, eSki introduces electric jet skis equipped with features designed to streamline and enhance rental operations. Jack Duffy-Protentis explains, “The rental market was underserved, with no jet skis specifically designed for its unique demands. Our electric models not only fill this gap but also offer operational efficiencies and environmental benefits.”

Key innovations like hot-swappable batteries enable quick turnaround times between rentals, and the inherently lower maintenance of electric engines reduces operational costs. Furthermore, the absence of emissions presents a compelling advantage for businesses in ecologically sensitive locales.

Consumer Benefits: Quiet Efficiency and Reduced Costs

While eSki initially targets rental businesses, the benefits of electric jet skis extend directly to individual consumers. The electric models promise a quieter ride, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the serenity of the waters without the disruptive noise of gasoline engines. Furthermore, the efficiency of electric propulsion translates to significantly lower operational costs—estimated at just $4.75 per hour of use compared to the traditional $40 per hour—making jet skiing more accessible and affordable.

Maintenance simplicity is another hallmark of eSki’s electric jet skis. Without the need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or filter maintenance, owners enjoy not only financial savings but also the convenience of reduced upkeep.

Charting Future Waters: The Expansion of the Electric Jet Ski Market

The sector of electric jet skis is nascent but poised for rapid growth, with eSki leading the charge. The company is actively accepting pre-orders for its pioneering line of jet skis, with an eye on expanding production and reducing costs. Anticipating future innovations, eSki is also developing new models, including a two-seater variant, broadening its appeal and functionality.

The broader implications for the jet ski industry are profound. As battery technology advances and production efficiencies are realized, electric jet skis are set to become a more prevalent and preferred choice among consumers, heralding a shift towards more sustainable and economically viable watercraft options.

A Catalyst for Growth: The Solidworks Startup Program

eSki was able to secure free SOLIDWORKS software and support through the SOLIDWORKS Startup Program. This program is designed to help early-stage hardware startups by providing them with access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools.

The SOLIDWORKS Startup Program helped eSki in a number of ways:

• Cost Savings: SOLIDWORKS is typically an expensive software, but the program provided eSki with three free licenses, significantly reducing their initial costs.
• Early Access to Advanced Tools: The program gave eSki access to the full SOLIDWORKS Pro series, including features like simulation and project management software, which they might not have been able to afford otherwise.
• Discounted Rates: After the initial free year, eSki benefits from significantly discounted rates on their software licenses, making it more affordable to maintain their design tools.
• Technical Support: The program also provided eSki with access to SOLIDWORKS support, which was valuable for a young company still developing its design expertise.

Overall, the SOLIDWORKS Startup program seems to have played a significant role in helping eSki get their business off the ground by providing them with essential design tools and resources at a critical time.

Looking to the Horizon: The Electric Future of Jet Skiing

As eSki navigates the waters of innovation and sustainability, it not only promises a new era for jet skiing but also contributes to the broader narrative of environmental stewardship and technological advancement. The emergence of electric jet skis symbolizes a shift towards greener, more efficient, and accessible water sports, with eSki at the helm of this exciting voyage.

In summary, eSki’s journey from conception to market leader exemplifies the potential of electric vehicles to transform not just terrestrial but also aquatic transportation. With its visionary leadership, strategic market focus, and commitment to sustainability, eSki is not just riding the wave of the future—it’s creating it.

eSKI is in search of partners and investors passionate about pioneering technologies, innovation, and eco-friendly tech. Pre-orders for the first 250 units are being accepted, with a minimal requirement of a $100 refundable deposit. For more details, contact jack.duffyprotentis@eskipro.com or explore the website at www.eskipro.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024 at 1:52 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.