French based Néocean launched its Overboat electric, flying catamaran in 2019. The latest iteration, the F Series, an electric catamaran-like jetski, was shown at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival.
However, despite a promising reaction, the start-up was forced to cease trading in March 2024.
The company has now been wound up but the patents for its technology and brand name have been sold, with a rebirth now possible.
The company produced several models, the flagship of which was the C Series, a catamaran, twin-hull ski offered in two sizes: the Overboat 100C and the Overboat 150C, for one or two passengers, respectively.
The F Series added retractable, inverted T-shape self-regulating hydrofoils which lift the craft above the water reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency and enabling a maximum speed of 28km/h while maintaining optimum stability.
International orders
An electric motor provides silent navigation in contrast to many jetskis.
The catamaran was initially designed in collaboration with the University of Montpellier and the Nîmes IUT.
Despite receiving international orders, Néocean was hit by the Covid pandemic and logistical disruptions.
The company also experienced delays in the delivery of electronic components and rising raw material prices, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which hampered production.
Around 800,000 euros was raised but it is estimated Néocean needed a minimum of three million euros to commercially produce the Overboat.
The lack of financial support and withdrawal of a key investor forced the company to shut down.
