GoBoat UK, the self-drive boat rental company known for its quiet, electric-powered cruises along London’s waterways, is strengthening its partnership with Yamaha Motor, now the parent company of long-term supplier Torqeedo.
GoBoat UK has exclusively used Torqeedo electric outboards to power its fleet since launching in 2016, now spanning 57 boats across four locations: Paddington, Canary Wharf, Kingston and Thames Ditton. This long-standing relationship with Torqeedo has been instrumental in delivering GoBoat’s environmentally conscious, low-noise boating experiences to more than 150,000 customers each year.
With Yamaha’s acquisition of Torqeedo in 2024, that trusted partnership now extends further. Thames Ditton Boatyard, an affiliated business established by GoBoat UK founders Julian Wooton and Grant Sweeny to maintain the GoBoat fleet and support private boat owners, will now become a dedicated sales and service point for Yamaha’s range of premium petrol outboards.
Julian Wooton, Co-Founder of GoBoat UK and Thames Ditton Boatyard, said: “We’ve relied on Torqeedo for years because of their simplicity, safety, and sustainability – all of which are values that align perfectly with GoBoat’s ethos. Now, with Torqeedo and Yamaha operating under the same roof, we’re able to enhance our offering by introducing Yamaha outboards to private boaters through our boatyard.”
The move solidifies Thames Ditton Boatyard as a marine service centre aligned with two of the sector’s leading brands, continuing to service GoBoat’s electric fleet with Torqeedo, while expanding into petrol outboards via Yamaha.
Julian continued: “This is an exciting evolution for us. We’re tapping into the innovation and support of both Yamaha and Torqeedo, a partnership that positions us strongly for future growth, both in our rental operations and in serving the wider boating community.”
Yamaha Motor Group acquired electric propulsion specialist Torqeedo in 2024. Earlier this year, it confirmed that Torqeedo’s electric engines would be made available through Yamaha’s European dealer network.
