Ease of setup, ease of cleanup and storage, a short learning curve for the end user, reliability with minimum maintenance or downtime are features crew consider when it comes to a yacht toy, according to Frank Ferraro, Nautical Ventures’ chief marketing officer. “Deep down, I feel that most of all, crewmembers like water toys that provide a great deal of enjoyment and fun for their guests,” he adds. “After all, a happy guest will tip well.” Here are four of Ferraro’s favorites: X Awake Shadow Jetboard Attaining a top speed of 34 miles per hour in three seconds, the ultra-fast X Awake Shadow Jetboard offers adventure seekers their next thrill. It gives a stable and controlled first ride while it scales with its users as they master cruising, carving, and executing tricks. A collaboration between Brabus and Axopar Boats, it was introduced in May 2024, with production limited to 77 units worldwide. Flitescooter A fun step-and-go board with a beginner-friendly minimum learning curve, Flightboard’s e-foil Flitescooter has people of all ages on the move in less than 10 minutes. Combining an inflatable deck with a removable handlebar, a long-life lightweight battery, and a Bluetooth safety-key wristband, the Flightscooter is easy to transport, assemble, and ride, while being safe, too. Schiller SC-1 Water Bike The eco-friendly aquatic Schiller SC-1 water bike achieves speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and offers first-rate maneuverability, even allowing reverse pedaling for tight turns. Its rugged, inflatable pontoons ensure stability and safety on the water. With a compact design, hassle-free assembly, and quality components, this water bike is easy to stow, transport, and ride. Watersports Cars Miami-based Watersports Car’s luxury recreational watercraft looks, feels, and drives like a sports car. Two- or four-seat models are powered by a supercharged Yamaha engine that delivers up to 240 horsepower. Watersports Cars combine a personal watercraft’s entertainment and convenience with a speedboat’s comfort and safety. Two New Toys to Market Fort Lauderdale-based Seabob introduced its new F9 series water scooters at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival. “Buyers are standing in line for them,” said Stacy Wall, who leads Seabob’s sales and marketing. They are smaller, lighter, faster, and move around quicker in the water thanks to their new driving stability system and stepless electronic speed control. “Everything that the crew asked for, we have incorporated into the new Seabob,” Wall said. Orlando-based AquaBanas’ new Play Banas debuted at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “They are modular inflatables geared toward kids and are all about fun,” said Mark Anastasia, the company’s founder and CEO. The Bounce Bana and Slide Bana have reboarding ladders with a safe fort area under the Tower Bana. Kids using the Joust Bana and pugil sticks can knock each other into the water; and the Balance Bana is great for younger kids, who can try to cross without falling off.