IZIBoat is a foldable catamaran that assembles in 15 minutes

iziboat: merging catamaran, windsurf board, and car

A competitive windsurfer, traveler, and self-taught architect, François Tissier has lived and sailed in the southern hemisphere for 25 years. His passion for navigating from island to island led him to dream up a hybrid water vehicle that combines the stability of a catamaran, the ease of transport of a windsurf board, and the maneuverability of a car. Two decades and 11 prototypes later, the IZIBoat comes to life as a foldable and transportable sailing vessel that users can assemble and mount up in just 15 minutes.

‘IZIBoat is the solution for outings on all bodies of water without the difficulties of traditional navigation, which are bypassed thanks to its 14 innovations. Its hybrid and lightweight concept will allow you to share the pleasure of sailing with ease,’ writes François Tissier. The boat was built in France and is currently anchored off the Western French coast at the Île de Ré.

all images via IZIBoat

a foldable and movable water vehicle

Weighing 156 kilograms, the IZIBoat catamaran can accommodate up to four people and steadily hit a speed of 15 knots when taken out in open waters. Design-wise, François Tissier envisioned IZIBoat as a four-part vehicle that can be easily operated by users of different ages and with different sailing experiences (none, amateur, and expert).

The first part spotlights the vehicle’s foldable and transportable features. Initially spanning 508 x 240 cm, the boat can fold up to a width of 62 cm. ‘It is the length of a car and the width of a bike,’ notes Tissier. These new dimensions make it easy to transported the boat by hand, either on its launching wheels or using a handling trolley. It can also be moved with an electric bicycle or a car using a specially equipped trailer. And finally, like big boats, IZIBoat can anchor or be moored to a dock with its sails rolled up.

François Tissier envisioned IZIBoat 20 years ago

15 minutes to assemble and safe to ride

In a series of YouTube videos, Tissier also highlights how sailers can mount IZIBoat in just 15 minutes without using tools or screws. The first step is to secure the chassis by interlocking it before stabilizing it with manual tension. The mast gets mounted next by pivoting it and locking it with a sliding ring. The sails roll up and unfurl on the mast thanks to vertical battens, a sliding boom, and a rotating deflector. Once everything is set in place, IZIBoat gets launched with two removable wheels that can be stored behind the seat.

Once rudders are lowered and the boat is out on the water, users must sit facing forward where all controls are brought to the steering position, and proceed to tilting the joystick to the side they want to turn. Whether dealing with reduced mobility or being accompanied by children, IZIBoat is conceived as a safe and comfortable ride for everyone. ‘Its XXL ergonomic seat is very wide, allowing you to secure your children in the middle, ensuring their safety,’ continues Tissier.

users can mount IZIBoat without tools or screws

Performance-wise, the IZIboat is equipped with an electric motor, allowing it to sail equally well in light winds as it does in a nice breeze, with peaks reaching up to 15 knots. Moreover, by pulling on a line, in just 10 seconds, users can reduce the sail area from 15.4 sqm to 8.8 sqm. Completing the design are hulls covered with a corundum heel (hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale). Highly resistant to abrasion, they allow for smooth landings on the beach. Learn more about IZIboat, its story, and integrated innovations by watching the YouTube video series and visiting the product website.