Blue Innovations Group (BIG), a marine technology company founded last year by former Tesla executive John Vo, unveiled its R30 electric boat to the public this past weekend at an event in St. Petersburg, FL.

The R30 is a 30-ft electric boat equipped with a silent and pollution-free propulsion system, thanks to a 221-kW·h battery pack, 597-kW dual-motor powertrain, and solar-charging capability. The new electric recreational boat has connected capability, interactive features, a versatile layout, and intuitive UI (user interface) and navigation systems. The main controls are yoke steering and a UI combining the instrument cluster, chart plotter, and media system all into one integrated experience with over-the-air updates.

“The R30 was designed from scratch,” said Vo, BIG’s CEO. “We threw out the playbook most boatbuilders follow because if you squint your eyes at a boat show, most boats look the same. The R in R30 stands for Revolution; we decided to offer something radically different, radically better.”

Before founding BIG, Vo held leadership positions at Lordstown Motors, AIKAR, and Portable Power Innovations. At Tesla, he served as Head of Global Manufacturing for over six years.

With an expected price tag of around $300,000, the R30’s specs include a length of 30 ft, with a 10 ft beam, 9.5 ft height, and a weight of 10,000 lb. The aluminum, deep-V-monohull vessel can carry up to 12 people and features a targeted max speed of 45 mph and nominal runtime of up to 8 h.

Among the R30’s range of charging options is its expandable 2.7-kW solar canopy, which not only increases the boat’s charging capabilities but also provides extensive shade coverage for passengers. Solar provides up to 50% charge in 1 week, making the R30 a net-zero asset for many, says the company. The boat comes with the ability to charge with most DC fast chargers, via the in-house-developed Blue Fast Charger (BFC), which enables 80% charge in 45 min.

Because the R30 is a luxury boat, BIG included several creature comforts in its design. The boat’s layout features a half-walk-around bow, a bathroom with a bidet, a kitchenette, a refrigerator, air conditioning, a stern ocean terrace, remote access, and an integrated infotainment system.

BIG says the R30 is the first 30-ft electric day cruiser to be designed and manufactured in Florida, which is important to the company.

“We are thrilled to launch the R30 in Pinellas County, Florida, a community that has embraced our mission from the very beginning,” said Vo. “The R30 is a testament to American innovation and the cutting-edge technologies emerging from the State of Florida.”

Customers can reserve an R30 for $1000 with a Blue Reservation, which provides standard delivery, and $5000 for a BIG Reservation, providing access to one of the first 100 boats. The company will begin R30 deliveries in Q3 2024.

“Since our debut at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, we’ve seen enthusiasm not only among current boaters but also among non-boaters who share the sentiment that the R30 is a long-overdue innovation,” Vo explained.