Life aboard with TKO

Dave, you’ve seen a lot of toys come and go aboard yachts. What makes TKO boards stand out for you?
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–Oh, absolutely. Over the years, I’ve dealt with everything from electric foils to jet tenders, and they all come with their quirks—especially when it comes to maintenance and reliability. The TKO boards are different. They’re solid, simple, and just work. Guests love them, the crew loves them, and from a captain’s point of view, they’re as plug-and-play as it gets. No complicated startup, no endless rinsing or connector fuss—just ride, rinse with fresh water, dry, and you’re done.

What’s the guest experience like when you bring out the TKOs?

–That’s where the fun really starts. We’ll usually launch a couple of TypeX boards to start with—they’re incredibly stable, so even guests with zero experience are up and riding within minutes. You can literally see the confidence building as they go. After a day or two, they’re asking to try the Type001, strapping in and carving like pros. It’s addictive to watch. The smiles say it all—there’s something about the combination of power, silence, and freedom that just clicks with people.

You mentioned reliability and maintenance—how do TKOs compare to other electric gear you’ve used?

– Night and day. Most electric toys need constant care—connectors corrode, batteries are finicky, and you’re always worrying about something failing at the wrong moment. With TKO, it’s refreshingly simple. The build quality is exceptional, the connectors are rugged, and the waterproofing is top-notch. After each session, we just hose them down with fresh water, dry them off, and that’s it. No maintenance log required. It’s honestly one of the easiest pieces of gear I’ve ever managed on board.

How important are safety and storage considerations for you as a captain?

– They’re everything. On a yacht like this, every piece of equipment needs to be safe, reliable, and easy to store. The  battery is what really gives me peace of mind—the two-step activation means the power stays off until the board is fully connected and ready to ride. No accidental startups, no heat buildup. You can tell the TKO team really understands marine environments and the standards we operate under. That confidence is priceless when you’re responsible for a multimillion-euro vessel and its guests.

And what about the crew? Do they get time on the boards too?

– Oh, definitely. When we’re between charters or guests are ashore, the TKOs come out. It’s the perfect stress relief. The guys love pushing the limits on the Type001—jumping, carving, playing around. They handle like performance surfboards, but with the added punch of electric propulsion. It keeps morale high and reminds us all why we love being out here.

If you had to sum up TKO in one line for other captains out there, what would you say?

– I’d say that the TKO boards are the perfect mix of performance, safety, and simplicity. They make my guests happy, my crew happy, the owner happy, and my job a lot easier. Can’t ask for much more than that.