What’s happening?
A new electric boating experience is set to launch on Great Keppel Island in the coming weeks.
Local operator GKI Boat Hire has partnered with Portless Boats to introduce the Portless Trinity.
The inflatable trimaran is designed for stability, comfort and social time on the water.
The experience will let guests self-drive within a set zone without needing a boating licence.
The boats are quiet, electric-powered and easy to operate.
They are designed as a relaxed “floating base” for swimming, socialising and low-impact reef experiences.
GKI Boat Hire is also looking at adding the larger Portless Deluxe model to the fleet in the future.
Why it matters?
The launch brings a new kind of water activity to Great Keppel Island.
It aims to make boating feel easier for visitors who may not usually hire a vessel.
Wayne Dart, owner of OdysseyOne Marine and official Australian distributor of Portless Boats, said the concept changes how people can spend a day on the water.
“GKI Boat Hire and Portless Boats introduce a completely new kind of boating experience – designed around comfort, ease, and social connection,” Wayne said.
“The boat’s stable, spacious, electric-powered design makes them especially appealing to women and non-boaters, turning time on the water into a relaxed ‘floating lounge’ experience – perfect for friends, families, and premium tourism moments.”
“With GKI Boat Hire leading the way, this becomes a first-of-its-kind offering in Australia – opening boating to a broader audience and positioning Great Keppel Island as a destination for unique, lifestyle-driven water experiences.”
Local Impact
The new experience adds to GKI Boat Hire’s existing fleet.
It gives families and small groups another safe and social way to enjoy the island’s waters.
GKI Boat Hire owner Theo George said the partnership was an exciting step for the business and region.
“We’re always looking for ways to make the island more accessible and enjoyable for visitors, and this is something completely different to anything currently on offer,” Theo said.
“These boats are incredibly stable, easy to use and genuinely fun – they open up the experience to people who may not usually feel confident getting out on the water.”
“It’s about creating memorable moments, whether that’s families spending time together or friends enjoying the reef in a new way.”
By the numbers
- The Portless Trinity can carry five people, giving families and small groups room to share the experience.
- A larger Portless Deluxe model could carry up to eight people if added to the fleet later.
- The self-drive zone will operate between Fisherman’s Beach and Putney Beach on Great Keppel Island.
Zoom In
The Portless Trinity has Australian Maritime Safety Authority approval under exemption criteria.
It is also fully insured and ready for commercial operation.
Its electric outboard supports a low-emission approach.
That aligns with rising demand for eco-conscious marine tourism experiences.
The boat’s design focuses on simple use, steady movement and comfort.
It is aimed at visitors who want reef access without the feel of a traditional hire vessel.
Zoom Out
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the product adds to the region’s visitor appeal.
“This is exactly the kind of product that captures attention and inspires travel – something unique, accessible and aligned with the way visitors want to experience our destination,” Mary said.
“Great Keppel Island continues to evolve as a hub for new and exciting tourism offerings, and this partnership is a fantastic example of local operators leading with innovation.”
“It adds a new layer to our Southern Great Barrier Reef experiences and gives visitors yet another reason to choose the Capricorn Coast.”
What To Look For Next?
The Portless experience is expected to launch in the coming weeks.
The business is also exploring the larger Portless Deluxe model as a future addition.
With its simple design, electric power and social layout, the experience could become a new drawcard for the Capricorn Coast.
GKI Boat Hire website and bookings: https://gki-boat-hire.square.site/
