Underwater Playthings: A Half-Century Chronicle - Unveiling the Evolution of Submersible Toys
In the 1970s, yachts' 'toy boxes' were modest, carrying a single tender for going ashore, ferrying guests, or light fishing trips. The watertoys of the time were primarily simple inflatable equipment, basic jet skis, and traditional watercraft powered by less efficient, often noisy and pollutive engines.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) became common for shuttling guests. The decade also saw the emergence of watersports, with waterskis, towables, windsurfing, and small sailing dinghies becoming popular. In the early 1990s, jet skis were introduced and quickly became must-haves on larger yachts. Meanwhile, purpose-built luxury tenders started to appear, often hidden in newly designed garages.
Wakeboarding, a flashier, more extreme alternative to waterskiing, emerged in the early 1990s. The 1990s also marked the appearance of early underwater scooters, better dive compressors, floating trampolines, and the first primitive 'beach clubs'. Diving gear became more sophisticated during this period.
The evolution of watertoys in yachting from the 1970s to the 2020s reflects a clear shift towards eco-friendly, multifunctional, and technologically advanced designs. By the 2000s and especially the 2010s into the 2020s, there has been a marked trend towards sustainability in yachting toys. This includes electric propulsion systems replacing internal combustion engines, materials that are more environmentally benign, and designs that reduce noise and water pollution. Multifunctionality has also become important—modern watertoys often combine several uses (e.g., paddleboards that are also inflatable kayaks, or jet skis equipped with camera mounts and smart tech).
Technological advances have introduced smart connectivity features, GPS integration, and enhanced safety systems (such as automatic return-to-boat functions or geo-fencing). Some newer watertoys, including underwater scooters and drones, use advanced battery technology and lightweight composites to increase efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
Today, the yachting industry is celebrating Burgess' 50th anniversary. The focus in the yachting industry is on watertoys, with the change driven by a desire for unique, active experiences that go beyond the waterline. Classic favourites like kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear remain popular, but now share space with electric tenders, hydrofoils, and specialised adventure toys.
The tender in the 1970s was often a rigid hull or wooden launch, and it lived on deck or in a modest garage if space allowed. However, larger yachts started to carry a second, more stylish wooden or aluminium runabout for day trips in the 1980s. By the 1990s, these luxury tenders were common, often hidden in newly designed garages.
As we look towards the future, the focus of the next generation of watertoys is shifting towards eco-friendly options, multifunctionality, and integration with advanced technology and design. This aligns with industry-wide pushes towards sustainability and innovation in marine leisure activities.
In the 1990s, the decade of wakeboarding's emergence and the early appearance of underwater scooters, home-and-garden styles began to incorporate outdoor-living elements, such as floating trampolines and primitive 'beach clubs'. By the 2000s and especially the 2010s into the 2020s, sports like waterskiing have evolved to incorporate eco-friendly, multifunctional watertoys, like inflatable kayaks and smart tech-equipped jet skis, reflecting the industry's focus on sustainability and technological advancements.
