Every year, the superyacht industry produces glossy marketing about the latest water toys. Electric surfboards, jetpacks, submersibles, drone boats. The list gets longer and the price tags get bigger.
We supply water toys to superyachts from our base in Malta. We see what actually gets used, what breaks, what guests love, and what sits in the garage collecting dust. This guide is written from that perspective: practical procurement advice from people who've shipped thousands of items to yachts across the Mediterranean.
Here's what's worth your money in 2025, and what you can skip.
Underwater Scooters: The Best Value Toy on Board
If you could only buy one category of water toy, buy underwater scooters. They're compact, easy to store, require zero training, and every guest from age 8 to 80 can enjoy them. The usage rate is higher than any other toy category.
Sublue: Volume and Value
Sublue has captured a huge share of the superyacht market because of a simple equation: you can equip every guest with their own scooter for the price of one premium competitor unit. The Sublue Vapor (the flagship) weighs 5.8 kg and delivers 2.0 m/s through the water with a 40-metre depth rating. The entry-level Mix weighs just 2.5 kg.
We're the exclusive Sublue agent in Malta and stock the full range. Most charter yachts order 6-10 units: a mix of Vapors for adults and Mix units for children. Total cost for a fleet of 8 scooters with spare batteries runs approximately €3,000 to €6,000 depending on the model mix.
Seabob: Premium Performance
Seabob is the established premium brand. The F5 S delivers higher speeds and more thrust than anything in the Sublue range, and the build quality is outstanding. The tradeoff: each unit weighs 29-35 kg and costs €8,000 to €18,000.
For yachts that want one or two hero units for their most adventurous guests, Seabob is the right choice. For guest programmes where everyone gets their own device, the maths favour Sublue heavily.
eFoils: The Toy Everyone Talks About
Electric hydrofoils have been the standout trend in superyacht toys since 2022, and demand hasn't slowed. The experience is genuinely unique: you're flying 60 cm above the water on a silent electric board. Guests photograph and video it obsessively. Charter brokers say it's the single most Instagram-worthy activity on board.
Fliteboard: The Superyacht Standard
Fliteboard is the dominant brand in the superyacht eFoil market. The build quality is exceptional (full carbon fibre), the Bluetooth controller is intuitive, and the range of board sizes means you can match the board to the rider. We're an authorised Fliteboard service centre in Malta, which means we handle sales, warranty, and repairs.
The Fliteboard AIR (150 cm) is the best all-round choice for guest programmes. At under 25 kg, it's manageable for crew to deploy, and its shorter length makes it more forgiving for learners than the full-size PRO.
Price: expect to pay €8,000 to €15,000 per board depending on model and configuration. We recommend at least two boards for yachts over 50m, with spare batteries for each (batteries provide 60-90 minutes of ride time).
Lithium Battery Safety
E-foil batteries (5–10 kWh) require proper onboard storage and charging in lithium fire safety boxes. RACLAN active safety boxes monitor charging cycles and automatically suppress thermal runaway. Classification societies increasingly mandate this equipment. See our complete guide to lithium fire safety boxes for yachts.
Lift Foils and Others
Lift Foils is the main alternative to Fliteboard. Their boards are well-built and popular in the US market. Waydoo offers a more affordable option, though the build quality and ride feel don't match Fliteboard or Lift. For most Mediterranean superyachts, Fliteboard remains the default choice because of the service network and resale value.
The Learning Curve
Be honest with your guests: eFoiling takes 15-30 minutes to learn the basics. Most people are up and foiling within their first session, but the first few attempts involve falling off. This is fine for most guests, but some older or less physically confident guests may find it frustrating. Pair eFoils with underwater scooters or inflatables so everyone has something they enjoy.
Inflatable Platforms and Water Parks
Inflatables are the workhorses of the toy programme. They're relatively inexpensive, guests of all ages enjoy them, and a well-chosen inflatable setup can keep a group entertained for hours.
FunAir: The Industry Standard
FunAir dominates the superyacht inflatable market. Their products are designed specifically for yacht deployment: quick inflation, reinforced attachment points, yacht-specific sizing, and custom branding options. A FunAir yacht slide starts around €8,000. A full water park with climbing walls, trampolines, and splash pools runs €30,000 to €60,000.
Aquaglide and Connelly
For yachts on tighter budgets, Aquaglide and Connelly offer solid inflatable toys at lower price points. They're not as refined as FunAir (less customisation, simpler attachment systems), but they hold up well to commercial charter use. Budget €5,000 to €15,000 for a good selection.
What to Buy
At minimum, every charter yacht should carry:
- An inflatable swim platform (useful as a beach landing platform and a stable base for swimming)
- At least two towable tubes for tender towing
- An inflatable slide if the yacht's freeboard allows it
If space permits, add a floating trampoline and a climbing wall. These keep children and teenagers occupied for hours, which means the adults can relax on the sun deck.
Jet Skis: Essential for Most Yachts
Jet skis (personal watercraft) remain essential equipment for yachts over 40m. They're the go-to for quick guest transfers, exploring coastlines, and pure adrenaline. Most yachts carry two: one for guests and one as a tender backup or crew utility boat.
Sea-Doo vs Yamaha
Sea-Doo (BRP) and Yamaha split the superyacht jet ski market roughly 50/50. Sea-Doo's GTX and RXT series are popular for their ride comfort and stability. Yamaha's FX series offers strong reliability and lower maintenance costs. Both are good choices. We source both brands.
Budget €12,000 to €25,000 per unit for a new, full-size three-seater model. Factor in annual servicing costs of €800 to €1,500 per jet ski, plus potential winterisation if the yacht's out of the water for extended periods.
Electric Jet Skis
Electric personal watercraft are coming, but they're not ready for most superyacht programmes yet. Battery range is limited (typically 45-60 minutes), and charging infrastructure onboard can be complicated. When electric PWC do become viable, you'll need proper lithium battery storage boxes aboard — the same RACLAN and ZARGES equipment used for e-foil and seabob batteries. Keep an eye on Taiga and Narke for the next generation, but for 2025, stick with conventional models.
Towable Toys: Wakeboards, Water Skis, and Tubes
Towable toys are inexpensive, fun, and they encourage guests to actually use the tender. A good towable programme costs under €5,000 and provides hours of entertainment.
What to Stock
- Wakeboards: carry two sizes (one adult, one youth). Liquid Force, Ronix, and Hyperlite are the leading brands. Budget €400 to €800 per board with bindings.
- Water skis: one pair of combo skis covers most guest needs. A slalom ski is worth adding if you know your guests include experienced skiers. €300 to €600.
- Towable tubes: the single most popular towable item. Buy at least two: a 2-person tube and a 4-person tube. €200 to €600 each.
- Kneeboards: easy to learn, fun for all ages. €150 to €300.
Make sure your tender has the appropriate tow points and enough power. A 5m+ RIB with 100+ hp will handle all standard towable toys comfortably.
What to Skip (Or Think Twice About)
Some toys sound exciting in a catalogue but don't deliver in practice. Here's what we'd recommend thinking carefully about before buying:
Jetpacks and Flyboards
Water jetpacks and flyboards are visually spectacular, but they require a trained operator, significant setup time, and a dedicated jet ski to power them. Insurance can be complicated. Usage rates on charter yachts are extremely low. Unless your guests specifically request it, the money is better spent elsewhere.
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
SUPs are cheap (€300 to €800 each), but they're consistently the least-used toys on charter yachts. They take up significant storage space relative to the entertainment value they provide. If you carry them, carry inflatable ones that pack down flat.
Sailing Dinghies and Kayaks
Similar story to SUPs. They sound nice in the toy list, but usage data from charter companies shows they're rarely deployed. Most guests want motorised, fast, or unusual experiences. If they wanted to paddle, they probably wouldn't be on a superyacht.
Personal Submarines
Submersibles like the Triton and U-Boat Worx are incredible machines, but they're in a different category entirely. Prices start around €2,000,000 and require dedicated crew, extensive certification, and specific garage accommodations. They're toys for 80m+ yachts with purpose-built submarine hangars. For everyone else, an underwater scooter delivers 90% of the underwater experience at 0.1% of the cost.
Realistic Budget Guide
Here's what a well-equipped toy programme costs at different vessel sizes:
| Vessel Size | Typical Budget | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-40m | €15,000 - €35,000 | Underwater scooters (4-6), 1 eFoil, inflatable platform, towable tubes, 1 jet ski |
| 40-60m | €35,000 - €80,000 | Underwater scooters (8-10), 2 eFoils, inflatable water park, towables, 2 jet skis, wakeboards |
| 60-80m | €80,000 - €150,000 | Full Sublue fleet, 2-3 eFoils, Seabob x2, FunAir package, 2 jet skis, dive equipment, towables |
| 80m+ | €150,000+ | Everything above, plus chase boat, full dive programme, custom inflatables, premium towables |
These figures cover the toys themselves. Factor in 10-15% annually for maintenance, replacement batteries, and consumable items (tow ropes, inflatable repairs, jet ski servicing).
Procurement Tips
Buy Before Charter Season
Mediterranean charter season runs June to September. Demand for water toys peaks in April and May as yachts prepare. If you wait until June, popular items (especially eFoils and jet skis) may be on 4-8 week back order. Order in January or February for guaranteed availability.
Storage Matters
Before buying anything, measure your toy garage. Every item needs a dedicated storage space, and it needs to be accessible without moving six other things. The best toy programmes are designed around available space, with a clear deployment plan for the deck crew.
Crew Training
Invest in crew training for any motorised toy. eFoils, jet skis, and underwater scooters all require the crew to understand operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance. A 30-minute training session per item saves hours of troubleshooting during charter.
Source from the Med
If your yacht operates in the Mediterranean, source from a Med-based supplier. Shipping from the US or Asia adds weeks to delivery and creates customs complications. Our base in Malta puts us at the centre of the Med cruising grounds, which means faster delivery and easier logistics. See our full superyacht toys and tenders range.
Need Help Building a Toy Package?
We build custom water toy packages for superyachts of all sizes. Tell us your vessel length, guest count, and budget, and we'll put together a recommended list with pricing. Contact ops@merceryachting.com or call +356 79797962.