Petestep is a Swedish marine technology company specializing in the development of patented hull surfaces designed to improve the efficiency and comfort of motorboats. Founded in Stockholm, the company’s technology focuses on "deflectors" rather than traditional longitudinal spray rails.[1]
Technology
Petestep’s primary innovation is its hull deflector technology. Unlike standard V-hulls that use longitudinal strakes to provide lift, Petestep hulls utilize a series of V-shaped deflectors that redirect spray aft and downward. The technology works on all semi-planing and planing boats, with all propulsion systems, and with hulls built in all materials and production methods.[1]
Key Features
- Energy Recovery: The deflectors are designed to intercept the water spray that normally escapes to the sides of a hull, redirecting it to create additional forward thrust and lift.
- Damping: By creating a cushion of aerated water, the technology claims to reduce vertical accelerations (slamming) by up to 30–50% in choppy conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: The company asserts that the reduction in drag can lead to fuel savings of 10–30% depending on the vessel's speed and weight.[1]
Business Model
Petestep operates primarily as an engineering partner rather than a boat builder. They license their patented technology to boat manufacturers (OEMs) and provide computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and hull design services during the development phase. They claim that the license fee is earned back by the increase in performance, improving product margins for its clients rather than providing an additional cost.[2]
Notable Partnerships
Several international boat brands have integrated Petestep technology into their models, including:
- Vanquish Superyachts: The dutch high-performance yachts brand uses Petestep hulls on their biggest boats to increase efficiency and speed.
- Evene Tenders: The Luxury Superyacht Tenders by Williams Marine Group use Petestep technology on all their models
- Vexus Boats: Recently launched a Petestep hull boat (DVX23s) which won an NMMA award.[3]
- SAY Carbon Yachts: The German high-performance, strikingly designed and 100% carbon fibre boatbuilder, use Petestep hulls on all their models.
Recognition
The technology has been recognized in several maritime industry awards for innovation and sustainability, particularly for its role in making electric propulsion more viable by reducing hull resistance.
