Step Two: The Vessel

As I consider this to still be somewhat of an experiment I do not wish to spend a large amount of money on all the necessities (+/- 500 EUR). As price and speed are important factors for choosing the right vessel I spent some weeks looking for suitable boats. A small speedboat seemed most suitable and also provided me with sufficient possible candidates. I say small because it only has to carry me and I do not want to use a to large of an engine, taking fuel prices into consideration. Further the boat does need to shelter me from the elements somewhat, so a very low and open boat was no real option. I considered a RIB for a while but they are more expensive and not as durable. Maybe durable is the incorrect word but what I am trying to say is that I would not feel entirely comfortable leaving an inflatable boat in Amsterdam all day or night (in case I do travel home by public transportation for whatever reason). After some browsing and research I opted for two brands of boats, Piranha and Shakespeare. Both have produced boats which meet my requirements. I went see a few and eventually purchased a yellow Shakespeare Mini Sportsman including trailer for 600 EUR.

Shakespeare Mini Sportsman

The reason why I chose this particular boat is that it is in a relatively original condition. Unfortunately not the original steering wheel and seats but everything else is there and in pretty good nick. See the external links for a good website with information on Shakespeare speedboats.

Step One: The Idea

As of July 2011 my work will be based in the centre of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. As parking is difficult and very expensive I have started realising something of a childhood dream: commuting to and from work by boat. As  a child I used to say that as the Netherlands, but Amsterdam in particular, is so rich in water it would be ideal to travel to work by boat. Luckily I also live on the water in Zaandam. The journey is 11,5 KM (7 miles) long and will take me over the 'Voorzaan', 'Noordzee-Kanaal', 'Het IJ' and the canals of Amsterdam.

The journey from Zaandam to Amsterdam

Taking speed restrictions into consideration the journey should take approximately 30 minutes form door to door, which is actually shorter than the travel time by public transportation.