‘AlumaSki’ debuts on Wasilla Lake

WASILLA — For most, a demonstration on Wasilla Lake Saturday was their first look at the AlumaSki, a new personal watercraft developed in Alaska.

Besides its aluminum construction, the craft’s shallow draft also sets it apart from would-be competitors, Mackinnon Marine Technologies founder and president Brian Mackinnon said back on shore after taking his two daughters for rides.

The girls’ squeals of delight echoed across the water above the hum of the AlumaSki’s 1,052 cc, water-cooled engine.

Mackinnon Marine general manager Slavik Lund said the company aims to revolutionize the boating industry with its rugged aluminum design.

“How was it?” Lund asked his friend Miljan Durdev who was among the riders who took the craft on a test drive Saturday.

“Awesome,” Durdev replied.

Lund said because of the craft’s shallow draw it can go places other crafts can’t.

“Boats are at the end of where they can go and we just slide right by them,” he said.

Lund said the AlumaSki is lighter and more durable than similar crafts made of fiberglass. It’s also retails for $24,995 with a trailer, he said.

Most folks who saw the Alaska-made craft at various sportsmen’s shows see the value in a rugged, lightweight boat that can go nearly anywhere.

Mackinnon says he imagines emergency responders might also find the fuel-efficient craft useful since it can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, carry 500 pounds plus three riders.

This is the third prototype of the vessel developed in the last two years, and the model Mackinnon and Lund say will begin mass production soon. For now, the only place to preorder an AlumaSki is at Marita Sea and Ski, the official Alaska dealer.

People could signup to testdrive the AlumaSki Saturday at the North Shore Ale House on Wasilla Lake.

For more information, visit alumaski.com.

Contact Heather A. Resz at 352-2268 or heather.resz@frontiersman.com.