Boat · Demonstrator
L'Hydronaute is a restored 1987 Renaud 8000 — the first boat set to receive EXO‑01. It is being prepared as a shared scientific base on the Erdre in Nantes, operated by a qualified crew.
Its mission: science for aquatic ecosystems — water monitoring, citizen science, open to researchers — run by an ESUS company.
Awaiting mooring permit (AOT) Commissioning in preparation — get notified when we open
On board
Specifications
- Size ≈ 9 × 4.55 m with EXO-01 · 8.00 × 2.98 m hull
- Category Category C · Division 240
- Licence Licence held by the crew — helm under supervision
- Capacity 8 participants + 1 skipper · DDTM-validated for 12
- Draught Draught 0.50 m · air draught 1.80 m
- Sleeping 1 double cabin · convertible saloon
- Galley Equipped galley
Navigation
The Erdre, north of Nantes: fifteen kilometres inside a Natura 2000 area, lined with châteaux and manor houses. The navigation area will be confirmed when commissioning is.
Where the boat stands
What exists
- Restored Renaud 8000 hull (1987)
- Base fit-out — saloon, cabin, galley
Being integrated
- EXO-01 exoskeleton — solar energy and electric propulsion
- Scientific equipment and sensors
- Regulatory and insurance preparation
- Mooring and operating framework
Future potential
- Floating scientific base
- Environmental missions and citizen science
- Public navigation and engagement
- Research residencies · media production
- Support for autonomous platforms
Plate · Symbiosis 03 · The wreck-reef
An abandoned hull can become a reef: life settles in, and the hull protects what surrounds it.
This 1987 Renaud 8000 follows that path — restored rather than replaced, it becomes a support for research and for life.
A platform for aquatic resilience
Built for research, L'Hydronaute can also help detect pollution early. Support to the competent authorities only under a formal agreement, once a legal and operational framework is established.
Safety by design: crew training and risk assessment today, redundant electric propulsion in build with EXO‑01. BIUTOPIC is not a rescue service; no partnership with any emergency service.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a boat licence?
- A licence is required for this vessel — and it is held by the qualified crew on board. You need no personal licence: you can take the helm and take part in mission control under the operator's supervision, when conditions allow.
- Is this a tourist trip?
- No. L'Hydronaute is a shared research platform, not a pleasure boat. Every navigation carries real scientific work — measurements, sampling, technology trials — and participants contribute to it. Research always takes priority.
- What do you actually do on board?
- Depending on the mission: environmental observations, water-quality measurements, supervised sampling, use of sensors, mission planning, supervised interaction with the HYDRO-01 autonomous platform, reading the collected data and exchanges with the team.
- How many people can come aboard?
- Up to 8 participants, plus the skipper. Passenger boarding has been validated in writing by the DDTM for 12 people: we deliberately keep a margin. With the exoskeleton, L'Hydronaute will measure about 9 × 4.55 m.
- What does it cost?
- For citizen science, the recommended contribution is €35 for around 2 hours, goûter included — a solidarity model: giving more offers someone else a place, giving less remains possible. For researchers, access to the shared infrastructure is €150 excl. VAT per researcher per day. For an association or institution booking the whole boat for its own programme, a session is €250 excl. VAT, skipper included. These are 2026–27 early-stage ESUS rates, and no payment is taken before the mooring framework is confirmed.
- Where do you sail?
- On the Erdre, north of Nantes. Fifteen kilometres inside a Natura 2000 area, twenty-two châteaux along its banks, called “the most beautiful river in France” by François I. The navigation area will be confirmed when commissioning is.
- Can I book already?
- Not yet. Commissioning is in preparation, subject to final validation of the technical configuration, insurance and the temporary occupation permit (AOT). No booking and no deposit are taken at this stage. Write to us to be notified when it opens — those who sign up get the dates first.
The boat is restored. Integration of EXO‑01, the technical configuration, insurance and the mooring framework are being finalised.
Citizen science: recommended contribution €35, pay what feels right, around 2 hours (2026–27 early-stage ESUS rate · at opening, subject to the mooring framework) — express interest
No payment or deposit is taken until the mooring framework and insurance are confirmed.
Or directly: hydronaute@biutopic.com
TECHNICAL DOSSIER · HISTORY
Original blueprints, general characteristics sheet and delivery photos — Renaud 8000 barge (1987), 8.00 × 2.98 m hull, about 9 × 4.55 m with the exoskeleton, Category C.
Layout.