Our Story
UFO Parasail is a company that started on Maui in 1985, bringing new and exciting ocean experiences to the island’s many visitors. The company is owned and operated by Greg VanderLaan, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He holds a BS degree in Nautical Engineering and US Coast Guard 3rd Mate Unlimited and 1600-ton Captain’s License.
Today UFO Parasail/UFO Adventures operates six boats on Maui and also has two boats on the Big Island, as well as sister companies in Bay of Islands and Taupo, New Zealand. Moreover, the company has invented much of the technology that makes the UFO Parasail winch boats among the most popular and best in the world. The company manufactures and sells these boats, contributing more than 550 winch boats that are in operation in 35 countries around the world.
Recognized For Excellence
Greg VanderLaan, owner of UFO Parasail, was honored at the annual Parasail Operators Symposium held by the Water Sports Industry Association on Nov. 7-8 in Ruskin, Florida with a WSIA Lifetime Achievement Award for the advent of the winch parasail industry…
Read The Full Story Here and Here
In 2019 Greg VanderLaan was awarded the Alumni Outstanding Professional Achievement Award by the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. featured here 
Our Boats
The Premium 28 Parasail boat has been in active service since 1988. The hull and winch system has gone though many refinements over time to improve the in-service workability of the entire system. The wide chine beam of the Premium 28 Parasail hull carries further forward than similar hulls providing, an extremely stable and comfortable ride in most sea conditions. All deck hardware and fastenings meet commercial workboat standards.
During parasailing flight operations, the Premium 28 Parasail outperforms all other boats in its class. The hull’s high degree of transverse stability helps keep the boat properly trimmed, even in high wind conditions. When the weather picks up, the crew doesn’t have to spend half of their time scrambling for a handhold. A crewman that is trying to work the “flyer” while on their hands and knees is not what we consider a safe operation.
The quality of construction found in our boats speaks for itself. Premium Boat Co. is known throughout the parasailing industry as a quality builder who takes great pride in the finished product. They continuously research the market for new materials and boat building methods to improve the quality of their product.
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The extra large reinforced aft flight deck has been designed with passenger safety in mind. Passengers can be landed on the deck up to 90 degrees off the beam on both port and starboard. All flight deck hardware is flush mounted to prevent accidental snagging of a chute or towlines. A swim platform is installed on every hull as an added safety feature.
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The heart of the Premium 28 Parasail is our exclusive Winch System. Continual refinements over the years have made it the most reliable and problem free Winch System on the market meeting or exceeding ABYC and US Coast Guard requirements.
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Passenger seating with large storage lockers is located in the forward cockpit. Up to 12 passengers can be accommodated on the Coast Guard Certified version.
Green Future!
UFO has recently taken a bold environmental initiative and voluntarily switched its fleet to ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. This move to a more expensive greener fuel will mean a significant reduction in the amount of particulate matter and other pollutants released into the environment by its fleet and comes 5 years ahead of a EPA requirement for marine diesel engines to use ULSDF. Also, our entire fleet was re-powered to Volvo D6 engines which meet or exceed all EPA federal requirements.
Performance and Handling
The hull stability in the Premium 28 is especially important in locations that are subject to shifting wind conditions. As the wind clocks, the helmsman’s job of keeping the “flyer” aloft and under control becomes more difficult. If the hull is bouncing around in an active seaway, passenger and crew safety can be compromised. Hull stability is even more important in locations where heavy sea conditions are encountered in and around inlets exposed to the open ocean.
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