Aries Marine has initiated the first state of the art houseboat made of steel. The company has introduced BOTEL (Backwater Operated Tourist Entertainment Launch), an innovative attempt in the houseboat industry. This solar-powered houseboat was introduced for the first time in the India International Boat Show 2005. BOTEL has attained much appreciation during the IIBS 2005, held in Kochi.

Considered as an alternative to the traditional houseboats, BOTEL is a scientifically designed unsinkable vessel. According to Mr. Sohan Roy, CEO of Aries Group, BOTEL is a benchmark in the boating world as far as the safety features are concerned. BOTEL is an indigenous houseboat with a different face cut including great interiors and eco friendly features. The most important feature is that it is the first houseboat in India to be made of steel and is unsinkable even in accidents because of the buoyancy chambers fitted in it. The hull of the vessel is fitted with stabilising keels to prevent undesired rolling in high waters.

Technically BOTEL is designed keeping in mind the comfort of the tourists. So the engines and steering system are located away from the steering area. The conference-cum-dining room on the upper deck can accommodate 50 persons. The innovative houseboat also has a bilge water separator to separate oily water from the engine room. BOTEL has a well equipped and efficient garbage management system to store and dispose the food waste and plastic. Instead of discharging the sewage to the backwaters directly, the vessel has a sewage treatment plant for its collection and treatment. This eco friendly feature of BOTEL prevents environment pollution.

The steel houseboat also has easy conveyance to water and is equipped with life jackets, life buoys, inflatable rafts and other life saving accessories. BOTEL is the practical solution for the unrestrained pollution created by the houseboats, leading to environmental problems affecting the ecosystem.