Tom The Highland Explorer Boatworld Ambassador

Tom The Highland Explorer

MEET THE EXPLORER

For Tom the Highland Explorer, the map doesn't end where the road stops. Pushing deep into the wilderness requires gear that matches the unforgiving terrain of the Scottish Highlands and remote UK waterways. Tom partners with Boatworld because back-country exploration demands absolute reliability. When you are miles from civilization on an uncharted loch, your craft cannot fail. Together, we’ve configured the ultimate lightweight expedition setup, engineered to bypass the crowds and access the waters others can only look at from the shore.

We first came across Tom’s incredible Instagram channel a while back and were instantly hooked. What blew us away wasn't just his technical skill behind the lens, but his pure, unfiltered drive to simply be outdoors with nature. Whether he is exploring on foot, packing up his bike, packing his car for a road trip, or out on the water, Tom lives for the adventure.

Based in the breathtaking heart of the Scottish Highlands, Tom is a massive fishing enthusiast who loves nothing more than finding quiet mornings on the water. To make his outdoor lifestyle complete, he needed a highly portable fishing setup that could easily pack down into the boot of his car without sacrificing performance or safety on the water. That's exactly where Boatworld came in.

"His amazing photography and pure drive to be outdoors is exactly why we knew Tom would be the perfect fit for the Boatworld team."

Putting the Carbon Pro 365 to the Test

As a newcomer to Boatworld, we wanted Tom’s completely honest, real-world review of our gear. We sent him our heavy-duty Carbon Pro 365 and told him not to hold back.

Like many anglers, he wanted to answer the number one question we always get: Can an inflatable boat genuinely handle the day-to-day realities of fishing, sharp hooks, fins, and rocky shores included?

THE SPECIFICATION: AT A GLANCE

Boatworld Heavy Duty Launch Wheels Default Title Launch Wheels

Tohatsu 6hp 4-Stroke Short Shaft Outboard Engine Petrol Outboard

BUILT FOR THE UNFORGIVING WILD

The ultimate platform for backcountry exploration. Constructed with heavy-duty 0.9mm PVC and high-tensile heat-welded seams, this hull is engineered to handle the punishing environments of remote glens, hidden shoals, and rocky shorelines.

Its CAT C rating provides absolute peace of mind in unpredictable wilderness weather, while the high-pressure V-keel cuts through choppy loch waters with precision, keeping the boat stable and tracking true even when packed to capacity with heavy camping and survival gear.

LIGHT-WEIGHT, SELF SUSTAINED POWER

By pairing the Carbon Pro 365 with the Tohatsu 6hp Outboard, this setup prioritizes ultimate self-sufficiency and minimal mass. Weighing in at a fraction of larger engines, the 6hp Tohatsu allows for genuine solo portability.

It features an integrated fuel tank option that eliminates the need to haul heavy external fuel lines and cells across rough terrain. For a wilderness explorer, this means a pack-and-go powerplant that can be easily lifted into a 4x4 or carried down a steep glen, offering maximum fuel efficiency and range without weighing the boat down.

EFFORTLESS TRANSITION TO THE WATER'S EDGE

Wilderness exploration doesn’t come with concrete slipways or pristine docks. These marine-grade pneumatic launch wheels are a non-negotiable tool for the solo explorer, allowing you to haul a fully rigged boat across untamed terrain, from jagged shale and gravel banks to deep highland mud and wet grass.

They lock securely into place for effortless overland transit and fold away cleanly once you hit the water, effectively turning any wild bank into a personal launch site.

The Ultimate Highland Rig: Tom’s Carbon Pro 365 Kit

Boatworld Carbon Pro 365 ' The Airborne Pirates 365 Set-Up' Inflatable Boat

Boatworld Carbon Pro 3655.0

£1,195.00

Tohatsu 6hp 4-Stroke Short Shaft Outboard Engine5.0

From £1,116.00

Sold out

Boatworld Carbon Pro 400 'The Airborne Pirates 400 Set-Up' Inflatable Boat

Boatworld Heavy Duty Launch Wheels5.0

£219.95

Boatworld Boat Seat Bag X-Large Gray Boat Seat

Boatworld Boat Seat Bag X-Large Black Boat Seat

Boatworld Boat Seat Bag X-Large5.0

£39.95

Borika FASTen Satin Aluminium Support Stand 800x1400mm

£359.95

Borika FASTen Fishing Rod Holder Black Default Title Fishing Rod Holder

Borika FASTen Fishing Rod Holder Black Fishing Rod Holder

Borika FASTen Fishing Rod Holder Black4.8

£26.95

Borika FASTen Fishing Rod Holder Kit Inflatable Boat

£44.95

Behind the Lens: Solo Missions in the Scottish Highlands

Tom the Highland Explorer is a true solo adventurer dedicated to the art of "slow fishing." Navigating the remote, untouched freshwater lochs and rugged coastlines of Scotland entirely on his own, Tom pursues wild brown trout and sea trout amidst shifting, unpredictable weather. For a solo explorer who relies on van life, wild camping, and trekking deep into hidden valleys, gear failure simply isn't an option. Tom relies on 100% portability. The Tohatsu 6hp engine, launch wheels and Borika fishing mounts are the perfect set-up for a single-handed operation in the wild.