GUN BARREL CITY -- Similar to the way it is with automobiles, the wave of the future in boat propulsion is apparently going to be electric - not gasoline-powered engines, according to Jacques van der Plas, owner of Aqua World USA. Van der Plas both sells and rents electric boats and kayaks for use on Cedar Creek Lake, which sometimes is a bit of a challenge because Texans aren't as familiar with the concept as Californians, who have been buying and enjoying electric boats for three decades. "One hundred percent of my customers have never been on an electric boat," said van der Plas, who began renting the boats in addition to selling them to help introduce the concept to the area. "It takes time with a new concept." But once people become familiar with the product, they are impressed, van der Plas said in an interview this week. Electric-powered boats are cleaner, quieter, more easily managed and less expensive to operate, he said. And an electric boat can run for eight hours on fully-charged batteries, making it a more attractive option in these days of high gas prices, he said. "We're trying to bring a healthier, ecologically-friendly experience to Cedar Creek Lake," he said. "They are very easy to operate, and there is no noise. You can actually have a conversation." Van der Plas has joined forces with Cedar Isle Restaurant & Baja Beach Club to rent boats and kayaks. The boats can be rented by the hour, the day or the weekend. A lodging and boat rental package is available through Harbor Light Villas. A couple can rent an electric boat ride for an hour for $45, a party of four people can take a ride for an hour for $65, and the boat can be rented for a whole day for $450. Van der Plas will deliver boats to lake residences. The boat rentals are good options for birthday parties for kids, sunset cruises, island tours on the lake and shore cruises to see the beautiful homes on the lake, he said. The company will also cater whatever food the boat rental customers want for a cruise, and accommodate other requests as well. For lake residents who are interested in purchasing an electric boat, van der Plas said he can custom order a boat for delivery within six weeks. The customers get to choose all exterior and interior colors and features. Van der Plas' office is at 1012 W. Main St. Suites 105-106 in Gun Barrel City. For information about rentals call 903-802-6919 or 903-802-0323. Visit www.aquaworldusa.com