Personal water craft (or PWCs) have been around since the 1950s, and received a boost in popularity when the Kawasaki Jet Ski was released in 1973. Since then, we've seen the introduction of a number of makes and models, all boasting their own unique features. One of the latest, the BomBoard, is claimed to be the world's only modular PWC – and at a planned price of US$3,495, it could also be the cheapest.
The BomBoard consists of four modules, the heaviest of which weighs 80 lb (36 kg). This means that when disassembled, it can be stored in relatively small spaces, and transported in the back of a compact car – no trailer is necessary. Once users reach their destination, it can reportedly be snapped together within 60 seconds.
It can be ridden in a kneeling, standing, or go-cart-like sitting position. It has a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h) and a total assembled weight of 150 lb (68 kg), a combo that its Wisconsin-based designers claim makes for very responsive handling and fast acceleration.
They also state that its sub-$3,500 price is due mainly to the fact that it's so small. This means that less material is required to build it, it can be shipped directly to the consumer, and it requires a relatively small engine. Although mechanical specs aren't available (it's still in prototype form, and subject to change), the company states that "[the] small displacement high efficiency engine allows hours of use on only a few gallons of gasoline."
A new base model Kawasaki Jet Ski, for reference, will cost you almost $10,000.
If you're a potential customer or investor, you can make your interest known via the link below. Delivery of the first units is planned for spring of 2015 (Northern Hemisphere).
The prototype can be seen in action in the following video.
Source: BomBoard