Can’t decide between lounging in the hot tub or going boating? Well, why not do both? People in and around The Netherlands can already do so, in a HotTug. Now, North Americans can also get in on the action, with the Hot Tub Boat.
Manufactured in Seattle, the 6-passenger 15-foot (4.6-meter) vessel features an 8-foot (2.4-meter) rectangular hot tub, heated up to 104ºF (40ºC) by a built-in diesel boiler. The boat itself is propelled by a 24-volt electric drive system, maintaining a cruising speed of 4 knots. One charge of its battery pack should be good for about 10 hours of cruising time – by which point the passengers’ skin should be getting pretty pruny.
The driver pilots the boat from the tub using a joystick, and also controls the water temperature via a thermostat.
Other features include African Teak decks, a waterproof stereo with pop-up speakers, four deck-mounted ice chests, fore and aft storage compartments, and 12-volt navigation lights.
Hot Tub Boats can be rented for use in the Seattle area, or – for people who really like their soakin’ and boatin’ – can be purchased for around US$42,000.
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
4 comments
BigGoofyGuy
I find this odd since the last thing one normally want in the boat is water; not usually a good sign. :) I think it is neat. It is good for the indecisive. :)
Bryan Paschke
hmm....hot tub boat....what could possibly go wrong?
Tim Jonson
42k... whew- I was worried it was gonna be expensive.
Henry Van Campa
There is an annual event for this in Finland. It is called Kaljakellunta or Beer Floating in a slow river near Helsinki.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_floating
I think it is neat. It is good for the indecisive. :)