Marine

MelloShip lets you hang out on the water

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The MelloShip is basically a hammock on a pontoon, for relaxing on the water
MelloShip
The MelloShip is basically a hammock on a pontoon, for relaxing on the water
MelloShip
The creators claim that the craft is practically unflippable
MelloShip
A swappable accessory can mount either one hammock, or two side-by-side
MelloShip
The MelloShip comes with a removable floor and pop-up chairs, for picnics or playing cards
MelloShip
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The flat-decked BeachRay or Chilli Island's floating lounge chair look like great ways to relax at the beach, but what if you could take one of the comfiest places to park your butt on dry land and put in on the water? Mounting a hammock on a boat, the MelloShip does just that, letting users hang out on the water or attach an electric motor to cruise in comfort.

The humble hammock is no slouch in the progress department, with recent projects putting plenty of work into leisure time, making them more comfortable, more communal and even turning them into hanging hot tubs.

Continuing this trend, the MelloShip is basically a pontoon with a hammock frame on it, measuring in at 13 x 6.2 x 8 ft (4 x 1.9 x 2.4 m) and supporting up to 500 lb (227 kg). Mounts for an electric motor, solar panels and batteries are built in, but those components themselves are optional extras, so paddling the boat yourself might be the preferred option.

A swappable accessory can mount either one hammock, or two side-by-side
MelloShip

According to its creators, the craft is practically unflippable, thanks to a low center of gravity and a wide stance. Each pontoon measures 18 in (45.7 cm) across and has two air chambers, and are built for Class V – or violent – rapids, although this probably isn't the vessel to tackle those with.

The MelloShip is designed for more chilled out days on the water. Along with a rack that changes out to support either a single hammock or two side-by-side, there's a removable floor, including an option specifically for yoga. A pair of pop-up seats face each other from either end, and the addition of a light folding table (with beverage holders) could make a great setup for picnics.

As relaxing as the MelloShip looks, the idea of owning one does bring up some questions of practicality. Its creators state that the cumbersome craft comes apart into eight basic pieces for storage and transport, and assembly is said to take 10 to 15 minutes to inflate the pontoons, plus half an hour to put the rest of the frame together. That's not too bad for those who live by the water or are camping lakeside for a few days, but might be a hassle for day trippers.

The MelloShip comes with a removable floor and pop-up chairs, for picnics or playing cards
MelloShip

Permanent setups, like resorts or watersport rental services, seem to be where the MelloShip would be most at home, and those are also the ones more likely to be willing to pay the price of entry.

The MelloShip is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, where pledges start at US$2,500. That includes two hammocks and the accessory that supports them, two seats, two drink holders, the removable floor and a couple of t-shirts. If all goes to plan, the MelloShip should ship in June 2017.

Check out the campaign pitch video below.

Source: MelloShip

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3 comments
ljaques
OK, dumb/cool concept for floating around a calm lake or river. Good for a laugh, as is the price. Let's see how the $2,500 breaks down: $300 for the boat, $250 for the dual hammock with frame, $130 for the solar panel/mounts/controller kit, $180 for the trolling motor and battery, $25 for the pedestal leg and brackets, and $20 for a small piece of plywood and varnish. OOPS, that only totals $924, I forgot the $1,595 profit. Knock $100 off for shipping. Now, I'll bet that thing wouldn't make it past a class III rapid with anyone still in the hammock or the boat upright.
FrankHruby
Sailors have used hammocks on ships since the new world introduced them to Columbus. Nothing new here except the integration of a solar powered drive on a cat hull. Ijaques below is wrong. the price is not the problem, but do you really want to be snoozing in the sack when you have your drive engaged? If self preservation is not enough, You do have a legal duty to keep a proper lookout while underway.
Chizzy
string hammocks like this are always shown being used incorrectly. the proper positioning is between 60 and 80 degrees off center. this gives a nearly flat laying space, and holds you securely. yet pictures always show people curled up like a banana, laying centered from end to end.