As soon as I get around to winning that Powerball lottery, I can pick me up one of these: A $3.5 million powerboat/submarine hybrid vehicle that is simply oozing with awesomeness. Physical appearance alone depicts a vehicle that is pretty hefty. Backing up that claim are (2) 440hp diesel engines which are enough to muster a 40-knot surface speed. Range is said to be 500 miles.
But even cooler than the looks and macho power is the submersible abilities of this water craft…
Wouldn’t it be great if cars were powered by nothing more than common household trash? Think of all the money we’d save by not throwing it away on gas! Usually such ideas are the results of wishful thinking. Though I have no doubt that at some point in the future, you will be able to empty your trash can into your tank and drive off into the sunset one happy camper.
But even sooner, you can float away in a submarine powered by…water. It seems simple enough, I mean, at least like an awesome idea. There’s not exactly a shortage of water out there in the deep blue and last I checked, submarines spend pretty much all their time in the blue stuff. A match made in heaven, right?
The tech just isn’t quite there yet. For now, it’s being tested with a device called the SOLO-TREC (Sounding Oceanographic Lagrangian Observer — Thermal RECharging). The SOLO-TREC uses a waxy-like phase-change substance and the combined energy released from expanding and contracting ocean water as it warms and cools. It isn’t moving at lightspeed across the ocean — but it’s moving, consuming less energy than it’s taking in. That is the key right there to a truly unlimited power source — a renewable, reusable, limitless supply.
If they are this close now to limitless propulsion, just think of what will be viable in 10, 15, 30 years time? Inner geek all giddy?
PopSci
I can see it now. You’re chugging along the channel at a leisurely 50mph in your boat when all of a sudden you get the urge to go under the water for a closer look at all that hides beneath the blue waters (or whatever color the water is your vacation in). If you’re on a normal boat, the obvious solution is to jump in. Conversely, if you’re in a submarine and want to get closer to what your see out of your little peep hole window, you’re out of luck. Separated by a wall of metal, glass, and other various man-made elements. However, if you were rich enough (or new the Mr. & Mrs. Moneybags down the street) enjoying both the wind in your hair and the water enveloping your skin could be had with the Scuba Craft — part boat. It’s worth mentioning that when feeling water all over your skin whilst riding in a boat is usually not a good thing. The Scuba Craft is no ordinary boat. This time, feeling the watery world wrapped tightly around your body is actually ok.
Above the water, the Scuba Craft is a menacing looking 50mph speedboat. Dipping below the waves reveals a true “sleeper” — a submarine hiding in boat’s clothing. Feel free to kiss the fish and hug a sponge at depths up to 100 ft with the Scuba Craft. By the way, I didn’t mention Mr. & Mrs. Moneybags without do reason. The cost for such pleasures will set you back (or deny any children you ever have from going to college) a cool $160,000. Yes, that’s before tax. Ouch. Still, the inner James Bond in all of us can’t help but feel even the slightest bit giggly no?
The Awesomer
