There’s nothing like firing up the old Evinrude and hauling out for a little fishing over the side of your standard motorboat, but just for kicks, take a look at some of the most futuristic boats and watercraft you could be taking for a spin.
Outdoors
Boats of the future (that actually exist today)
Quadrofoil electric hydrofoiling personal watercraft
Hate the roar of Jet-Skis (and their not-so-great environmental impact) but like the idea of zipping over the lake? The Quadrofoil is your vehicle. Fully electric, it’s completely silent and has zero emissions, which makes it perfect for lakes and rivers that restrict regular gas-powered motors. And because it’s a hydrofoil, the seats actually fly above the water. Oh, and the hollow hull makes it impossible to sink. How cool is that? For more info: Quadrofoil.com
Oru Kayak folding kayak
If you’re sick of hoisting your kayak onto the roof of your car (and down again...and up again), you should check out the Oru Folding Kayak. Inspired by the inventor’s teeny tiny San Francisco apartment (and its lack of storage space), the kayak, inspired by the art of origami, goes from 26-pound box to fully functional boat in five minutes. Unlike other collapsible boats, the hull is rigid, meaning the kayak is stable and durable. For more info: Orukayak.com
SolarSailor
Harnessing the power of the sun and the wind, SolarSailor combines pivot-mounted solar panels that can also act as sails meaning the boat has not just one, but two sources of energy. The sails are approved for use in winds up to 44 knots, and can be folded away when not in use. At the moment, SolarSailors are used primarily in commercial ferries, but private vessels certainly can’t be far behind. For more info: Solarsailor.com
Iguana Yacht amphibious boat
It’s a boat! It’s a bulldozer! Well, it’s a little of both—at least, that’s what you’ll be tempted to think when you see this yacht’s hidden caterpillar treads that can take you easily from sea to land and back again. No need for a dock, a berth at a marina or a big bulky trailers—and those treads can help get you to those remote fishing spots. For more info: Iguana-yachts.com
Adastra super yacht
Okay, so this one is a little out of reach for most of us, but it’s still cool to look at. The Adastra trimaran is designed for high range ocean voyaging in more luxury than most of us have on land—plus, it looks like something out of Star Wars. If you feel like boating in style and with company, the vessel offers room for up to six guests and nine crew. Feeling flush? You’ll need a cool $15 million to pick up one of your own. For more info: Mcconaghyboats.com
