Some Of The Strangest Boats To Set Sail On The Seven Seas
There's nothing quite as relaxing as taking a boat out for a cruise on the water. It's peaceful, serene, and typically a time to be with friends and family. But while most people take out a nice pontoon boat or even a kayak, others sail the open seas in strange yet fantastic vessels.
Ever see a boat that is powered by a bicycle? Or how about a ship that runs solely on solar panels? Some of these boats are hard to imagine, but if you want to learn more about a few of the strangest ships from around the world, keep cruising down the page!
HotTug Is The Hot Tub On Water
We all have the Dutch to thank for the genius that is the HotTug Hot Tub boat. This mini vessel is eight feet by 12 and a half feet by three feet and is the best tourist attraction someone could ask for while walking the streets of Amsterdam in the winter.
Each HotTug features a personal wood-stove fireplace to heat the water inside the main cabin area. The water can reach up to 100 degrees, the perfect temperature to relax in on a cold day. Each boat fits six to eight people, so be sure to bring friends with you to experience this strange vessel!
The Cosmic Muffin Houseboat
The Cosmic Muffin is the definition of an up-cycled boat. Pilot Kenneth W. London saved Howard Hughes' prized Boeing B-307 from a Florida landfill and spent four years transforming the un-flyable aircraft into a working and livable houseboat. The Cosmic Muffin might not be the prettiest or newest boat in the dock, but it sure is one of the more creative.
Today, the ship has an updated interior, new engines, a re-imagined cockpit fit for a sailor instead of a pilot, and a rebuilt hull. The owners plan on using the Cosmic Muffin for elementary education, private charters, and even some nonprofit fundraising projects.
The Jet Capsule Is A Mini Luxury Yacht
Italian native Pierpaolo Lazzarini originally designed the Jet Capsule as a personal watercraft and taxi, but quickly realized that he could capitalize on his design commercially. The idea behind the design is a compact yacht that still holds the standard of a high-end experience.
The best part about this design is the customizable interior. Depending on your specific needs, the interior of the capsule can include a mini kitchen, bathroom, and even beds if the occasion calls for them! Mood lighting and sundeck are also included, making the Jet Capsule a fun vacation activity with some friends!
The EGO Is Part Boat Part Submarine
Designer Jisup Lee built the EGO - Compact Semi Submarine with one thing in mind - for underwater exploration to be easy and enjoyable for everyone and not just those with a scuba certification. The EGO allows its patrons to explore under the sea without having to worry about the potential jellyfish sting or wayward barracuda.
This innovative boat is produced by the South Korean company Roanhaje. Their mission is to sell fleets of EGO semi submarines to various resorts as well as individual vessels to yacht owners to store on their ships for personal use.
Julien Berthier's Love-Love
At first glance, this ship looks to be swiftly sinking to the bottom of the ocean. Plot twist: it's not. The boat, Love-Love, is a creation by the French artist Julien Berthier. The idea was to have the ship look like it is always about to go under, but it never does.
Like all art, Berthier says the ship is a metaphor for love and how it can involve lost hope and sinking dreams. The artist has since sold his creation to a London banker for $100,000. The new owner no longer takes the ship sailing, but rather has placed it in Normandy's art museum.
M-80 Stiletto
The M-80 Stiletto was created back in 2006 as an advanced stealth prototype US naval ship. Instead of slimming the vessel down, the design team decided to use the width of the ship to its advantage, making it more stable and wave-friendly.
A good thing too, because the ship is now being used by the Special Warfare Combat Crewmen and the United States Navy SEALS in rough waters. The ship is 88.6 feet long, with a width of 40 feet and a weight of 45 tons without any extra cargo. The M-80 Stiletto doesn't come at a low price. Each ship costs between six and ten million dollars to construct!
Hydros HY-X Allows For Two Boating Experiences
The Hydros HY-X is an innovative boat that brings the simple pleasure of a mid-day boat ride with the thrill of a high-speed race. Meaning, the ship is a hybrid in the best sense of the word. The 41-foot yacht allows for two boating experiences. One being a traditional motor experience while the other is more 'floating.'
With the press of a button, the Hydros HY-X deploys two foils into the water to lift the boat about a meter out of the water. This allows the vessel to go at a faster speed, around 34.4 miles per hour, with less drag.
The Quadrofoil Is A Battery Operated Watercraft
Although this watercraft looks a bit unusual, it is one of the most eco-friendly boats on the market. The ship is completely battery operated, with a silent motor and zero emissions, so you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about leaving a carbon footprint.
The sleek and modern look of this watercraft was designed so it would be recognized as artwork on the water. Considering there is nothing like it on the market right now, it seems as though the Quadrofoil team is heading towards the future of water transportation.
The Earthrace Went Around The World In 60 Days
This futuristic-looking vessel is called the Earthrace, and it is powered 100 percent by bio-fuel. The materials holding the boat together are also eco-friendly. Hemp composites were used during construction, canola, and vegetable oils were used for lubricants, and special filters were used to clean out any loose oils from bilge water.
Pete Bethune, the skipper on Earthrace, says, "Earthrace's success has proved that any form of transport, including marine, can be non-damaging to the environment as well as being high performance." The Earthracer was able to set a new world record, making it around the world in 60 days and 23 hours!
The Schiller Water Bike Is A Fitness Fanatic's Dream Boat
The Schiller water bike design was built on the belief that the planet is meant for biking and not for transportation that emits toxins. This 'bike' is equipped with two pontoons, twin oscillating propellers, and special retraction arms that allow for responsive steering. It can be put together in about 10 minutes, making it the best boat for when a biker hits the end of the road.
This innovative water bike/boat is produced in Mill Valley, California, and runs for $5,500, according to the Schiller website. It might seem like a steep price, but it's totally worth the experience and alternative exercise method!
The Sebago Shoe Boat To Promote The Ultimate Boat Shoe
This unique red, white, and blue Sebago shoe boat was built to promote the ultimate boat shoe brand, Sebago. The company was founded back in 1946 by New England natives. A hand-sewn penny loafer was the first shoe they released, and it was a huge success.
With it's known connection to the water, Sebago is the premiere boat shoe. It's popularity increased throughout the years, so the shoe boat is probably unnecessary for promotional purposes. But we're very glad they decided to manufacture the watercraft anyway!
Ocean Emerald Superyacht
The Ocean Emerald superyacht is unlike anything sailing across the seven seas. It is the textbook definition of commercial luxury, spanning a solid 41 meters in length and sporting four separate decks. Each deck caters to different amenities, such as the upper sun deck and swimming platform.
Ocean Emerald also features an assortment of toys for the passengers. There is everything from scuba equipment to paddleboards at their disposal. The British architect firm Norman Foster wasn't joking around when they designed this vessel!
The SWATH Sea Shadow
The SWATH Sea Shadow was built for the US Navy in 1984 and was used to explore stealth technology. The ship was a naval secret until 1993 when it made its public debut. The unique shape was a design to see how automation would work on a vessel in the hopes of reducing crew sizes in the future.
In 2006, the Navy tried to sell Sea Shadow, but there was little interest from buyers. With no one willing to purchase the ship, the government listed it on a dismantling site, stating that whoever bought it wasn't allowed to sail the boat, only scrap it. Sea Shadow was sold in 2012.
TU FiN Elliptical Boat Makes It Possible To Walk On Water
Unlike a majority of commercial boats, the TU FiN was designed by a group of German students for a competition. Their design is meant to give the driver a full-body elliptical workout that, in turn, powers the boat's fins, which propel it through the water.
The boat is around 26-feet long and ultra-sleek. Even though it is fairly thin, the bow of the ship has plenty of room for snacks, water, and even a secondary passenger for those who are feeling up to the challenge of pushing more weight through the water!
Tûranor PlanetSolar
Tûranor PlanetSolar was launched on March 31, 2010, becoming the largest solar-powered boat on Earth. This stroke of genius was not cheap to build, costing 15 million Euros. Before being used as a luxury yacht, the PlanetSolar circumnavigated the globe. In 2012, the ship became the first solar-powered vehicle to journey around the world.
Today, the cutting-edge ship is part of the Swiss Foundation Race for Water, a cause that helps the preservation of the world's oceans. Fun fact: the name Tûranor means 'The Power of the Sun,' a name derived from Lord of the Rings.
The Maltese Falcon
Perini Navi finished building the Maltese Falcon in 2006. The ship is considered to be one of the most complex sailing yachts out there, spanning 289 feet. Her first owner, a wealthy venture capitalist named Tom Perkins, sold the Maltese Falcon to Pleon Ltd. in 2008, making the ship open for commercial use.
Maltese Falcon has been rented out by many celebrities since going on the commercial market, including Tom Hanks and Hugh Jackman. With an on-board gym, outdoor cinema, and even a spa, there is no doubt that the Maltese Falcon is all about living a luxurious lifestyle.
Himiko Is A Futuristic Water Taxi
Even though this ship looks more like a futuristic submarine, it is actually a boat that was designed by anime master Leiji Matsumoto. The body of Himiko is inspired by a spaceship, which isn't too hard to imagine! The ship is utilized more like a taxi service than anything, running on various water lines such as from Azuma-Bashi Bridge to Odaiba Seaside Park in Japan.
No matter where a person is traveling in Japan, they should make time for a ride in Himiko. With all of the windows surrounding the vessel, the views of the area are nothing short of marvelous.
This Wooden Ferarri Boat
Italian wood-carving master Livio De Marchi spent five months creating this Ferrari 50 boat out of a block of pine. He was able to carefully carve the infamous logo, taillights, and even the tires to make the car come to life. After the carving was finished, De Marchi added a Yamaha engine, so he was able to cruise the Venice canals.
In its finished state, the boat weighs 2,000 pounds! The idea for the Ferrari came after cruising around in a tiny boat with his son. De Marchi described the Grand Canal as a "freeway" of motorboats, so he needed something to compete!
HeliCat Will Bring Out Anyone's Inner 007
The HeliCat looks like something straight out of a James Bond movie. More so if the body of the boat actually had helicopter propellers. Alas, not all of us can be 007. That being said, the HeliCatt is a catamaran-helicopter hybrid designed for easy travel through rough waters.
At top speed, the HeliCat can reach up to 40 miles per hour, without capsizing! The boat is extremely stable with two pontoons to keep it upright and no place to store water like in other boat cockpits.
Josh Pyke's Customized Guitar Boat
This guitar boat was custom made for Australian singer Josh Pyke's "Make You Happy" music video. Aside from the size, the guitar boat is an exact replica of Pyke's Maton CW80E acoustic guitar, including scale, logo, headlock, and the shape. The boat sold in an eBay auction in 2009 for $7,000.
The proceeds went to the Indigenous Literary Foundation, but it seems as though Pyke wants to see his guitar boat once again. In 2017, it was reported that the singer was feeling a bit nostalgic, wanting to take his customized boat for a cruise in the harbor once again.
The Zipper Boat
If the Zipper Boat looks like an art project, that's because it is. Japanese artist Yasuhiro Suzuki designed the boat for the Setouchi International Arts Festival. The boat is also a taxi that "zips" visitors from Takamatsu to Megijima, or "Devil's Island."
When the Zipper Boat sails across the ocean, the water ripples behind it, making it look like an odd zipper. Suzuki first designed the boat in 2004 and finished it in 2010. Since around 75% of the world's zippers are made in Japan, the motorboat is a culturally relevant art project.
The Floating Wooden Exbury Egg
For many people, boats also serve as homes. The Exbury Egg, a giant floating wooden egg, is a boat home designed by UK artist Stephen Turner. He plans to live in the egg while he observes the local environment and produces more art.
The Exbury Egg was inspired by seabird nests at Turner's local Beaulieu River. The inside maintains a sleek design of cedar wood that people see on the outside. But since there's no electricity, Turner has to rely on solar power.
It's A Basket Boat
This is the famous thung chai (round basket boat) of Vietnam. It's a beauty, isn't it? Well, if you didn't think so, then we might agree with you on that one.
How safe can this be? Also, the paddle is pretty long so you probably couldn't ride this thing alone unless you had some strength. The basket boat takes strange to another level and it's almost hilarious. Safe travels to anyone riding inside of this thing.
The Butterfly Effect
Can you imagine sailing the ocean with a butterfly boat? The thought never crossed our minds, but now that we see this thing, we might want to try it. That doesn't mean that this isn't strange.
If someone onshore sees this ship coming in, they might not know what to think until it gets closer. Attack of the giant butterflies? Maybe not that extreme, but you get the picture we're trying to paint for you.
Not Your Typical Boat
If you told us someone made this out of desperation to get off an island, we might believe you. If you said someone has this as an option they take out from time to time, then we wouldn't fall for that.
There's no way a person in their right mind would want to sail this stick boat. It's like if a stick figure drawing came to life. Can this wonky thing even float on the water?
Beware Of The... Boat?
As strange as it is, we must admit, it would be pretty cool to ride in this boat. We're willing to bet that it can dive underwater pretty deep as well, so you can swim with the fish.
If you do go beneath the surface, it'd probably be best not to do that around humans. You don't want them to think that a real shark is nearby ready to attack anyone it so chooses.
This Boat Has Personality
Animal lovers probably adore this boat, which could be called "The Trumpet of the Swan" because of its shape. We've never seen anything like this in person, but just an image of it is fine with us.
This appears to be a boat that takes people on local pleasure cruises. The shape of this one probably suits kids more than adults, but who knows -- adults might enjoy it as well.
Hold The Mustard
Okay we thought we already saw everything, but we take that back. This hot dog boat might take the cake as far as strange boats go. Why would you even want to ride this if you aren't joking around?
The ultimate experience on this must be eating a hot dog with the boat on autopilot. We're not sure if it can do all of that, but that would be pretty funny to see.
Luxury Or Too Much?
This ship is utterly insane. There must be an elevator on it to get to the top of it, and we've never seen a boat with an elevator.
This looks like something Jeff Bezos would rent for a night of fun and if he liked it, he'll have a fleet of them built so he could sell them. We've really never come across something like this and we don't know if we love it or hate it.
When Boats And Cars Fuse
Some people will create anything, and this is a prime example of that. Taking a Volkswagen and adding it to the end of this weird boat is as strange as it gets.
Are you able to sit inside the vehicle? We would hope so, since it's attached but you never know. It might be safer to be inside the boat than in the customized extension. Whoever made this probably felt extremely proud of themselves for making such strangeness.
Boat Or Vehicle?
Did we miss something, or is there a real-life Batman on the loose? That or James Bond, because this looks like something one of them would get away in while on the ocean.
It's not very bad looking, it's just strange. We wouldn't know how to feel if we came across this while traveling the deep blue. Another question is, how fast can it go? We'd imagine it could get some pretty decent speed by the way that it looks.
Activate, Nonsense!
One word describes this "boat" and that's nonsense. What in the world is this? What was this man thinking when he decided to build it? Was it something he saw in an old movie we don't know about?
This is the type of engineering you rely on when your life is on the line, so you might see it in a Hunger Games type film. Props to him for braving it and going out there to ride it.
Moving With The Best Of Them
This is more of a boat and jetski crossover, but we couldn't omit it. Look at it! This thing is insane and looks like it would be the fastest thing on the water.
The cool thing about this is this is that you can take it on land once you're done crushing it on the water. It's a win-win situation if you happen to own one. Don't go spending all your money in one place now!
You See This Pull Up, What Do You Do?
Here we have another boat that someone made themselves, and we're quite impressed. It only looks strange because he's just one man trying to do it himself, but we're sure it gets him where he needs to go.
If you were to see this alongside you while on a ferry boat, what would you think? Perhaps if it had some fresh paint on it and some designs, it wouldn't look as wild, but that's not the case.
What Was This Boat Thinking?
Okay, we've officially seen it all. This ice cream man converted his truck into a boat so that he could sell to customers traveling the waters. Either he's desperate for customers or he has nothing better to do.
Would you even buy ice cream from something like this? It just seems weird and strange that this took place. To each his own and we aren't here to judge, but this is some next-level nonsense.
Are You Ready, Kids?!
Spongebob belongs under the sea, not on a boat in the open air. Is this even a boat? We're not sure exactly what's going on, but it doesn't make us happy.
It looks like there are other Sponges on deck as well, making this a group activity. Yeah, it might be funny to look at, but after a while, it just gets strange. Spongebob never stops smiling! If that isn't creepy or strange we don't know what is.
A Fruity Boat
Okay, this one is as strange as it's nice. It's long just like a cut watermelon, and the paint job looks fantastic. The only thing is, you're going to attract a ton of attention riding in this.
Whoever owns this must really love watermelon or they tried making a joke out of the length of this thing. The owners should hold a fruit-eating contest inside of this beauty. The prize could be a free boat ride.
A Mutant Of A Boat
Okay, this must be a prototype for a new X-Men movie coming out soon. If not that, then perhaps it's for a Star Trek special. Even if you tried your hardest, you'd probably never come across this in real life.
You probably have to be incredibly rich to ride something like this. If you look close enough, you can see what looks like a killer whale to the right of it. Imagine how massive this is!
What Do You Call This?
The design of this boat is quite interesting. The front deck makes up the whole thing and it looks like there's only a place for the captain to stand (above-deck, at least).
Upon further examination, we feel there might be stairs that lead down under the front. There's no way it's that large with nothing else downstairs, such as a lounge area, a place to prepare food, and sleeping quarters.
He Must Be An Engineer
Okay, so this kid must be some sort of engineer. Figuring out how to make this work might be his greatest accomplishment to date. Look at the smile on his face!
Now, we wouldn't recommend any of our readers attempt this, but feel free if you wish. The length of that paddle is longer than the wait for the ladies' bathroom at the club on a Saturday night! He also has some added comfort with that hammock.
