Finally, one of the American billionaire space fantasy projects has produced results that will be accessible on terra firma. (If only somewhat so.)
Recently, California startup Arc announced it would start producing a 475-horsepower electric speedboat designed by a team of former SpaceX engineers. The project has reportedly secured $4.25 million in seed funding. And the first production run, evocatively called the Arc One, will cost $300,000.
Don’t go away just yet! This bad boy might actually be worth it.
What is This Thing? Arc Electric Speedboat Specs and Availability
As designed, the new e-boat (new word alert!) will pull 40 mph over the water. If you’ve ever water skied, you know that’s right in the neighborhood of fast enough to make you realize how drunk you are.
The Arc One’s hull was designed by rocket scientists, so as you might imagine, it utilizes aerospace manufacturing techniques. It’s also lightweight, with marine-grade aluminum. Arc says the battery design not only improves control over the boat’s center of gravity but also increases storage space. And the 200 kWh battery should last three to five hours between charges, per the manufacturer.
Is It Worth It? Analysis
I gotta admit, 3 to 5 hours is not as much time as I’d typically like to spend slamming BL Limes, rocking out to Jimmy Buffet, and peeing into a lake. But I guess reducing my environmental boating footprint would be worth it, especially if I could recharge and get right back to nature! The electric motor is also bound to be quieter than your trusty Evinrude 115, so both your guests and any aquatic critters will be a lot happier.
Arc says the 24-foot boat can accommodate 10 people. With that information, our calculations indicate a party cove capacity of anywhere from 21-36, liquid provisions included.
Availability: Drop a Grand and Get In Line
The Arc One is set to get wet by the end of 2021. Go to the website and mash the “Join the Waitlist” button to get in line. You have to pay $1000 to reserve your spot, but it’s a fully refundable deposit. It also comes with enticing perks like “private access to boat demos and events.”
What are you waiting for, you motor-boatin’ son of a b****?
Learn more at Businessinsider.com.
