The concept
The Aquafun is a Jetski equipped with a hydrofoil, a wing that allows the boat to rise above the water to reduce friction. It is designed to be used for three seasons instead of one. It would be based on a modified Sea-Doo platform and would include a transparent roof to protect users from cold winds and cold winds.
The context
Spring is coming and those who love water are eager to return to Sea-Doo. I think it would be really fun to ride on lakes or rivers even though the temperature was cooler. We have already worked on a similar idea, but this time we have rethought our concept so that it loses less energy by being more aerodynamic.
The name Aquafun was presented by my uncle, Germain Bombardier, who worked on the first versions of personal boats fitted with outboard motors in the 70's.
The Operation
The Aquafun would operate in the same way as other personal jet engines powered by a jet turbine, except that its cockpit would be designed to incorporate a strong, transparent roof to protect users from cold winds and the water. The hydrofoil system is inspired by the work of Kotaro Horiuchi, a great Japanese inventor who studied thoroughly watercraft fitted with hydrofoils in the 1950s.
There should be sufficient space inside the cockpit for the driver and passenger to feel comfortable while driving. A helmet and harness should be worn for safety in collisions. The harness would be easily detachable if the watercraft was flowing.
The heat of the engine would be used to warm up the users and, in summer, an air conditioning system could be installed if the owners wanted to keep the cockpit closed. Parts of the canopy could be obscured to reduce glare from the sun.
Making personal watercraft in colder waters is more dangerous, so additional features could be developed to reduce the risk of hypothermia if a user inadvertently fell into the water. A new line of clothing designed for colder weather could also be introduced for those who love the more extreme sport.
Ideally, the Aquafun would be powered by an electric motor that would draw its energy from a fuel cell.
What's the point?
With the Aquafun, you could use your personal watercraft all year, if you live in the south, and almost all year round, if you live in colder northern areas. First responders could use it to conduct rescue missions along dangerous shores (a version could be delivered without hydrofoil). The development of such a machine would push the boundaries of existing personal boats and open up many possibilities.
The Designer
I would like to thank Adolfo Esquivel, who designed the Aquafun. Adolfo graduated in industrial design from Colombia and completed a postgraduate study on event design at UQAM in Montreal. He currently works as a Senior Industrial Designer in Calgary Canada. Adolfo also created the Ikaros glider design and the Voyager virtual reality hotel.
