Gear Patrol

For most of us the world of powerboats is a bit on the abstract side — we simply imagine loud, fast and ridiculously expensive, but on water instead of pavement. The Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept boat is a spectacular example of at least the last two qualities.

If sporting the three-pointed star on land just isn’t enough for you, aim your vehicular aspirations to the water. Mercedes-Benz’s plans to broaden their design chops to more than just cars are officially under way, mimicking Porsche-like endeavors. Mercedes and U.K.-based Silver Arrows Marine have partnered to create the high-end, 46-foot Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow of…

Just when you think you’ve seen just about every kind of vehicle on earth, smarter minds plan a surprise for your cranium. Portsmouth, New Hampshire based Juliet Marine Systems, Inc. has been working with the U.S. Government on the formerly ultra-secret GHOST, the world’s first “super-cavitating” craft, which essentially means that the boat/submarine has the…

Few vehicles scream affluence like a speedboat, and Chris Craft happens to build the most elegant sea skippers out there. The company’s new Corsair 36 European Edition offers unprecedented luxury and interior space for its category, while also packing plenty of power. Specifically, its Volvo-sourced standard twin V-8 engines boast a G&T-vaporizing 840 horsepower. Other…

The words “glamour” and “houseboat” normally don’t mingle in the same sentence — let alone the same book. The MetroShip ($250,000+), however, is inspired by the open floor plans of coveted NYC loft spaces and designed by prefab construction phenom David Ballinger. The impetus of the project was to create a luxurious, yet green housing…

The canyons of the Shotover River just outside of Queenstown, New Zealand is unquestionably a picturesque setting. Here, visitors can enjoy the serenity of moving water and think about hobbits, dwarves, and elves to their heart’s content. But why do that, when you have the option to strap into a specially design jet boat, equipped…

The Hobie Mirage Oasis Kayak ($2,700) has been re-tooled for 2011 to help improve handling and speed while still maintaining great hauling capacity in the form of three enclosed stowage bins and a large on-deck cargo area. Speaking of hauling, the dual seater also ships with two of Hobie’s unique Mirage drive pedal systems, which…

If you happen to be well-off enough to afford your own boat, please don’t take the route of “more is more.” Classic design will stand the test of time, and you can still have your creature comforts, your technology and modern build quality while maintaining an air of good taste. All of these descriptors find…

Synthetics and composites have plenty of benefits, but they’ll never compete with the look of wood. This Cedar Strip Wooden Kayak from Justin Charles ($16,000) manages to provide the best of both worlds. Its beautiful Western Red Cedar strip exterior is combined with glass fiber to create a light weight, yet durable composite that puts…

The Ultimate Steering Machine? Perhaps the new BMW Intermarine 55 will establish that new slogan for the Bavarian automaker. In a stunning collaborative work between BMW DesignworksUSA and Intermarine, the Brazilian luxury yacht manufacturer, the goal was to create a new design theme for nautical vessels, incorporating such automotive cues as trapezoidal windows (instead of…

Beautiful Passengers Not Included…Yet If you’ve got millions lying around in your “toy” fund this year, we’d suggest cleaning it out on this. In the world of yachting, the Riva name speaks for itself, so you need not worry about getting anything less than the finest in Italian design and engineering. Plus, at 92 feet,…

You think you have a sweet speed boat? Great. Now you don’t. At least not with this beautiful monster on the waters. From the same guys that bring you the 911 GT3 RS, Porsche design mashed up with Fearless Yachts to create the Fearless 28. What is the Fearless 28 you may ask? Well according…

The Kawasaki Ultra 250X markes its place as the quickest and most powerful production PWC in history. The supercharged Ultra 250X delivers 250 horsepower for astonishing acceleration that can be felt in the rider’s soul. Once up to speed, its precise handling and superb stability are equally impressive, thanks to a brand-new hull specifically designed…