Wacky new vehicle lets you zip through the water like a shark

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A wacky new vehicle lets you zip through the water - in a SHARK.

The Jet Shark is a semi-submersible boat that can dip beneath the water.

The 20 foot-long vessel - which will cost around $300k - is also able to launch from beneath the waves to pull off impressive tricks.

A prototype has a top speed of 45 mph, but the commercial version should be able to approach speeds of 55 mph.

California-based Jet Shark company founder Rob Innes has been designing and selling unique custom built watercraft for over 25 years.

He previously co-invented Seabreacher, a two-seater craft, but wanted to allow for more on board.

An initial Q model of the new watercraft has room for four, but there are plans to accommodate up to six thrill seekers.

Rob said: "The goal with the Jet Shark was to offer the unique experience of diving below the waters' surface but in a far more spacious, user-friendly vessel."

The Q model Jet Shark has seating for four, full sized adults inside, a climate-controlled, watertight cockpit with large panoramic windows.

The vessel can also be operated with its two large gull-wing doors fully open so it can be used like a conventional boat on nice sunny days.

The current model is powered by a 420hp, Kodiak Marine engine which is a marinized version of the new generation Corvette 6.2l V8 engine.

Future variants will also sport 600hp supercharged engines as well as diesel engines for the commercial tourist vessels.

Electric versions may follow in the future but only when a safe, reliable marine electric power package becomes available.

The Jet Shark is approximately three times the volume of the smaller, two seat Seabreachers, so electro-hydraulic controls are required to operate the large dive planes. These, along with the rear elevators, and vectored jet thrust, are responsible for maneuvering the very buoyant Jet Shark under water.

The Jet Shark will only dive about five feet below the surface and the snorkel/camera pod remains above the water at all times. If the vessel loses power for any reason, it instantly returns to the surface.

The company say that safety has been an overriding obsession in the development of the Jet Shark. The vessel contains enough static flotation that it will always remain buoyant and self right even if the entire vessel is completely flooded.

A host of onboard cameras, sensors, and Lidar will also ensure the Jet Shark remains well away from other vessels and waterway users during its shallow dives.

Cockpit controls and instrumentation look more like those out of a private jet than a conventional 20 foot long boat.

All onboard functions can be controlled via the twin touch screen displays directly in front of the two front pilot stations.

Rob Innes said: "This vessel was primarily designed from the feedback we received from our 170+ Seabreacher customers.

"We want to offer customers the excitement of the very agile Seabreachers but in a more comfortable, practical, and reliable vessel.

"However, it was still very important to me that we created a very sexy modern design that didn’t resemble an underwater minivan."

The Jet Shark is still in its development phase and the firm say it will require a lot more testing and certification before it’s market ready but they plans on taking orders later this year.

The company is seeking to raise additional investment capital and possibly partner with a high volume boat manufacturer to meet the high anticipated demand.

Retail price for the Jet Shark is estimated to be $200k to $300k.