Bigger Bubble, More Trouble: SeaBubbles Smart Bubble Review - The Future of Water Taxis?
Image Credit: SeaBubbles.
Remember the original Bubble, that cute little electric hydrofoil water taxi that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie? It was adorable, efficient, and about as disruptive to the water as a butterfly landing on a lily pad. But apparently, SeaBubbles thought, "Hold my croissant," and decided to supersize it.
Say hello to the Smart Bubble, the Bubble's bigger, faster, and more ambitious sibling. This all-new Bubble went to college, hit the gym, and came back with a master's degree in marine engineering.
Image Credit: SeaBubbles.
The original Bubble was already a marvel. At low speeds, it puttered along like any other boat, propelled by two electric motors. But once it hit 7 mph (11 km/h), it transformed into a waterborne hovercraft, its hull rising out of the water on three carbon fiber foils. It glided along at 14 mph (22 km/h), stabilized by a sophisticated system of sensors that kept it level even in choppy waters. A silent, zero-emission ride that was as smooth as a lake on a quiet morning.
The Smart Bubble takes that concept and cranks it up to eleven. It's 26.2 feet long and 11.5 feet wide (8 m by 3.5 m), big enough to comfortably seat a party of up to 12, cocktails in hand, gliding across the harbor at sunset. This is the epitome of aquatic luxury. And it's fast - it cruises at a breezy 18 mph (30 km/h). No more waiting around for slowpoke ferries or battling traffic on congested bridges.
The Smart Bubble gets you where you need to go in style and speed. Of course, with great size comes a slightly higher take-off speed. The Smart Bubble needs to hit 12 mph (19 km/h) before it can lift off, but once it does, it's smooth sailing.
The display model at the Cannes Yachting Festival boasted a 90-kWh battery pack, which SeaBubbles claims can keep the boat cruising for about 1.25 hours. That's plenty of time for a scenic tour or a quick hop across the bay, and for those concerned about range, a 130-kWh model with a longer cruising time is reportedly in development. Soon, we might see Smart Bubbles zipping up and down coastlines, offering a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional water taxis.
The Smart Bubble is packed with new tech, including four patented innovations and retractable foils that make docking a breeze. No more fumbling with ropes or worrying about scraping the hull. The Smart Bubble is as graceful in the marina as it is on the open water. SeaBubbles (the company behind this clever contraption) even acquired maritime mobility specialist Neocean, presumably to further enhance its foiling prowess. It's clear that they're not just dipping their toes in the water; they're diving headfirst into the future of marine transportation.
The price tag of the latest Bubble hasn't been officially released yet, but considering the original Bubble was estimated to cost around $200,000, we can assume the Smart Bubble won't be cheap. But gliding over the waves like a futuristic dolphin is an experience that's both exhilarating and eco-friendly, and in my book, it's a win-win for thrill-seekers and environmentalists alike.
So, is the Smart Bubble the future of water taxis? Or is it just a fancy toy for the rich and famous? Well… we'll have to wait to find out. One thing's for sure: SeaBubbles is pushing the boundaries of marine technology, and I, for one, am here for the ride.
