Skip to main content

Meet MelloShip, the motorized hammock boat you didn’t know you needed

Not since Steve Jobs combined a cellphone, an iPod and a pocket organizer to create the iPhone have we been as excited about a tech convergence as we are about the world’s first boat-hammock hybrid. OK, so it is not quite as revolutionary, but it still looks pretty darn neat!

Called the MelloShip, this relaxing Kickstarter project promises to banish the pressures of the busy world with a product its creator said will “eat stress for lunch.”

Recommended Videos

Get Outside: Flexible solar panel keeps devices charged in the outdoors

Please enable Javascript to view this content

“Get in the hammock and cruise in silence across a lake,” inventor James Womack told Digital Trends. “You steer it with a waterproof remote control. The combination of floating on air in a hammock and being on the water simultaneously is simply amazing.”

If the thought of having to steer your own hammock boat is still too stressful, however, there is some good news: you don’t have to.

“The MelloShip can be turned into a ‘ride,’” Womack continued. “Get comfy in the hammock and hit ‘go’ — then cruise on auto-pilot for two miles along pre-determined route without touching anything but your iced tea. This level of comfort on a lake just seems somehow wrong.”

This may be Womack’s first Kickstarter project, but he is a veteran when it comes to knowing how to live the good life. In 2004, he and his wife Gabriela had enough of city life and moved from their cramped studio apartment in Manhattan to a 15-acre goat farm in rural Nicaragua. There, they built the region’s first library and a yoga-art-surf retreat while Womack perfected the MelloShip. He has since tested it on rivers, lakes, lagoons, and even the Pacific Ocean.

As relaxing as it may be, though, the MelloShip is also packing some pretty cool tech. Solar panels charge a battery which powers an electric motor, controlling a GPS computer which can be operated wirelessly using a remote control. The pre-programmed routes feature is also neat — using GPS to remember points and routes across a two-mile stretch.

“It runs on a near-silent electric motor, powered by a battery charged by the sun,” Womack said. “It is quiet. It doesn’t pollute. It is safe, essentially unflippable, and can hold up to 500 pounds. It can be tweaked and customized with accessories, including drink holders, cooler holder, fishing pole holders, flooring options, pop up seats, sunbrellas — whatever floats your boat.”

Luke Dormehl
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I'm a UK-based tech writer covering Cool Tech at Digital Trends. I've also written for Fast Company, Wired, the Guardian…
Aventon Abound SR combines thoughtful design, enhanced security, and smart connectivity
Aventon Abound SR hero image with couple on the e-bike

Electric bikes are nothing new at this point, and while there are many styles, few purportedly do-it-all, and even fewer actually offer smart or more advanced features. They tend to do one thing particularly well, like cruising, carrying cargo, or sightseeing -- like city riding -- but the biggest way they push the envelope is by offering that long-range electric power. The Aventon Abound SR, a new do-it-all bike, goes far and beyond anything that's come before it.

For starters, it's the first bike equipped with Aventon's electronic control unit (ACU) which empowers intelligent safety features. That gives you 4G and GPS tracking built-in, plus remote locking, an alarm system, and much more. But also, this top-of-its-class bike is incredibly versatile and is suitable for everything from commutes to tough exercise rides and daily routines. It features a top speed of 20 miles per hour, has a range of up to 60 miles per charge, and can carry a payload of up to 440 pounds. Impressive, indeed. Let's take a closer look and get a little more friendly with it, shall we?

Read more
Velotric: One of our favorite e-bike brands is having a huge sale right now
Velotric T1 ST Plus bike couple riding on the road

Take a minute to browse through the e-bike category, and you'll see lots of options but not many that I would classify as accessible. As far as technology goes, they can be pretty expensive, especially compared to your everyday traditional pedal bike. So, it makes sense that most people would wait until the holiday season, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to get a great deal on a new bike. Prices are at their lowest ever, and it's a great time to save some money. But guess what? You don't have to wait until later in November to save big because Velotric, a premium-quality e-bike maker, is hosting a huge sale right now. You can head over now to take a look, otherwise, we're going to explore some of those Velotric e-bike deals that are available.
save Now
 
What are these "Lower-Than-Black-Friday" Velotric e-bike deals?

Velotric is claiming these deals are "better" than Black Friday, so they better be good, right? Don't worry, they are. For example, you can grab the Velotric Go 1 Ebike for $400 off, while still getting it in a bundle that includes two free gears. That price is currently $1,299, normally $1,700. The Go 1 features a 500-watt motor, supports a maximum load of 440 pounds, and can travel up to 55 miles on a single charge. Pretty impressive. It's also designed to lug cargo, like a picnic basket, day bag, or even camping gear. That's mostly thanks to a lower center of gravity for the frame and hydraulic suspension system.

Read more
Yamaha offers sales of 60% on e-bikes as it pulls out of U.S. market
Yamaha Pedal Assist ebikes

If you were looking for clues that the post-pandemic e-bike market reshuffle remains in full swing in the U.S., look no further than the latest move by Yamaha.

In a letter to its dealers, the giant Japanese conglomerate announced it will pull out of the e-bike business in the U.S. by the end of the year, according to Electrek.

Read more