Hot Tub Boats are now a thing

In the USA, the “let’s get creative while maintaining social distance” has taken an interesting turn with Hot Tub Boats becoming the summer’s must-try activity, according to Time Out.

The eponymous company is currently offering the boats for rent out in Seattle. Groups of up to six people can rent one and float along the 580-acre Lake Union. A two-hour rental costs $350 (£265), but at least one of the participants has to have a valid license to navigate the vessel.

A Hot Tub Boat has an electric motor that keeps it moving, coupled with an onboard diesel heater maintaining a steady the water temperature of a cosy 40°C. The maximum cruising speed of 5 mph using a joystick. 

With regards to cleanliness in the light of Covid-19, the staff will fully drain and sanitize the crafts after each use.

The Hot Tub Boat isn’t an entirely new invention, with the company being founded by Adam Karpenske in 2011 and the first part-hot-tub-part-boat hitting the market 2012, but given the current situation, people have expressed renewed interest in the socially distanced activity.

According to Business Insider, two vessels are already in use and available to rent, with a third one almost complete.

A custom built Hot Tub Boat can be ordered for $75,000 (£57,000).

Lake Union Hot Tub Rental also offers rentals in Seattle.