Tag Archives: Boat

Physicists 3D Print a Boat Small Enough to Fit Inside a Human Hair

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Because our scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should, physicists at Leiden University have 3D printed a tiny tugboat only 30-microns in length. For reference, an average human hair is about 90-microns in width, although mine is much thicker because I shampoo with a product specifically formulated for bears.

The microscopic printing of 3DBenchy the tugboat (a commonly printed 3D test object due to its challenging features, namely its open cockpit) was created as scientists explore the development of uniquely shaped synthetic microswimmers, and can be propelled via onboard platinum reacting with hydrogen peroxide.

So basically in the future, there are going to be a bunch of tiny tugboats cruising around in your bloodstream, monitoring your vitals and administering medicine, and helping you live longer. Of course, you know what else would help you live longer? An apple a day. And, based on my entire apple pie and half-gallon of ice cream a day habit, I should practically be immortal.

[via Gizmodo]

This two-seat foldable kayak is a portable, space-saving alternative to its traditional counterpart

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Fina is a plywood kayak designed for better storage – no special parking spot or carriers required! Created out of plywood, this kayak was inspired by the designer’s trip to Venice, Italy, where she wanted to sail the canals with her sister but didn’t have space to store a two-seater kayak without paying for a bigger parking spot. “After all the calculations to achieve my desired aesthetic lines, the correct waterline and the center of gravity, the challenge was to turn the five-meter long kayak into a two-meter long, a dimension I specified that would make it ideal to store behind my car in my parking spot,” says Borràs.

The final version achieves the foldable feature by dividing the kayak into three different sections through two five-degree transversal cuts so that the prow and stern of the boat could collapse in the center to their maximum length but without interfering with each other. When collapsed, these would lay on the backrests which would also fold thanks to the wooden ball joints Borràs installed. There are four strategically positioned hatch fasteners that secure the prow and stern in place for sailing, and two ports that give access to a storage space which also allows the user to remove any excess moisture that could build over time in the two enclosed sections. With clean lines and strikingly red in color, this kayak is designed to wow with both aesthetics and its performance!

Designer: Cristina Borràs

This article was sent to us using the ‘Submit A Design’ feature.

We encourage designers/students/studios to send in their projects to be featured on Yanko Design!

Uber still can’t have cars in London, but it’s buying a ferry on the Thames

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Uber may have lost its license to operate vehicles on the streets of London, but that isn’t stopping the company from offering a boat service. The Thames Clipper commuter service will soon be rebranded Uber Boat, and it will be bookable through the U...

This couch turns into a rescue boat for natural disasters

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Like pandemics, there are many other natural phenomenons that are out of human control. The frequency of these disasters has now increased due to climate change. I have only ever lived on coasts, no matter which country I was in, and being climate-conscious I know that if we don’t get aggressive with our efforts to slow it down the coastal cities will be the first to collapse under massive floods and tsunamis. Scary image isn’t it? Well, we can do two things about it – live more sustainably and design products like Afloat for our Plan B.

Since a couch is something that most homes have, designer Max Bitsan had a pumpkin-turns-into-carriage moment and gave us an angular couch that is also a lifeboat for rainy days…literally. Afloat has been envisioned to fit within the modern interior aesthetics while also being capable of helping you escape situations like floods, tsunamis, storms, dam breaks and more. Turn it upside down and you have a makeshift shelter if you are not trying to stay ‘afloat’ (too soon?). The couch’s mainframe is built like a boat and otherwise is home to bright, fluffy cushions that reassure you of the bright sunny times. Afloat also comes in an armchair size.

On a lighter note, if you live by a lake then you can take your couch out on the water and enjoy the normal times – we now know that the mundane things we enjoyed outside are truly a treasure we took for granted. A lesson learned in advance – don’t take your couch for granted, it can save lives either by you just sitting on it or by you rowing it like a boat.

Designer: Max Bitsan

A 1950’s Porsche 356 inspired boat to evoke nostalgia!

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The lovechild of an iconic automobile and a vintage boat; that’s the best way you could describe Nick Boats’ ‘Hermes Speedster’. Inspired by the 1959 Porsche 356 and the Gentleman’s Runabout boats from the 1930s, the Hermes Speedster is a classic boat in retro style amped with all of today’s technical marvels and features. Produced by a small family business in Greece, “Seven Sea Yachts”, the entire boat has been crafted by hand and with extreme love and care! Designed by the Greek architect Nicolas Politis, the hydrodynamic underwater hull fiercely resembles the Porsche 356 and the 1930’s Gentleman’s Runabout boats. The hull consists of seven layers, with the outer most layer comprising of vinyl ester resin. Made out of airtight compartments, the layers form a honeycomb structure, which provides firmness without increasing the weight of the structure. The boat is partly assembled on site, with the leather being stitched on there, and the screws being added onto the steering wheel, giving you the assurance of a perfectly finished boat!

The Hermes has been designed for perfect stability, enabling it to glide on the water effortlessly, whether you sail at maximum or minimum speed. Consuming 5.5 liters per hour, it has been voted “The most efficient production boat in the world”. The interiors have been handcrafted with complete attention to detail. Available in a variety of colors, and open to personal customization, it is a sleek beauty as it zooms across the ocean! The retractable convertible roof allows you to enjoy the splendid sun, as you lounge on the deck of the boat. With optimum space for five people, you can cruise around with your loved ones. Low water resistance enables the Speedster to have a smaller engine, however, the boat is still comparatively faster than most of its competitors on the market. Power-packed with a 72-degree access angle and innovative hull, the boat cuts through the water like a glaring knife! The latest technology and a beautiful vintage design have merged to form this iconic boat! Durable and stylish, it’s a must-have for all cruising enthusiasts.

Designer: Nicks Boats

US Navy will scrap touchscreen controls on its destroyers

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The US military normally embraces technology whenever possible. This time, however, it's taking a conspicuous step back. The Navy will ditch touchscreens on destroyers within the next 18 to 24 months, reverting instead to conventional helm controls...