Holiday Gifts
SUBMERSE YOURSELF in a brave new world of undersea exploration with the Aqua Glider from Integrity Submarines. Dubbed a "diver delivery vehicle," this three-person motorized transport increases the amount of reef scuba divers can cover and decreases the amount of time it takes them to get there. Propulsion is provided by four pivoting, battery-powered propellers that deliver a top speed of two knots. The Aqua Glider runs for 30 minutes on full charge and operates to a maximum depth of 40 feet. While the pilot must wear his or her scuba gear, integrated compartments stow the tanks of the passengers, leaving them pleasantly unencumbered. LOA: 12'8". Beam: 6'1". Weight: 550 lbs. Price: $20,000. Integrity Submarines, (954) 463-9446. www.nauticalniche.com.
IMAGINE ZIPPING along the tiny, serpentine streets of Portofino on your Vespa scooter. You stop at a café and pick up fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, olive oil and bread before heading back to your boat for a romantic meal. Cue Frank Sinatra. The ET4 has a four-stroke engine and costs $3,950. Piaggio USA, (310) 604-3980. www.vespausa.com.
PEOPLE LAUGHED at scientists when they suggested solar energy as a viable power source in the '70s. Who's laughing now? Not the owners of the Solar Jacket from Paul & Shark. This lined garment of water-repellent nylon and Kevlar sports a solar panel to recharge your cell phone and a pocket inside the jack-et for phone storage?the pocket is lined to protect you from electromagnetic waves. The jacket also has a wrist pocket for your handheld GPS. $1,200. Paul & Shark, (212) 765-2792. www.paulshark.it.
JAMES BOND eat your heart out. Casio's new WQV3D-8 Wrist Cameracan capture up to 80 digital images that can be transferred to a personal computer, displayed in color and e-mailed to friends and family. The LCD panel is both a viewfinder and a monitor that displays images. The Wrist Camera also has a timer, calendar and five alarms. You can program the watch to display a specific image each time an alarm sounds. $269. Casio, (800) 836-8580. www.casio.com.
SLALOM WATERSKIING was never so fun. With the AirChair, you belt yourself into a foam seat attached to a single ski, two foot restraints and an aluminum T-bar with hydrofoil assembly. According to the company, the hydrofoil allows for better control, sharper turns and higher jumps than standard water skis. Adjustable "PowerWedges" allow you to set the level of difficulty. Take a seat. $999. AirChair, (520) 505-2226. www.airchair.com.
THE GLASS IS FALLING is a phrase more likely to be heard in a barroom than aboard a yacht these days. But in the not-so-distant past, the barometer was an essential instrument in any boat. A rising barometer suggests fair weather, and a falling barometer, foul. The Olympia from Howard Miller, shown at right, holds a thermometer, barometer and hygrometer in its hardwood case. The dials boast polished brass bezels and glass crystals. $605. Howard Miller, (616) 772-7277. www.howardmiller.com.
GO FLY A... boat? While "fly" is a bit misleading since the Outrider never leaves the water, this vehicle from Klem Flying Boats still wins our award for eccentric gift of the year. It uses a 175-hp Mazda inboard to travel at speeds up to 80 mph, rising on its front ski to minimize drag. The cockpit seats two (three with an optional jump seat). LOA: 25'0". Beam (wings folded): 7'6". Price: $55,000. Klem Flying Boats, (804) 360-1246. www.klemflyingboats.com.
THE ALOHA SHIRT is the icon of cool. Read the story of the ever-chic garment in this collector's edition of The Aloha Shirt by Dale Hope. $500. Beyond Words, (503) 531-8700. www.beyondwords.com. For genuine Hawaiian-made shirts like the one at top, contact Kamehameha Garment Company, (808) 597-1503. www.kamgarments.com.
ITALIAN STYLE is captured in this finely crafted model of a Riva speedboat from Oceana Traders. The company produces a limited number of each of its replicas?from historic ships to classic cabin cruisers?and uses only the finest materials. It also makes custom models, for those who want to remember a particular favorite boat. $2,195 (custom prices vary). Oceana Traders, (866) 623-2621. www.oceanatraders.com.
©Motor Boating Magazine, December 2001
