A fair number of large boats have pools or hot tubs, but a hot tub boat is different. This small vessel is more a hot tub than a boat, offering a unique way to get out on the water while relaxing in slightly warmer water. Though most people rent these vessels for a fun day, you can buy one. But it can cost you upward of $42,000, according to Uncrate.

Origins of the hot tub boat

Hot Tub Boats — the company behind this fun concept — is located in Seattle. According to the company, the concept for this unique vessel came in the winter of 2011. Founder Adam Karpenske was shivering on his houseboat, wishing he had a good way to warm up. And just like that, the idea for the hot tub boat was born.

Karpenske used his experience as a wooden boat shipwright to figure out how he could create a small, sleek boat that could stay afloat while bearing a heavy load. He developed an early prototype in only a week and launched a fully functional prototype on New Year’s Eve.

Since the company’s official launch in February 2012, residents and visitors of Seattle have enjoyed renting these boats for fun afternoons or evenings. However, if you don’t live in Seattle — or if you want to spend way more time in one of these vessels — you might choose to purchase one for yourself.

Pros and cons of hot tub boats

Custom-built in Seattle, the Hot Tub Boat is a fun and unique way to relax. According to Uncrate, the boat measures 16 feet long and comes with an eight-foot hot tub built into it. The water temperature is adjustable, and the boat has a cruising time of up to 10 hours.

The Hot Tub Boat is exactly what it says it is. It has no additional amenities or structures. In fact, there’s barely even a deck. It’s simply a floating hot tub. 

This can be a pro or a con, depending upon your goals. If you want a luxurious vessel that offers the option of a quick dip in a hot tub, this won’t be the right option for you. However, if you want a one-of-a-kind location for a party or vacation, this might be right up your alley.

Of course, the biggest downside is the cost. Though a $42,000 price tag is well below six figures, it still isn’t cheap — and it doesn’t account for the costs of storage or maintenance.  

How does it work?

According to Hot Tub Boats, this vessel uses an electric motor and is easy to maneuver. It features a joystick for steering, making it possible to control the boat while sitting in the hot tub or on the aft deck. In fact, the vessel is so easy to manage that the company requires you to have only a driver’s license while renting one.

The boat also features a diesel-powered boiler. This enables you to adjust the water temperature to your liking.

The company states that the design gives the vessel a particularly high load capacity — something that’s certainly important for a vehicle carrying 2,450 pounds of water. The tub itself is located in the boat’s center of buoyancy, preventing tipping.

Overall, hot tub boats are a fun invention. However, if you’re hesitant about dropping $40,000 for this kind of vessel, you might opt for renting one instead.