Welcome to another exciting episode of "The Brandventures," the podcast that takes you into the world of adventurous brands and innovative entrepreneurs. In this episode, your host Gustavo interviews Jamie Schlinkmann, an engineer from Miami who is making waves in the personal watercraft industry with his groundbreaking creation: the HydroBlade, the first electric hydrofoil.
The Journey Begins
Jamie Schlinkmann, an engineer with a passion for watercraft, embarked on a mission to revolutionize personal watercraft. Inspired by his nostalgic 1973 Kawasaki standup jetski, Jamie aimed to create something extraordinary. This journey led to the development of the HydroBlade, an eco-friendly, high-performance electric hydrofoil designed to provide an exhilarating ride above the water.
What is Pelagion?
During the interview, Jamie explains the origin of the name "Pelagion." It's a unique blend of "pelagic," referring to fish species that live in deep offshore waters, and "ion," a particle that moves in a battery. This combination perfectly captures the essence of the HydroBlade, which operates efficiently in water while being powered by advanced battery technology.
Inspiration and Innovation
The chief inspiration behind the HydroBlade is Jamie's beloved 1973 Kawasaki standup jetski. He fondly recalls the countless hours he spent riding it as a child, captivated by its incredible design and the freedom it offered. However, electrifying a traditional jet ski posed significant challenges, primarily due to battery limitations. This led Jamie to explore the innovative concept of foiling.
Foiling, as Jamie explains, involves a wing-like structure underwater that lifts the craft above the water's surface, reducing drag and increasing efficiency. By incorporating foiling technology into his design, Jamie was able to overcome the limitations of traditional jet skis and create a more sustainable and thrilling watercraft.
Technical Marvels
One of the most remarkable aspects of the HydroBlade is its custom-built motor. Unlike many manufacturers who opt for off-the-shelf motors, Jamie and his team developed their own motor to meet their high-performance standards. The HydroBlade's motor is an outer rotating motor, which provides extra torque while maintaining a streamlined design. This innovation ensures that the HydroBlade delivers a powerful and efficient ride.
Challenges and Triumphs
Jaime's journey from concept to prototype was not without challenges. Initially, he aimed to electrify his old jet ski, but the limitations of battery technology only allowed for a 15-minute runtime. This was not the adventure he envisioned. Instead, Jamie decided to start from scratch, designing a new watercraft that could leverage the benefits of foiling technology.
Building a brand from scratch presented its own set of challenges. As an engineer, Jamie admits that marketing and branding were not his forte. However, with a dedicated team and a focus on creating an experience-oriented brand, Pelagion is now poised to make a significant impact in the watercraft market.
The Ideal Customer
Jamie envisions the ideal HydroBlade customer as someone who loves adventure and outdoor activities. He emphasizes the portability and accessibility of the HydroBlade, which can be easily transported using a trailer hitch rack. Whether it's a serene mountain lake in Utah or a coastal adventure, the HydroBlade is designed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Looking Ahead
The future of Pelagion and the HydroBlade looks promising. Jamie plans to build multiple models to cater to different preferences and expand the brand's reach. He also envisions a marketing strategy involving RVs equipped with HydroBlades, allowing enthusiasts to explore various lakes and share their experiences on social media.
Stay Connected
For those eager to stay updated on the HydroBlade's journey and future releases, Jamie encourages everyone to visit Pelagion's website and follow them on social media. The pre-sale of the Hydroblade will be launching soon, and production will take place at their South Florida facility.
In conclusion, Jamie Schlinkmann's HydroBlade is set to revolutionize personal watercraft, offering a thrilling, eco-friendly ride that blends nostalgia with innovation.
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Follow Pelagion:
Instagram: @PelagionElectric
TikTok: @PelagionElectric
Website: Pelagion
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