Is It a Boat? Is It a Car? It’s a Corvette Boat

caleb-bennetts-EsN81THeG74-unsplash-1

As an Amazon Associate, Modded gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

The Corvette boat goes back to the 17th century. It’s the name the French Navy gave to small warships called the sloop-of-war because they only had guns on one deck. Of course, they had no V8 engines then and jetski’s had no semblance of existence, but it seems the Corvette nomer has always belonged to the water. 

Enter Ferrari Corvette, the C8 Inspired JetCar and Marine Technology Inc’s ZR48 Corvette Boat. 

Why Is the Corvette Such a Big Boat Inspiration? 

Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world’s most iconic and recognizable vehicles, known for its sleek design, powerful engines, and impressive performance. 

Some of the Classic ‘boatlike’ features of a Corvette include : 

  • V8 Engine
  • Boat-building materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber 
  • Lightweight bodywork
  • Sleek and sporty design 
  • Focus on aerodynamics and performance
car with gull-wing doors

Ferrari Corvette

Egyptian Karim Amin was the first to mod a jetski and create the first of it’s kind. Coming in at $40,000- $50,000, this model blends Ferrari and Chevrolet design cues for a sporty exterior resembling a Corvette surfing on water. It would be an amphibious car, but the whels are just for show and are part of a shell that wraps around a jet-ski frame. Still, a Corvette cruising in water looks pretty awesome. 

The jetski has no doors, so the driver and passenger have to hop into the jet-car TC style. 

The steering and pedal control are similar to a car, while the jet ski functionality comes in with the exclusion of a brake. The centre console has a small GPS, a row pf switches to control the lights and a windshield wiper. 

Corvette-ski has a 1.8 litre engine displacement, which is enough for the vehicle to reach top speeds of 62 miles per hour. You can do all the donuts you want without feeling like you’re TC. And even with those speeds, the windshield and high sides of the car protect you from water splashes more than a regular jet-ski. 

C8 Inspired JetCar 

Currently, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette comes in two versions. The C8 Stingray with naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine that produces 490 horsepower, while the Z06 has a 5.5L V8 lt6 engine which produces 670 horsepower. Tc statement

JetCar took their inspiration from these high-revving cars to create a 15-foot-long jetski shaped like the Corvette. It sports a 1.8L Yamaha gasoline engine that produces 180 horsepower– which is pretty powerful for a jet ski TC. 

Although it has a powerful engine, what stands out is the JetCar’s aerodynamic C8 corvette shape. Like Kareem’s Ferrari Corvette, the vessel is a shell and an inspiration for the jet ski’s silhouette. The back and interior features differ from the actual Corvette– which makes sense since it’s a water vehicle. With a responsive steering system and stability that beats conventional jetskis, the JetCar allows for smooth tight turns and quick stops.  

Limited Edition ZR48 Corvette Boat

Last, but definitely not least is the high-performance powerboat modeled after the C6 generation of Corvettes. The ZR48 features incredible engines, aerodynamic styling and advanced hull designs. 

Marine Technology Inc, a Missouri-based industry leader for luxury high-performance catamaran boats created this boat. All their current boats are fast, fuel-efficient and decked out with luxury amenities. The ZR48 features all that plus hype. 

ZR48 has a pair of twin-turbo Mercury Marine V8 engines that produce 1350 horsepower each. Coupled with a jet drive system, the boat can reach hiigh speeds still feel like a smooth luxury boat ride. 

Inside, you get the classic Corvette experience, with gull-wing doors, an original C6 dashboard, a Corvette steering wheel and an original shifter. 

For six guests, you get a stereo system with an Apple Tv, a DJ booth with wheels and a generator, power washers and 900 LED lights for lighting if you want to throw a party on deck. 

The exterior looks just as good, if not better, with auto-inspired sleek lines on the body, genuine taillights and Corvette badges. It’s no wonder Marine Inc’s powerboats feature in  

From Corvette warships to Chevrolet’s Corvette 

Corvette warships have a long and storied history dating back to the 17th century. The term “corvette” originated from the French word “corvette,” which refers to a small, lightly armed ship for patrolling coastal waters. European navies developed The first corvettes in the 17th century, particularly those of France, England, and the Netherlands.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, corvettes continued to play a significant role in navy warfare. They were typically smaller than frigates but larger than sloops, with a crew size ranging from 100 to 200 sailors. Corvettes had guns and carronades, which were effective against enemy ships and fortifications.

With the advent of steam power in the mid-19th century, corvettes underwent significant changes. They were equipped with steam engines, which enabled them to travel longer distances without relying on wind power. This allowed corvettes to participate in global conflicts and expand their reach beyond coastal waters.

During the American Civil War, the Union and Confederate navies employed ironclad corvettes. These ships were protected by armor plating, making them more resistant to enemy fire. Ironclad corvettes played a crucial role in riverine warfare and helped the Union Navy control the Mississippi River.

Corvettes saw extensive service during World War I and In World War II. They were escort vessels, protecting merchant convoys and fighting off German U-boats, for minesweeping and anti-submarine operations. The Canadian Navy, in particular, played a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic using corvettes.

After World War II, corvettes continued to evolve, with technological advances leading to faster, more heavily armed vessels. Many modern corvettes now feature guided missiles, torpedoes, and advanced sensors, making them formidable opponents in naval combat.

Corvettes remain an essential component of many worldwide navies. They are versatile vessels capable of performing various tasks, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance. Some modern corvettes also incorporate stealth technology, enhancing survivability in high-risk environments.

From Corvette Boats to Corvette Cars. And Now, Corvette Jetskis 

The modern Corvette boats are used today for coastal patrol or as missile boats, which is very different to the luxury Corvette-style jet skis that have emerged in the past few years. Perhaps the two combined could create the ultimate amphibious vehicle in the future.

Stay up to date with the latest by subscribing to Modded Minute.

Author