Hot tub boats could soon float into Minneapolis' Boom Island Park
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The hot tub boats can fit up to six people. Photo courtesy of Spacruzzi
Hot tub boats might set sail on the Mississippi River this spring.
Why it matters: As our colleagues in Chicago found, taking in a scenic cruise while chilling in a warm whirlpool is "so much fun."
Driving the bubbles: The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a proposal to launch "Spacruzzi" watercraft rentals at Boom Island Park.
How it will work: A 90-minute rental will start at around $300, with prices rising to $425 on holidays and other peak times, Minnesota Hot Tub Boats founder Matt Witt told Axios.
- The self-heating, self-cleaning vessels, which feature a small deck area surrounding the hot tub, can hold up to six people and support a weight limit of 950 pounds.
The fine print: A boating license isn't required, he said, because the electric boats have a max speed of just 5 mph.
- But all renters will have to go through a safety orientation and sign a waiver.
What to expect: The boats will need to stay within a designated area — likely between the Nicollet Island railroad bridge and the Broadway Avenue Bridge.
- Witt said he plans to use sensors similar to those that keep golf carts off the green to ensure renters don't go beyond those limits.
Worth noting: Alcohol won't be for sale, but customers can BYOB.
- Witt told Axios that there will be limits on how much booze customers can bring aboard for safety.
What we're hearing: Witt said he was inspired to bring the concept to the Twin Cities after trying a similar rental service on Lake Union in Seattle.
- "It's such a cool thing to be able to boat around in the shadows of a skyline," he said. "I thought, 'this would totally work in Minnesota.' We love the outdoors, we love boating, we love the water."
Follow the money: Under the proposed concessions agreement, the Park Board would get a share of the revenue generated from the rentals.
What's next: Witt hopes to launch his service with two boats by Memorial Day, assuming he secures final Park Board approval this week.
What we're watching: He wants to expand to Lake Minnetonka and other locations once this site gets off the ground.
- Local officials in Anoka have also been weighing the concept for the Upper Rum River.