Naman Shrestha
In the first episode of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, multiple businesses were presented to the Sharks, but one of the most unique and high-tech products featured is Pelagion HydroBlade. The founder, Jamie Schlinkmann, introduced the high-tech stand-up jet ski-like watercraft and shared his plans about the future of the product. By explaining the potential of the uniquely designed watercraft, he tried to get at least one of the Sharks to invest in his business and help him take it to the next level.
Pelagion HydroBlade: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
The inspiration for the Pelagion HydroBlade dates back to the childhood of Jamie Schlinkmann, the founder and CEO of Automatic Manufacturing Systems. While growing up, he spent countless hours riding the 1973 Kawasaki stand-up jet ski serial number KAWOO2130373, which offered him a sense of freedom due to its unique design. The experience and the joy that the jet ski brought him stayed with him even in his adult years. After completing his education and having a career as an engineer, Jamie reportedly started to develop the HydroBlade, inspired by his love for the Kawasaki jet ski he used to ride.
However, he faced multiple challenges during the project. As electrifying a traditional jet ski comes with several challenges, including battery limitations, Jamie innovated and utilized the process of foiling. This method allowed him to develop a much more efficient and sustainable product that didn’t have the limitations common with traditional jet skis. For the uninitiated, Pelagion is a subsidiary of Automatic Manufacturing Systems, which is owned and operated by Jamie. His company has worked with dozens of Fortune 500 companies and has also played a critical role in the automation industry. HydroBlade is the first stand-up electric hydrofoil with steering capabilities, making it a revolutionary product.
With a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h), the product consists of dual motors and propellers, making the rider’s experience much smoother and safer. The handlebars attached to the forward-mounted rudder allow the riders to steer and operate the watercraft much more easily than the electric hydrofoil surfboards available in the market. The unique design has an underwater wing-shaped foil that helps lift the HydroBlade and the rider above the water surface. The watercraft’s motors are powered by 5.5kWh lithium batteries, which can either be exchanged or charged. A fully-charged craft, which takes up to four hours, has a runtime of about four hours. The dashboard is not only Bluetooth-enabled, but it also shows the rider its speed, battery life, and range at the current speed.
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Pelagion HydroBlade: Where Are They Now?
Since its launch in January 2025, Pelagion Electric has charged ahead, accelerating its growth and evolving its products every step of the way. Through detailed video tutorials on their social media platforms, dubbed Efoil Education, as well as live demonstrations at events, the team has managed to debunk all myths and clear any confusion related to their product. They also promise that it has a short learning curve and that one can master the hydroblade if they master the stability and balance with enough practice and dedication. By May 2025, Pelagion Electric had graced the platforms of not one but four shows, such as the Consumer Electronics Show, Miami Boat Show, Palm Beach Boat Show, and Suncoast Boat Show.
The team takes a lot of pride in its innovatively engineered handlebars, which make it stand out from similar products in the market. On May 31, 2025, the company dropped another prototype, P3, with added flotation for better stability. From June 19-22, the team set up base at booth A8 at the San Diego Boat Show, piquing the interest of boaters and marine enthusiasts from the West Coast. The hydroblade was also tested in the waters of the New River in Fort Lauderdale. It has also received a shoutout from Mr.Anchor Club, the popular Marine/Boating News Club. In the first week of August, the team announced the success of Hydroblade’s final prototype.
Hydroblade is set to embark on a road show at several spots across the country. Therefore, you can grab a free test ride by simply signing up on their website. Alongside a demo, the crew also offers snacks, refreshments, and a thrill package. Once all that is done, you are expected to drop genuine feedback on your experience. As of writing, the company is taking Preorders on their platform before they begin shipping in September 2025. While the final product actually costs $25,000, you can reserve it for $200 or $2000 today. While $200 is for the general order queue, $2000 marks your name ahead of the general preorders in the priority order queue. If you go with the former, you also get a Pelagion hat, whereas the latter includes the hat, rashguard, and a T-shirt along with the upgraded Hydroblade.
