Mr. Hawkes owns a company that specializes in this kind of craft.
Such boats have been around for a while, but by all accounts, this version is very simple to operate and highly maneuverable - and great-looking. However, I'd give my eye teeth to see one in really good steampunk design. (Here's a description of steampunk, and here's one of my favorite websites about steampunk craft.)
I suppose my admiration for the boat is a vestige of my years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Force. I wish all of you could spend a week or so at sea aboard a sub. They are truly remarkable specimens of science and engineering. And the crew members are pretty interesting, too. I know I was (and still am - ask anyone who knows me.)
