TIME Coolest Inventions 2004: Solo Personal Ski Machine

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DAREDEVIL'S DELIGHT
Solo Personal Ski Machine

Inventor: Solo Watersports
Availability: Now, $10,995
To Learn More: solowatersports.com
If you love water skiing but hate waiting your turn or finding someone to drive the boat, the Solo may be just what you need. This unmanned, 8-ft.-long fiber-glass boat lets you ski by yourself. All controls are on the tow handle, including acceleration, turning and a stop-start button. For added safety, the kill switch is activated when you drop the handle. Legal in 40 states (see website for information), the Solo goes up to 40 m.p.h.

Next: Mari-Cha IV Super-Yacht

BY ANITA HAMILTON, MARYANNE MURRAY BUECHNER, LEV GROSSMAN, SIMON CRITTLE AND SORA SONG / WITH REPORTING BY HANNA KITE AND YUKI ODA/TOKYO