Former President Donald Trump's recent rally in Las Vegas took an unexpected turn as he delved into a perplexing discourse on electric boats, sharks, and electrocution, leaving many attendees and observers bewildered.
Desert Heat and Maritime Musings
In scorching temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, Trump addressed a crowd of approximately 2,000 supporters in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former president and convicted felon veered into an unusual tangent about electric-powered vessels, recounting what he claimed was a recent conversation with a boat manufacturer.
"I say what would happen if the boat sank from its weight?" Trump mused, seemingly suggesting that electric boats are inherently prone to sinking due to their weight – a claim not supported by current marine engineering practices.
Sharks vs. Electrocution: A False Dilemma
Trump then presented his audience with a bizarre hypothetical scenario:
"So there's a shark ten yards, or here. Do I get electrocuted if the boat is sinking and water goes over the battery? Do I stay on top of the boat and get electrocuted, or do I jump over by the shark and not get electrocuted? You know what I would do, if there's a shark or get electrocuted? I would take electrocuted every single time. I'm not gettin' near the shark."
This statement, while dramatic, demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of how electric vehicles, including boats, are designed and function in wet conditions.
Fact-Checking Trump's Claims
Contrary to Trump's implications, electric vehicles – whether cars, boats, or planes – are designed to operate safely in wet conditions. Electric boats, in particular, are engineered with stringent safety measures to prevent any hazardous interaction between electricity and water.
Heatmap reporter Jeva Lange reached out to every boat maker with an electric model in 2023, confirming that their electric boats meet waterproofing standards "at, or just below, what is required for a submarine." This level of protection ensures that passengers are not at risk of electrocution, even in the unlikely event of the boat sinking.
The Reality of Electric Boat Safety
Engineers designing electrically propelled machines are required to consider various scenarios, including submersion. Electric cars and boats are built with safeguards that prevent electrical hazards in wet conditions. If an electric car were to be submerged, it would pose no greater electrical danger than a conventional vehicle in the same situation.
Boat manufacturers, such as Nautiques with their all-electric GS22E ski boat, house high-voltage batteries in watertight cases, further ensuring passenger safety.
Political Implications
Trump's comments on electric boats and sharks, while seemingly trivial, raise questions about his understanding of modern technology and environmental issues. As the 2024 presidential race approaches, such statements may influence public perception of his ability to address complex technological and environmental challenges.
Conclusion
While Trump's rally was intended to galvanize support in Nevada, his digression into electric boat safety and shark encounters left many puzzled. As fact-checkers and industry experts weigh in, it becomes clear that the former president's statements on this topic are not grounded in current technological realities.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how such unconventional talking points will resonate with voters, particularly in land-locked states like Nevada, where maritime concerns are far from the top of most residents' priority lists.
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