We're suckers for pipe dreams. It may be why we've ended up in so many long-distance relationships. It's Mad-inventor syndrome: "If I can just make this work, I can make anything happen!" Canadian lawyer/inventor Frederick "Flintstone" Knapp had a long-distance crush as well: Queen Victoria. Known for her aversion to sea travel, Knapp saw his revolutionary roller boat as a way to surmount any wave and what's more, possibly earn a tap on the shoulder from the British royal. He predicted a top speed of 60mph for his rolling-pin-lookin' thing, but it performed less admirably in trials. Nevertheless, as reader Patrick — who hipped us to Knapp's ship — notes, "It's as bold as Northrop's flying wing." That's it. We're giving up on women and devoting our lives to revolutionary watercraft based on the hydrodynamic principles of the egg cup. – Davey G. Johnson

The Knapp Roller Boat

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