Orange County Register

Forget the recession. Forget the $38 trillion capitalization lost in the world’s stock market.

What you need is a hot tub to tie to your boat.

Huntington Beach boater Paul West has created TugTub, an inflatable, Neoprene product that inflates in five minutes and heats its own water - 150 gallons for the two-person tub, 200 gallons for the four-person version - to 104 degrees in an hour.

You can tie it to a boat, but don’t try towing it, says spokeswoman Laurie Stepanek.

Although TugTub can sit on land, its marketing targets boaters, who aren’t as affected by the economy, Stepanek says. “And boaters are like golfers. Regardless of the economy, they can’t get enough toys. The products has received rave reviews at boat shows.”

“I thought I was making this hot tub just for my family and friends,” West says. “It was 2 a.m. and we were soaking in 104º water, floating in TugTub under the stars. The bioluminescents were putting on a show around us. It was magic. At that moment, we knew we had to share this experience with others.”

Pricing ranges from $2,495 to $3,495.

Other entrepreneur stories…..

• O.C. women defy recession, start businesses
• O.C. florist invests to fight recession
• O.C. businessman wins award from Schwarzenegger
• O.C. company buys acne drug company
• O.C. Web site is finalist for international online awards
• Freeline Skates moves to Orange County
• Historical O.C. villa reopens for weddings

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