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With its unique design each model can launch or land seamlessly to or from shore.
Words by Steve Fennell
Various amphibious boat designs have come and gone over the years with mixed results in terms of performance, reliability, and safety. However, in the early 2000s Maurice Bryham and David McKee Wright of Auckland, New Zealand launched the Sealegs Amphibious Craft, a model designed for both commercial and recreational boating markets that can successfully cruise on open water and drive on land with its incorporated, retractable wheels.
Far removed from resembling any type of automotive vehicle, the Sealegs models are available in six designs ranging from 6.1 to 9.0 m (20 – 30 ft), based on aluminum RIB hulls, and incorporate a set of three, low pressure (eco-friendly) 25-inch all-terrain tires – one at the bow and two at the stern – that electronically raise via hydraulic legs when on the water, then can be lowered when approaching shore. Once on land, however, the Sealegs manoeuvres effortlessly up to speeds of 10 km/h (6.2 mph) thanks to its two- or all-wheel drive system that’s powered by an independent 24 hp Honda hydraulic motor, rigged beneath the operator’s seat. For the larger models, a 35 hp Briggs and Stratton is used and situated under the centre console.
Since the launch of the Sealegs models, which are represented by Kelland Watercraft in Canada, feedback has been positive as more than 1,200 units have been sold in more than 50 countries to recreational boaters, rescue patrol units, as well as the military. Models in the lineup include a 6.1 m RIB, 7.1 m RIB, 7.7 m Sport D-Tube, 7.7 m Wide Console RIB, 9.0 Hydrasol RIB, and Stabi 2100. In fact, according to John Dowd, a representative for Kelland Watercraft, a recent company survey revealed that owners used their Sealegs four times as much as they had with previous boats.
“The models essentially cross that interface between water and land quite seamlessly and users can drive right into the water and retract the wheels without even stopping – whether it’s off a beach or other types of shorelines along the BC coast,” says Dowd. “This means boaters can launch and land the boat by themselves, and access various confined areas where other boats can’t, which makes them ideal for emergency rescue and fire applications due to their versatility. No need for a dock as well.”
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Power is also impressive with options from Yamaha or Evinrude ranging from 115 hp to 300 hp, depending on the model.
When it comes to durability, stainless steel, high-grade and corrosion-resistant aluminum components are all built in-house and used throughout each model. While slick and streamlined, some exclusive design characteristics include a fork-design at the bow (that’s routed from solid aluminum) and 5083 marine-grade aluminum hull that’s reinforced with six lengthwise components and up to a dozen cross welded baffles for added structural integrity.
In the power department, engines options are available from Yamaha or Evinrude ranging from 115 hp to 300 hp (depending on the model) and can achieve speeds between 35 and 40-plus mph.
“The 7.1 m which sits eight seems to be our most popular model,” says Dowd. “The models we import come with electronics and if you like to fish all models can accommodate down riggers and other accessories. They can be also useful for hunting due to their ability to drive up over gravel banks then back into the water again.”
While outfitted with a series of standard features, each model can be outfitted and customized with a series of options including power steering, king/queen seating, engine box helm seat, an upgraded 1100GPH automatic bilge pump, saltwater wash down pump, bait board/station, a series of Hypalon and paint upgrades, plus a drive-on trailer for highway use.
Though the current lineup includes six models, an all-new aluminum model and an electric boat are currently in the works. “There is a brand-new boat coming,” says Dowd. “It’s 8.5 metres, all-aluminum and looks just beautiful.”
According to Dowd, current Sealegs models start at $180,000 and while they are comparable in price to larger models, long term cost savings for owners include fuel costs, annual moorage fees or the necessity for the development and/or maintenance of docks or boat houses at a waterfront residence.
For all the details visit www.kellandwatercraft.com
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