Creature Comforts
Smuggler has never had to prove its offshore credentials. For decades the New Zealand builder has earned a loyal following by producing RIBs – Amphibious and non that are as comfortable crossing exposed coastlines as they are launching from remote beaches. Performance and practicality have always been at the heart of the brand – Freddy Foote checks out an evolution of the 800 CC Amphibious – the new ‘Elite’ offering.
The new Smuggler 800 Centre Console Elite Amphibious ‘Elite’ doesn’t change that philosophy—it simply broadens it.
Built on the proven 800 platform, the Elite introduces a more refined and lifestyle-focused interpretation of one of Smuggler’s most popular models. It’s still every bit the capable offshore machine owners expect, but now with a level of comfort and onboard amenity that makes spending an entire day—or even a weekend—on the water far more enjoyable.
Rather than starting from scratch, Smuggler looked at how owners were actually using their boats.
According to Smuggler Marine Managing Director David Pringle, the concept originated with a client who loved the layout and capability of the existing 800 Centre Console Amphibious but wanted the conveniences normally associated with a larger cruising boat.
“The concept really came from a customer who loved everything about our Strata 800 Centre Console Amphibious but wanted a few extra comforts for spending longer days on the water,” says David Pringle.
“The brief was to incorporate a proper galley with a sink, refrigeration, space for a cooker and hot and cold running water, while still retaining the open cockpit and functionality the 800 is known for. That meant rethinking the layout to make everything fit without compromising the boat’s practicality or performance.”
The Entertainer
The biggest change lies beneath the surface. By relocating the Mercury outboard onto a fully integrated engine pod, Smuggler has effectively extended the hull’s running surface by around half a metre while freeing up valuable cockpit space. The revised configuration not only improves weight distribution and handling, but also makes boarding from the beach significantly easier when using the Anura amphibious system.
With the engine now positioned clear of the transom, Smuggler has been able to install a full-width lounge across the stern—a feature that immediately changes the feel of the boat. It transforms what was once purely a working cockpit into a far more inviting social space without sacrificing its fishing credentials. The seating itself has also received attention, with deeper cushioning and supportive armrests at the helm adding another level of comfort for longer days afloat.
Above, Smuggler has fitted the longest hardtop in its range, extending weather protection well aft over the new galley area. Stainless-steel supports, overhead rod storage and removable clears provide shelter without making the boat feel enclosed, while the removable aft sunshade creates a surprisingly comfortable entertaining space at anchor.
Integrated neatly into the seating module is a stainless-steel sink, food preparation bench and a large pull-out refrigerator drawer capable of keeping drinks and provisions cold for an entire day on the water.
Additional storage below the console keeps cooking equipment and supplies close at hand without cluttering the cockpit.
Perhaps the cleverest feature is the hot-water system. Rather than relying on a conventional electric water heater, Smuggler has engineered a system that utilises waste heat from the Mercury outboard. Water stored in the 20-litre freshwater tank is heated while underway, providing genuinely hot water within minutes for the cockpit shower or sink—a simple yet highly effective solution that avoids the weight and complexity of a dedicated hot-water cylinder.
The helm remains clean, practical and easy to navigate. Twin helm seats provide excellent support underway, while the generous dashboard comfortably accommodates a large Simrad multifunction display alongside Mercury instrumentation and the controls for the amphibious system, trim tabs, VHF and Fusion audio system.
Inside the console, a surprisingly spacious compartment houses a marine toilet concealed behind a privacy curtain, while also providing secure dry storage and easy access to the boat’s electrical systems for servicing.
Moving forward to the bow area and continuing the social theme of the 800 CC Elite, forward facing and aft facing seating comfortably accommodates three adults, making it an ideal spot to relax while at anchor or enjoy the ride in calm conditions. Diamond-stitched upholstery adds a premium touch, while the integrated backrests provide genuine comfort rather than just somewhere to perch. A removable infill converts the space into a generous sunbed, broadening its appeal for family cruising and entertaining.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. The bow retains easy access around the console, with high tubes providing a reassuring sense of security, particularly for children or when moving forward in a seaway. Rod holders integrated into the coamings hint at the boat’s fishing credentials, while the synthetic teak boarding platform at the forward end offers a convenient step for beach landings or boarding over the bow. It’s a well-executed space that balances comfort, functionality and the rugged, purposeful character expected of a Smuggler.
Offshore Performance
At the heart of the Smuggler 800 Centre Console is the company’s renowned 27-degree deep-vee hull, a design that has become something of a benchmark for serious offshore performance.
It’s a hull that immediately inspires confidence, with a fine entry that softens the impact of short, steep chop before transitioning into a hull shape that feels reassuringly planted through sweeping turns and high-speed manoeuvres. The deep-vee rewards confident driving, tracking precisely while delivering the soft, composed ride Smuggler has built its reputation on.
Power for the test boat came from Mercury’s 300hp Verado V8, a combination that suits the hull exceptionally well. With effortless acceleration and strong mid-range performance, the Elite comfortably exceeded 40 knots during our test day on Auckland’s inner harbour, with plenty still in reserve. Rated for engines between 200hp and 300hp, owners have the flexibility to tailor performance to their intended use.
Perhaps more impressive than the outright speed was the efficiency. Cruising at around 26 knots @ 4,000rpm, fuel consumption sits at around 44L/H, and combined with a 250L fuel tank will give the 800 CC Elite a range of around 150 nautical miles. Push the throttle down all the way, and expect to be knocking on the door of close to 45 knots depending on conditions and how tightly you can hold on.
Even when pushed hard, the boat remains balanced and predictable, while the inflatable tubes add a welcome degree of stability at rest, making it equally at home drifting over a reef or preparing divers on the gunwale.
Wheels Up
One of the defining features of this Smuggler is its integrated Anura Amphibious System, transforming what would otherwise be a conventional launch and retrieval into a remarkably seamless operation. Approaching the beach, the skipper simply idles into shallow water, brings the boat to a stop and, using the dedicated control panel at the helm, lowers the three hydraulic wheels together. Within seconds, the wheels lock into position beneath the hull, ready to support the boat’s weight.
Once the wheels are fully deployed, selecting drive engages the independent hydraulic motors that power the rear wheels. With a gentle squeeze of the throttle, the boat climbs effortlessly from the water onto the sand, maintaining complete control throughout the transition from sea to shore. Steering remains intuitive using the outboard, while the hydraulic drive provides smooth, progressive movement, making it easy to negotiate boat ramps, beaches or manoeuvre into a storage position. With all-wheel braking and a low centre of gravity, the system feels reassuringly stable, even on sloping terrain.
Returning to the water is equally straightforward. The boat is driven back until it’s floating freely, where the skipper simply disengages the wheel drive and retracts the landing gear using the helm controls. The hydraulic legs fold neatly into dedicated recesses within the hull, leaving no intrusion into the cockpit or compromise to the boat’s offshore performance. Once the wheels are fully stowed, it’s simply a matter of selecting forward gear on the Mercury Verado and powering away.
This boat is fitted with the Anura Gen 3 system, which includes several upgrades, such as Garage Mode. With the press of a button, Garage Mode lowers the boat to a preset height so it can fit into lower garage heights, while remaining driveable.
The Smuggler 800 Centre Console Elite Amphibious successfully expands the brand’s appeal without compromising the core values that have made Smuggler one of New Zealand’s most respected boat builders.
By introducing a more social, lifestyle-oriented interpretation of its proven 800 platform, Smuggler has created a boat that feels equally at home entertaining guests in a sheltered bay as it does tackling offshore conditions.
Its combination of premium finishes, intelligent layout, impressive performance, and amphibious convenience creates a compelling package for modern boaters who want versatility without compromise.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 8.1m
Beam 2.75m
Deadrise 27-degree
Height On Wheels 3.0m
Trailerable Weight 3,000kg
Test Power Mercury Verado 300hp V8
HP Range 250hp – 350hp
Fuel Capacity 250L
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS L/PH RANGE
1000 4.6 5.3 217
2000 8 14 143
3000 12 33 91
4000 26.6 44 151
5000 38.8 76 128
5750 43.3 89 122
