All Terrain
Kiwis are very familiar with amphibious boats. Boats on wheels are a common sight around our beaches, ever since Sealegs launched their first boat in 2005. Today they have been joined by two other local brands, Orion and Tectrax and all three utilise a similar (but technically different) three or four wheel system.
Not wanted to follow the same trend, French company Iguana came up with an entirely unique system of their own, that replaces the wheels for tracks. The Iguana mobility system was developed and patented in France in 2008, with the first model launched in 2011. In 2016 they introduced their first electric amphibious boat and in 2018 the Commuter model, their most technologically advanced model to date. Iguana is now in over 25 countries across six continents, including Australia. They are used for all purposes from watersports and taxis to superyachts tenders.
DIFFERENT TRIM LEVELS
The Original centre console is the first Iguana design. Today, Iguana Yachts offers many different deck options from RIBs, cabin cruisers and sport fishers. They are made on the same hull but have more extensive layout options such as helm enclosure and seating. All can be tailored specifically to an owner’s interests.
The solution was conceptualised and designed as a whole to integrate the mobility system as seamlessly as possible. Iguana wanted to have a very good boat that performed well at sea, with land mobility as a plus. That is why the tracks are very well integrated and do not impede on the boat performance. The Iguana Mobility System (IMS) offers a way of incorporating a set of tracks into a boat’s hulls, without compromising its hydrodynamic properties.
The landing gear is designed to withstand up to 16 tons of load. The design of the hull enables the Iguana to navigate smoothly even in strong seas. The Iguana is capable of climbing up to 22 degrees / 40% inclines on all surfaces. The tracks deliver the ground pressure equivalent to a human being.
IMS uses a petrol-powered direct-injection four-stroke combustion engine to power the 1.5L hydraulic system. The land speed of the IMS is 6.5 km/h. The optional lithium battery – 9 kWh – uses an electric 110-220V – 50/60Hz charging system. The electrically driven hydraulic system gives the Iguana a run time of up to 1.5 hours at a speed of 3.4 mph (5.5 km/h).
According to Iguana, the unique design of these high-tech boats with tracks, allow the Iguana to land safely on any terrain from soft sand and, wet mud to uneven rocks and pebbled beaches.
The tracks make it possible, as it can tackle many different terrains, compared to wheel amphibious boats. The amphibious boat landing gear deploys and locks into place in 8 seconds. Ergonomically designed to seamlessly fold into the hull, the IMS is fitted with the very latest technology with simple uncomplicated mechanisms. This amphibious boat was designed so as to have the tracks fit perfectly into the hull without sacrificing the performance of the boat. Carbon fibre, marine grade aluminium, and stainless steel are used throughout the construction of all Iguana Yachts. The materials of the landing gear are made to withstand salt water and are very sturdy.
Company founder, Antoine Brugidou set out to create an all-terrain boat with the capability to move seamlessly onto land, allowing freedom to access nearly any ground along the coastline without compromising water performance. As the Iguana is quite high on the tracks, the waves flow under the hull when you land. So even with swell up to 1.22m you can easily land. Iguana say “If you can walk on it, the Iguana can embark on it.”
CLASSIC LINE
There are four models in the Classic Line, each finished with a different level of appointments. Depending on the model features include an electric ladder, adjustable hard top, mitigating memory seats, cabin with integrated head and electric anchoring system. Iguana Amphibious Boats are not only robust, they are composed of high-tech functionalities. The MFDs, give a clear view of the electronic system, with an all in one GPS and sound system and bluetooth wireless streaming to the Bose speakers. Everything in the high-tech boat is connected and can be operated remotely through 4G.
The whole boat can be operated through a single digital interface which displays three main buttons to most of the amphibious boat. Everything is at your fingertips for effortless operation.
Designed and built to the highest standards, the Commuter is the most advanced model in the Iguana range. The convertible hard top is a unique feature to the Commuter and at the touch of a button, transforms from a heightened sun shade to completely sealed weatherproof helm.
The Commuter Limo and Sport models are fitted with a transformational bench seat layout, complete with individual driver and passenger seats. The unique bench seat of the Limo is engineered with a freestanding sliding back rest which allows guests to face forward when driving or entertain in a U shaped lounge.
The drivers seats in both models are fitted with the added benefit of memory positioning,allowing drivers to quickly return to their preferred command position when necessary.
This easy to use mantra is continued through several new features like the electric anchor complete with automatic depth measure to ensure enough rope is always deployed and the electric ladder which can be controlled on board by using the key remote control for safe and secure passenger boarding.
The cabin complete with integrated head allows owners and guests to enjoy the Iguana experience all day. This private room with electric door includes a small day bed and ample storage. The cabin is finished with leather and creative lighting solutions in the roof liner and floor, to echo the guests mood. The Commuter is an ideal tender for a super yacht or to have parked at your holiday home.
The Iguana Commuter utilises the same hull but has a hardtop enclosure. Standard power for the Commuter is a single 350-hp Mercury/Yamaha outboard, which achieves around 40 kts.
The Commuter also comes standard with the Iguana 15 kWh electric motor mobility system. Upgrades to twin 300hp outboards and or upgrades to the 25 kW mobility system are options.
Other models in the Classic Line offer a variety of variations on the Commuter. The Iguana Sport has a classic and elegant design based on a deep vee fibreglass hull. A centre console layout includes plenty of options, from integrated hard tops, to custom paint engines and underwater LEDs.
The Iguana Knight, is a luxury centre console RIB offering speeds to 56 kts. Standard features include, touchscreen electronics, surround sound system, premium upholstery and marine head.
The Iguana Coupe is more like a conventional runabout with a small cabin and spacious cockpit with an accent on entertaining. Seating for six, loads of storage and a rear sunpad make this an attractive and stylish boat. A pair of 300hp outboards will return speeds up to 50 knots.
SUMMARY
The Iguanas are a novelty that have attracted owners of superyachts, high-end resorts, and shoreside property owners alike. With a light footprint and bio-friendly hydraulic fluids, Iguana Yachts has always strived to minimise its environmental impact, which is why they also offer electric drives as an alternative to petrol.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Model Iguana Commuter
- Year Built 2022
- Priced from $NZD990,900 (approx)
- Type Amphibious
- Construction GRP
- LOA 9.20m
- Beam 3.11m
- Overall Height 2.88m
- Weight 3800 kgs
- Max Speed (water) 50 knots (2 x 300hp)
- Max Speed (land) 7km/h
- Land Stability 40% incline
- Power options Outboards Only
- Max Power 2 x 300 hp
- Fuel capacity 380 litres
