NZ based Anura has entered into a collaboration with US boatbuilder Bluewater Sportfishing Boats.
Auckland, New Zealand-based amphibious systems manufacturer Anura NZ has entered into a collaboration with Florida, US boatbuilder Bluewater Sportfishing Boats to develop bolt-on amphibious capability for select models sold in the North American market.
The firms have fitted a Bluewater 2550 centre console with Anura’s Generation 2 amphibious system to create a prototype which will be used to demonstrate the concept, not only to prospective Bluewater retail customers, but to additional boatbuilders in non-competing segments.
The amphibious capability is being positioned as offering a unique-in-market boating experience that allows end-users living close to launch ramps the opportunity to simply drive their vessel home at the end of the day, eliminating the need for either slips, trailers or large tow vehicles. The capability is also being touted to end-users living in hurricane-prone regions, like south Florida, as a means of moving vessels to safety when storms develop.
“Bluewater has earned a reputation for high quality builds and we are proud to be the first manufacturer to introduce the Anura amphibious system as a factory-installed option for our customers,” said Bluewater Sportfishing Boats owner, Paul Skilowitz.
Anura NZ manager, Darren Leybourne, says the firm now hopes to collaborate with additional boatbuilder partners in North America. “Adding amphibious capabilities to boats is an obvious next step in vessel design,” he said.
