BUYERS GUIDE TO AMPHIBIOUS BOATS
Currently, nearly 50 amphibious boats are available from 15 manufacturers in NZ, and the numbers are growing. The market share is dominated by Sealegs, which uses its own system on ten models, but the competition is growing fast from manufacturers using the Anura and Tectrax Systems. The sizes range from the 3.8m Sealegs tender to the 12.3m Sealegs 12m cabin. Amphibious boats are available in alloy, fibreglass and as RIBs in open, console, walkaround cuddy and full cabin boats. We look at what is available.
ASSAULT
Assault offers two amphibious RIBs, the Pursuit 8 and the Pursuit 920, !tted with the Anura system. Built in NZ, the fibreglass hull and hardtop are moulded to perfection, creating a sleek, sporty silhouette. You can choose 1100 or 1670Dtex hypalon tubes to complete the match. Below the waterline, a 25.5-degree deep vee hull gives the Assaults a ride second to none with exceptional stability at rest and underway.
The Pursuit 8 sports a short cabin with a walk-through to the bow, offering excellent storage space without compromising on functionality. The Pursuit 920 can be optioned with the same short cabin style, or a long cabin version (with optional bow seat) is available for those wanting to overnight. Both models offer a spacious cockpit that lends itself to a variety of uses: add a tube ladder for diving trips, a rear arch and rocket launcher for the fishos, or a comfortable bench seat for additional passengers. The Assault Pursuit 8 and 920 are high-volume RIBs that can comfortably carry upwards of 10 passengers, making them the ideal choice for recreational day trips or commercial operations.
FC BOATS
Following the success of the FC700 Hard Top & Centre Console, FC Boats have now added the FC560CA and the FC560CCA cuddy cabin and centre console and the FCA600 HTA. Using the new S15 Anura system, FC Boats have targeted their new amphibious models to the fishing market, following the similar theme of their trailer boats.
The new 560 will fit in a 6m garage and the 600 in a 7m garage. The FC700 HTA is fitted with the three-wheel Anura S25 system. The power package for the amphibious system is provided by Anura’s ICE power unit, driven by a 24kW (32HP) EFI, air-cooled engine. Once on the water, the wheels all retract back up against the hull, with the rear two doing double duty when required as boarding steps.
The advantage of the Anura system in the FC is the motor is mounted under the port side queen seat or in the centre console unit and does not take up any more usable space in the cockpit with a separate generator. The fishing space has not been compromised, which is essential in a boat this size.
IMAGE
Invercargill based Image Boats Ltd offer six models in the amphibious wheelie boat range, and they are big boats! The Fishfinder range is 7m, 7.25m and 7.5m with a 2.5m beam – the Fishmaster range is 7.75m, 8m and 8.25m with a 2.7m beam and the 8.5m Fishmaster has a 2.8m beam, but Image Boats are interested in doing any custom sized boats.
The first Image 8.5m is currently under construction for delivery later this year. It is a true offshore boat, and with the Anura S40 amphibious system, its versatility has been greatly enhanced. Based on the 8.5m Fishmaster hull, the boat is 8.75m overall with a beam of 2.8m and a solid 6mm alloy hull. The heavily built hull, with its fine entry and 17° deadrise, easily goes through choppy waters. The first 8.5m amphibious will be powered by a Cox 300 diesel. A few years ago, Image Boats built a 7.5m Fishfinder model with a Sealegs system and, like its bigger sistership, was designed for serious fishing. This model is still available.
MARCO
Another leading alloy boat manufacturer recently embracing the amphibious world, Marco Boats, has its first boat in the design stage currently. Due for release in early 2024, the first 700 AMPH is based on a customized version of the standard Marco 700 Souwester and fitted with the all-electric Tectrax system. The 700 Souwester measures 7.50m overall (less the wheels) and has a 17deg, 6mm hull. Set up for a single outboard, the layout is a conventional hardtop with forward accommodation and an open fishing-based cockpit. Once completed, the Amphibious option will be available on their 650, 725 and 750 Hulls also.
MCLAY
The McLay 741 Raptor brings a whole new dimension to amphibious boats and has unique features that distance it from its competitors. Mclay Boats were among the first to install a Tectrax system in their range, with the release a few years ago of the Raptor 741.
A unique feature of the Raptor is the Tectrax wheels retract and fully disappear within the hull, providing unparalleled amphibious style and performance even through the heavy stuff. The bow wheels are hidden behind ‘bomb doors’, so there are no spray issues from the exposed wheels. Also, the Tectrax system runs very quietly with its electric drive compared to most other Amphibious boats that have a petrol motor inside the boat to run the systems.
The new amphibious McLay is aptly named because Raptor is derived from “rapere,” a Latin word that means to seize or capture. Based on the 701 Cruiser, the 741 Raptor has been increased from 5mm to 6mm hull bottom. This was done to reinforce the boat’s structural integrity due to the extra 680 kgs, which are carried over the bow and stern areas.
OCEAN CRAFT
Ocean Craft Marine is one of the world leaders in manufacturing RIBs for leisure, professional and military applications. They offer several amphibious RIBs, including the all-new Ocean Craft Aluminium 7.1 amphibious hardtop. While built in Dubai, Ocean Craft Marine’s first full aluminium amphibious boat has a solid Kiwi connection.
Not only is the wheelie system supplied by Auckland-based Anura Amphibious Systems, but also the layout and concept of the boat are Kiwi inspired. The new Ocean Craft Aluminium 7.1 amphibious hardtop has explicitly been designed for the New Zealand and Australian markets.
Whether you’re targeting fish or wanting to cruise the coastal waters recreationally, this beautifully built, tough plate boat competes with the best and still has all the comfortable trimmings to accommodate the whole family. The 7.1m AMPH boat is also available in console versions, plus 8.4m and 9.4m models are available.
PROFILE
Profile is a renowned builder of quality boats developed for family recreation, fishing and diving. The amphibious version of the ever-popular 735H uses Tectrax’s electric system providing customers with immaculate presentation and performance with no compromises regarding deck space. With an overall length (excluding the engine) of 7.6m and a deck space of 5.2 m2, the 735H is a must for any discerning boatie. Profile Boats are renowned for delivering outstanding ride and build quality, and the Profile Boats 735H offers an uncompromised boat to the serious fisherman and the overnight leisure boatie alike. The Profile Boats 735H does all this, providing the safety and security of an aluminium designed pontoon hull that can handle the most adverse sea conditions with confidence.
SENATOR
Napier-based Senator offers two amphibious models utilising the Tectrax system. The Senator Stealth 690 & 770 self-contained electric hub motors retract, so there’s minimal effect on the Stealth’s aesthetics or performance and zero impact on its valuable deck space. At 8.2m overall and with a massive 5.1m2 of deck space, the Senator 770 Stealth is a boat that means business. Whether fishing out wide or a 1km drive from the beach to the channel, the Stealth will take you just about anywhere. Senator’s function combines Tectrax’s electric amphibious technology to create a formidable package. With beefed-up construction, the width, depth and size of the RH 690 give room for full-length bunks and the option of spacious lockup forward and main cabins.
SEALEGS
The first and largest manufacturer of amphibious boats, Sealegs has a strong local and international market. The range extends from a 3.8m tender to a 12m hardtop cruiser. There are ten models covering everything from the centre console to the full cabin, with a variety of alloy and fibreglass hull construction. There are seven RIB models and three cabin variants in the range. Since 2004 they have pioneered amphibious boating technology. With over 1500 boats worldwide, the Sealegs brand has been a huge success. The latest to join the stable is the 3.8 Tender, the smallest amphibious boat on the market. Designed as a yacht tender, it sets a new standard for boats in this class. There are several RIBs, such as the all-popular 6.1 Sport and 7.1 Sport, through to the 7.5 Hydrasol and 7.5 Electric. Sealegs also recently added the 6.5m alloy cabin, which joins the alloy boat models, 7.5m and 8.5m. At the top of the range are the 9m Hydrasol and the awesome 12m cabin.
STABIX
StabiX is an independent company led by Stabicraft co founder and director Paul Adams, a relentless innovator and champion of design-led thinking. In 2020 Paul began collating an exclusive team to pioneer innovative concepts and sharp new technology. StabiX is now ground zero for durable amphibious boats that push the limits of a boating experience. There are three models in the new StabiX range; 240UCC, 250UC and 288UC. All are equipped with the Anura amphibious system based on existing proven Stabicraft designs. They are all chambered boats with hardtops, large open !shing cockpits and run Yamaha or Mercury outboard engines. The boats are extremely well equipped in their standard package, with paint and powder-coating and UDek flooring.
SMUGGLER
One of the most recognised names in amphibious RIBs is Smuggler Marine’s Strata series. With models from 6.2m through 8.0m, the Smuggler’s reputation for quality and workmanship is exemplary. The company uses the Anura system for all their models, which start with the Strata 620/660 & 700 centre console series. These three boats share a common design and layout with variance in length. They combine with the Anura S25 system fitted to their 23-degree deep vee hull with a comfortable, safe ride and great performance on the water. On land, the Strata 620 / 660 / 700 is perky and responsive, with its powerful S25 system giving you greater manoeuvrability in tight areas or on steeper terrain. Wheels retract into a recessed bow and aft into the D-tube so that when underway, they are hidden from sight, giving you a safer, drier ride, plus a streamlined-looking hull. Lifting points can be added for tenders. The Smuggler Strata 800 Centre Console and Mid Cabin models are based on the proven 27 deg Smuggler hull. This is a serious, capable, soft riding hull, with 250 litres fuel capacity and many options to suit your needs. The wheels retract behind specially designed D-tubes aft and into a recessed bow, completely hidden from sight, with wheels driven by Anura’s S25 system.
STRYDA
A well-established amphibious boat brand Stryda recently increased its range to three models with the introduction of the 500C. The 500C is the smallest in the range and runs the new S15 Anura system, specially designed for small craft. The 6m, 600S centre console, and 600C full cabin models are go-anywhere amphibious craft using the four-wheel Anura system. With its customisable design, the boat can be tailored to your different needs, be it fishing, diving, or spending time with your family on the waters. A hardtop is available for the 600S. Top of the range is the Stryda 900C, also fitted with the Anura four-wheel drive technology. The 900C is designed as a large-volume dive and fishing platform and an overnighter with all the requirements for onboard living. It runs the Anura S40 system with all-wheel drive and features joystick control, keypad and dash display.
SOUTHERN
Based in Mosgiel, Dunedin, Southern Boats, the company has just one amphibious boat, the 8.10m TT756. Featuring the good looks, soft ride and practicality of a Southern with the impressive electric amphibious technology of Tectrax. Incorporating concealed rear wheels and extended platforms to maintain looks while keeping the business end of the boat clear of machinery for fishermen’s lines and ease of boarding. With a top speed of 40+ knots (water)/10kmph (land), a 250L underfloor fuel tank and up to an hour run time on land with a single battery (secondary batteries available), this is truly a go-anywhere boat! At 8.1m overall (including platforms), a cockpit suitable for up to four fishing, and a spacious forward cabin, this is a must-see for those not wanting to be constrained by a trailer.
TINO
Tino Marine offers two brands of amphibious boats; Flyfin and Fenton Marine. Fenton Marine offers a class-leading level of customisation and luxury finishes for the discerning owner. With a limitless level of customisation, from colours and finishes to layout and specialist fishing amenities. Flyfin Boats will launch its new range of amphibious boats in late 2023. Starting with the popular 2100 Hardtop. With the usual Flyfin DNA, durable construction, and fresh and innovative design ethos, the Flyfin range utilises the new Textrax T3000 Gen2. The amphibious boats from Fenton Marine have the capacity to conceal the wheels inside the boat’s hull. Customers of Fenton Marine appreciate the traditional boat’s very attractive lines and not having to see the wheels. However, this presents considerable engineering hurdles and expenditures as a result. The Flyfin range focuses on durability and the basics without compromising design, esthetics, or finish. Appealing to a wider range of customers without breaking the bank. Flyfin Boats have proven huge popularity in the NZ market. With a focus on durability and functionality, these semi-custom boats have a high level of finish without breaking the Kiwi fisherman’s bank.
WHITE POINTER
White Pointer has for more than 30 years built a range of high-performance fishing machines. With a strong focus on both performance and craftsmanship and over 600 boats built, White Pointer has an outstanding reputation. Their entry into the amphibious market is the 780 T-Rex based on the popular and well-proven 7.8m hull. Built as a serious fishing machine, the all-alloy hull has a 6mm hull with an 8mm plate around the wheel mounting. The 780 T-Rex features the Tectrax 3500 electronic system with all-wheel drive and braking.
With its heritage in mind, White Pointer takes the design of its boats seriously in wanting to create the ultimate amphibian. In a boat like this, they wouldn’t modify an existing model in our range but choose to invest in starting from a clean sheet of paper. With initial on-water tests loaded with the same weight as the Tectrax system, we could better understand what is required to manage this equipment. Taking the test boat through various on water manoeuvres was valuable to understand the challenge ahead. HMD design has had many years of design relationship with White Pointer, and it was obvious that HMD would collaborate to provide the platform to make not just another boat but a craft that can bear the White Pointer name.
With a new shear line and enlarged forward section to house the amphibious system, White Pointer has maintained cabin space in line with what you would expect on a boat of this size. Stunning looks, impeccable craftsmanship and performance come together in the T-Rex 780.
THE SYSTEMS
When Sealegs introduced its first amphibious boat in 2001, it started a whole new market segment in boating. From those small but very significant beginnings, the ‘wheelie’ boat market has grown to encompass three brands and close to 50 models. The number of manufacturers choosing to offer amphibious models in their range is growing, and so is the acceptance of this very unique Kiwi product. There are three different systems available, and all are built by Auckland, NZ-based companies. Sealegs is the market leader in volume, with Anura (previously Orion) gaining popularity as the system of choice for many boatbuilders both in NZ and overseas. Tectrax has gone down the all-electric path and is also proving very popular.
SEALEGS - THE INNOVATORS
While boats with wheels have been around for a long time, it wasn’t until the early 2000s, with the introduction of Sealegs that they became a commercial reality. Sealegs began as an idea on a napkin in 2001 which quickly turned into a prototype, A fibreglass inflatable with electric wheel motors, which evolved into a manufacturing company producing Sealegs amphibious craft using a hydraulic powerpack and drive motors. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, and founded by locals Maurice Bryham and David McKee-Wright, Sealegs has constantly been pioneering the way forward for amphibious boating since the first Sealegs came off the production line in 2004. Today there are over 1650 Sealegs craft spread over more than 50 countries around the globe, and the company has dedicated offices in the United States, Australia and France, as well as a wide network of distributors and service agents.
Sealegs introduced to the boating market 16 years ago a simple concept enabled by clever engineering and technology, using powerful motorised, steerable wheels that run off an onboard powerpack. Craft can be driven from a storage location, down a boat ramp or beach and into the water – all with the occupants remaining in the boat completely dry. All amphibious wheeled boats have utilised this same basic Sealegs principle regardless of the brand.
MOST POPULAR
Sealegs is the world’s most popular brand of amphibious boats by sales numbers alone. While for a number of years through their Amphibious Enablement System (AES) Sealegs fitted their systems to other New Zealand boat manufacturers, today (apart from custom craft over 9m) all boats with Sealegs technology are designed, manufactured, and assembled under one roof at their Auckland factory. However, the System 70 and the System 100 are available to export markets, and while Sealegs will work with builders to co-design and integrate their amphibious systems into a new craft, they are not available to retrofit onto existing boats. The company says that there are all sorts of weight/balance, as well as stress testing/reinforcing issues etc, that need to be taken into account, so they steer clear of providing amphibious kits for older boats.
Sealegs range of boats is extensive and growing, both in the traditional RIB, as well as alloy pontoon, full cabin hardtops and more recently a 3.8m tender. Sealegs offer two different size systems, System 70 and System 100. The System 70 is designed for vessels with a maximum gross weight of up to 3000kg, powered by a Briggs & Stratton 35hp petrol engine. The System 100 is capable of handling up to 10,000kg gross weight depending on operating conditions, with a land speed of 9 kph. Power to run the system is provided by a 97hp Kubota diesel engine.
Both systems come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), power steering and automatic braking system (ABS). Sealegs run time is at least 30 minutes within every hour without overheating. In 2018 Sealegs debuted their fourth generation electric concept craft, E4, which combined the latest advances in lithium battery and brushless electric hub motor technology. In 2023 this same technology was introduced in the 3.8 Tender, the world’s smallest amphibious boat. Sealegs remain the largest manufacturer of amphibious systems and, according to a Sealegs spokesman, design, manufacture and assembly around 120 Sealegs per year at their facility in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore.
ANURA - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Worion Marine was established in 2012 with the intention of offering amphibious systems to established boat manufacturers. Recently rebadged as Anura, demand for their systems is being driven from both international and domestic craft manufacturers. “We are working with a number of global craft manufacturers to provide amphibious options for their current models. The US market is looking especially exciting as we have enquiries from multiple well known manufacturers in the US”, said a representative from Anura. After sales support is a key focus for the company, and they have established a global service platform to ensure the end user has full confidence in purchasing a craft equipped with one of their systems.
MORE SYSTEMS
Anura currently offers three systems, with a fourth, S10, set to be released in April 2024 Each system is designed for a specific gross hull weight. The S15 uses a 20kW (28HP) EFI, air cooled engine. The engine is operated via Control by Wire (CBW) technology. The combination of EFI and CBW provides the hydraulic power unit’s fast starting and instant response. Travel speed of up to 10km/h is delivered by custom hydraulic motors that are engineered to perform in the harsh marine environment. Traction Assist is a standard feature that provides additional drive capability on difficult terrain.
The S25 is available in both three wheel and four-wheel versions, and like the other systems, has full time all-wheel drive and failsafe braking. All alloy parts are hard anodised and the synthetic hydraulic hoses are corrosion proof. The S40 is the largest in the Anura range, with a maximum GVM of 4000-4500kg. Weighing in at 560kg, the S40 is all wheel drive, running a 40hp petrol engine with EFI and has a max on land speed of 9 km/h. The S40 suits larger ‘trailer’ boats in the 7.5m to 9m size range. The 4N has a two-wheel front assembly and is designed to provide the optimum balance between flotation and traction.
Traction Assist is a standard feature that provides additional drive capability on difficult terrain. Anura systems carry a 3-year transferable warranty and are proudly manufactured in New Zealand. All models of S25 and S40 are available with electric power unit options.
TECTRAX - ALL ELECTRIC
Launched in 2017, Tectrax is a revolutionary electric amphibious system that has been adopted by some of the leading alloy boat builders in New Zealand. The system is easy to operate via its intuitive joystick and components neatly tucked away so no deck space is wasted. The fully electric brushless hub motor system is reliable, quiet and low maintenance, with first service aligned with the outboard and yearly thereafter, and is now supported by a 3-year warranty. The T4000 AWED range can be fitted to boats displacing up to 4,000kg.
The electric motors are very powerful, with high speed turned into high torque via a reduction gearbox. The T4000 offers 21.60kW of power. Tectrax has worked to improve this system constantly, and recent innovations include the option to charge the battery using a solar charging upgrade which means the system can stay fully off the grid. Each rear motor has an integrated electric parking brake for safety, and all motors also have regenerative braking (recharging the batteries) and all AWD along with traction control. Through a combination of chemical and mechanical seals along with design, the motors have an IP69 waterproof rating (total submersion). Fast Forward to 2023 and Tectrax are excited to launch their second-generation T3000 Electric Amphibious system.
This new system builds upon over 5 years of operating electric amphibious systems, customer feedback and, importantly, significant advances in the electric vehicle industry over the past 5 years. Initially targeting the 3-tonne range, the team are launching a number of prototype boats this year with this game changing technology, with production due to start in 2024.
NEW GENERATION 2
Tectrax has built on its popular All Wheel Electric Drive technology with a number of other advancements, enhancing reliability, safety and performance. The brain at the heart of the system is an advanced Electronic Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) that gives the vehicle the intelligence and control you see in electric cars but on your amphibious system. This enables a quicker response, advanced functions, and much smoother control.
Tectrax’s system is controlled by a joystick and a 5” touch screen. Advanced e-braking gives improved control and is even safer to drive. The option of an autonomous launch and land function means that the transition from water to land is easier than ever! At the core of the Generation 2 system are the powerful and quiet All Wheel Electric Drives. These drives can take you up gradients of up to 35% (19 degrees). Tectrax’s new system uses electrically driven actuation to deploy and retract the legs. This unit is compact and has enabled Tectrax to remove all the hydraulics they had in their previous system.
This means less weight, less maintenance and less compromise on boat space, and it is significantly easier for boatbuilders to install! Tectrax’s new electric steering removes the traditional steering arm seen on amphibious boats and replaces it with an integrated steering motor, much like power assisted steering on modern cars. This steering provides a quicker response than hydraulic steering, and it also doubles the steering arc, giving your boat unbelievable manoeuvrability on land. The new system is powered by a 100ah 48V LiPO4 Battery which provides a run time of up to an hour. Additionally, this battery can be charged via solar and can be upgraded to provide an auxiliary power supply for accessories like trolling motors, removing the need for all that additional weight for auxiliary batteries.
