This year’s METS saw the New Zealand creator of amphibious technology, Sealegs, launch the all-new turnkey kit to allow luxury yacht tender builders to give their craft amphibious technology. This has already had strong interest from superyacht tender builders and the boats which employ the technology have been snapped up by such outstanding vessels as the 119m Blohm + Voss mega yacht ‘A’.
The Auckland-based company presented its amphibious technology kit at METS for the first time. The kit enables European boat manufacturers to create their own amphibious craft and extend their product range without compromising the performance, comfort and character of their own tenders.
Sealegs has over 900 amphibious craft in more than 35 countries, and there has been a strong uptake already among reputable Middle Eastern and Australasian boatbuilders who are making use of Sealegs amphibious technology kits on their own craft. The new kit caters to boats up to seven metres, with a ten metre kit in development.
The package is bolted on to the tender, and is raised completely clear of the water while the tender is underway. Controlled by crew, it’s lowered as the vessel approaches land, and a powerful four-wheel drive system drives it over sand, rocks, and other rough terrain to deliver owners and guests to land, without getting their feet wet.
The system is set to prove particularly popular with explorer vessels as it presents an answer to landing in remote and challenging spots.
The turnkey kit is available now, and Sealegs provides full support to builders in the supply and build process.