Marine

Car-top cargo box doubles as a boat

Car-top cargo box doubles as a boat
The lid of the Boatbox detaches to serve as a boat
The lid of the Boatbox detaches to serve as a boat
View 10 Images
Both models of the Boatbox can be locked closed when in roof box mode
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Both models of the Boatbox can be locked closed when in roof box mode
The BB650 measures 1.8 meters (6 feet) long by 1 meter (3.3 ft) wide, has a volume of 650 liters as a roof box, and can carry up to 175 kg (386 lb) when on the water
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The BB650 measures 1.8 meters (6 feet) long by 1 meter (3.3 ft) wide, has a volume of 650 liters as a roof box, and can carry up to 175 kg (386 lb) when on the water
Custom colors are also available
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Custom colors are also available
A custom-colored BB650 in use on the water
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A custom-colored BB650 in use on the water
The lid of the Boatbox detaches to serve as a boat
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The lid of the Boatbox detaches to serve as a boat
The absence of an inner shell increases the BB700's roof box volume to 700 liters, plus it reduces the weight of the boat/lid to 18 kg (39.7 lb)
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The absence of an inner shell increases the BB700's roof box volume to 700 liters, plus it reduces the weight of the boat/lid to 18 kg (39.7 lb)
The BB700, ready for use on the water
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The BB700, ready for use on the water
Both models come with a wooden seat, folding oars and rowlocks
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Both models come with a wooden seat, folding oars and rowlocks
The Boatbox can be rowed like a dinghy, or even fitted with a small motor or a sail
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The Boatbox can be rowed like a dinghy, or even fitted with a small motor or a sail
The Boatbox in roof box mode
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The Boatbox in roof box mode
View gallery - 10 images

Given that people such as myself already have a tendency to mistake streamlined car-top boxes as whitewater kayaks, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that someone has gone and done the obvious – made a roof box that converts into a boat. Instead of serving as a kayak, however, the Boatbox can be rowed like a dinghy, or even fitted with a small motor or a sail.

The UK-made Boatbox (sold in Australia as the BoatPack) is made mainly from UV-stable acrylic-capped ABS plastic, and consists of two basic parts. There’s a base, that stays attached to the car’s roof rack, and a detachable lid, which doubles as a boat. This does mean that whenever you want to use the Boatbox as a boat, you have to find another home for everything that’s being transported within it.

Buyers can choose from two models.

The BB650 measures 1.8 meters (6 feet) long by 1 meter (3.3 ft) wide, has a volume of 650 liters as a roof box, and can carry up to 175 kg (386 lb) when on the water. It has both an outer skin and an inner shell, adding strength and buoyancy. The boat/lid weighs 25 kg (55 lb).

The BB700 has the same dimensions as the BB650, although it’s just “single-skinned,” lacking the other boat’s inner shell. This makes it a little less seaworthy than its sibling (although its ABS is 2 mm thicker), and reduces its payload capacity to 165 kg (364 lb). The absence of an inner shell also increases its roof box volume to 700 liters, however, plus it reduces the weight of the boat/lid to 18 kg (39.7 lb).

A custom-colored BB650 in use on the water
A custom-colored BB650 in use on the water

Both models can be locked closed when in roof box mode, and come with a wooden seat, folding oars and rowlocks. The BB650 costs £595 (US$913), with the BB700 priced at at £550 ($844) – custom colors are available for an extra £250 ($384).

Source: Boatbox via Uncrate

View gallery - 10 images
3 comments
3 comments
Slowburn
I like it. Of course if you happen to have a canoe or other small boat you can save some money.
BigGoofyGuy
I think it is a very creative idea. Perhaps one could put it on an utility trailer if one can not put it on the roof of ones car? (a very compact car).
David Goadby
Didn't an idea like this appear on the BBC program (UK) called Dragon's Den in 2012?