Sealegs amphibious boats head for US shores

We've been following the development of New Zealand based Sealegs range of ingenious, driveable amphibious boats since back in 2004 and now, after rolling-out in 14 countries worldwide, the company is gearing up for its first US appearance at the at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October.

Sealegs is a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with retractable wheels that enable it to be driven over land at speeds of up to 6mph (10kmh) in either direction, cutting out the hassle of moving the boat from storage to the water. It can negotiate 33 degree slopes downhill and up to 25 degrees on the upslope. When it gets to waters that are greater than 3 feet (1 m) the wheels are retracted at the push of a button and it becomes a full water going craft capable of approximately 50mph.

Available in 6.1 and 7.1 RIB configurations that are tailored to meet recreational, commercial, military or rescue needs, Sealegs motorized wheels are powered by an on-board 16hp Honda driven hydraulic power-pack an the outboard engines provide up to 150hp.

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show runs from 30th October to 3rd November 2008.

Read our previous coverage here or visit the Sealegs site for further info.