Sealegs International Ltd has released the latest addition to its range of amphibious craft at the Sydney International Boat Show. The 8.5m all-alloy amphibious cabin boat is the result of a twelve-month development project that focused on market feedback from owners and their specific requirements.
The new 8.5m Alloy Cabin is the top of the all-alloy Sealegs range, which includes the walk-around centre console 7.7m and 6.1m D-Tubes.
“The 8.5m all-alloy amphibious cabin craft is a completely new model,” says Sealegs CEO David McKee Wright. “It responds to market feedback and global desire for an amphibious aluminium-plate boat that doesn’t compromise on internal space or performance – be it on land or water.”
The 8.5m Alloy Cabin comes equipped with a larger 35hp inboard engine, which provides better traction in difficult terrain, and a 250hp outboard which will have the craft comfortably cruising at 26 knots and provide a top speed of 39 knots. It also features a comprehensive selection of options to suit both the sports fisher or the day tripper.
The unique plumb bow with hydrodynamic stability chines and Zipwake dynamic trim-control system provide an unparalleled ride on the water. The inboard engine has been integrated seamlessly into a specially designed walk-through transom, meaning there is no engine box occupying valuable internal space. The amphibious integration has paid specific attention to the craft’s centre of gravity and combined with the plumb bow it exceeds all expectations of what an amphibious boat can do on the water. The integrated design provides impressive deck space for internal storage both in the gunnels and underfloor.
Speaking from the exclusive event to launch the new product at the Sydney International Boat Show, the Sealegs CEO also announced “in excess of $2m worth of pre-release orders for the new 8.5m alloy amphibious cabin boat”. It justifies the feedback from the Australian market and the investment in product development.
In a night full of awards and success, Sealegs also awarded Blairgowrie Marina Services from Melbourne with its annual Dealer of the Year award. Mckee Wright said “the award is based on several factors including sales, service, duration of service and brand loyalty. In the case of 2018 winners, Peter & Brooke Sargeant, this distinction is well deserved for all of these.”
In addition, the Boating Industry of Australia presented Sealegs with the Display of Excellence Award for its stand.
Sealegs International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Future Mobility Solutions, a group which includes: Lancer Industries in New Zealand, Willard Marine in the USA and Sillinger (S.A.S.) in France.
