Alloy Boat Issue 29

FLYFIN 2100HT AMPHIBIOUS

The computer renderings for Fly n Boats' new design, the 2100HT Amphibious, have been made available. e amphibious boat is based on their popular 2100HT FLYFIN model and utilizes the new Tectrax Gen2 all-electric wheel system.

e 2100's class-leading storage and cockpit space will be appreciated by hardcore shermen and families alike, with many standard options available for seating and shing, including live bait tanks, fridges and tuna tubes, etc.

e port-side cabin bunk on the 2100 can be converted into a full-length sleeping bunk using a ip-down bunk support, o ering sleeping on a 6.5-meter deck and a large cockpit. e fuel capacity is 200 litres, and power options from 200 to 250hp will give this beamy boat great range and performance.

With Fly n's strange and durable construction, it's sure to be a winning formula. e rst Fly n 2100 AMPH is under construction at the moment at the company's Papamoa based factory.

TINO-MARINE.COM/FLYFIN-ALUMINIUM-BOATS

SNEAK PEEK AT NEW TRANSFORMARINE/ DREADNORT P-SERIES

The P-Series is designed as more of a grand tourer (GT) or limousine rather than a shing boat. A supercar of the seas, with performance and ride comfort at the forefront of the design. No nal dimensions have been decided upon, but anything from ve to twelve metres would work depending on whether you're after a little sports boat with car-like seating to a cruiser you can take away for weeks on end.

DREADNORT.COM

NORSK COOLER BINS

Norsk cooler bins are virtually indestructible and UV resistant, being made from a rotomolded construction. With thermocore insulation, pressure injected polyurethane foam insulation is engineered for long lasting ice retention. Featuring a sealed lid system using a freezer grade silicon gasket that seals in the cold and keeps out heat, and a hero hinge with two stainless steel rods, lock the lid into the cooler making the hinge practically unbreakable. With non-slip rubber feet, rhino rope handle, moulded side handles and an easy drain system, with removable bung.

Available in sizes: 45 L / 65 L / 85 L / 120L and either in tan or white, they come with a 3-year guarantee and FREE – handy wire basket, cup holder, and removeable divider.

FISHINGINGODZONE.CO.NZ/SHOP

HERLEY 11 METRE EXPLORER

Striker Engineering And Marine of Rotorua are currently nishing the build of a Herley 11 meter Explorer, one of Herley’s latest designs. is explorer-class boat is designed to o er comfort and functionality for various cruising endeavours, o ering ample storage, a fully-equipped galley, shower and head, and spacious cockpit.

Fabricated by Striker Marine in their Rotorua shop, the 2.6 Ton alloy Explorer has to date taken 4 months to complete. Once completed

she will be delivered to a Canadian owner. Notable features include the log stopper, shown at waterline level on the bow, and side gunnel door. For more information Contact Nick at Herley Boats. nick@herleyboats.com

HERLEYBOATS.COM

STRIKERMARINE.CO.NZ

PREMIUM CUSTOM ALLOY BOATS

Herley Boats is a manufacturer of premium powerboats based in Tauranga, New Zealand. Our vessels have all been designed from the hull up, they offer a superior ride, while never compromising on luxury. We are leading the way in innovative design with our hybrid models and build methods. Standard Models from 8m through to 10m – We offer bespoke design and build service for both powercat or monohulls.

Low maintenance, long life, excellent stain resistance & low surface temperature.

CIRCA RELEASE 40M EXPLORER

Avessel meticulously designed for intrepid adventurers yearning to traverse the vast oceans in comfort, elegance, and, above all, safety.

e construction is all alloy (LR SSC Yacht G6) with a gross tonnage of 500 tonnes. e 40.3m x 9.2m hull is powered by a pair of Caterpillar C32 (1000bhp @ 1800 rpm) through conventional shafts and propellers. Top speed should be around 15 knots @ 100% max engine rating with a range of 4000nm + @ 12 knots and 7000+ nm at 8 knots. Tankage is 70,000 litres of fuel and 10,000 litres of fresh water. Circa 40m Explorer, boasting spacious accommodations with generous full beam owner/VIP suite, and guest cabins to host up to eight guests. It also carries a crew of eight.

e Circa 40m Explorer revolutionises the concept of oceanic exploration by o ering a multitude of possibilities armed with the capability to carry a wide range of watercraft, such as a mini submarine or a helicopter. Every aspect of the Circa 40m Explorer is meticulously designed to provide a haven of relaxation and tranquillity. Open deck spaces include a jacuzzi. Safety and security are at the forefront of our design, ensuring your peace of mind during every nautical adventure.

e Circa 40m Explorer to be equipped with state-ofthe-art navigation systems, advanced communication technology, and an experienced crew, providing a haven of reassurance as you traverse the world’s oceans.

e Circa Marine’s 40m Explorer is the perfect vessel for those who dare to dream beyond the shores. Experience the freedom, comfort, and elegance that this remarkable yacht has to o er.

CIRCAMARINE.COM

In the last issue we reviewed Legacy Marine’s stunning L70 flagship “Paragon”. Shortly after the review, Paragon made the 1300 nautical mile voyage to the Vava’u group in Tonga and experienced Blue Marlin Fishing that could only be described as “out of this world”. The voyage took 6 days cruising at 8 – 10 knots, with stops along the way at Minerva reef to experience the amazing fishing on o er and Tongatapu, before arriving at the sheltered islands of Vava’u.

Paragon proved to be not only to be luxuriously comfortable to undertake such a voyage, but extremely economical with the MAN V12 1900hp diesels, averaging only three litres per nautical mile making it with plenty to spare with the 9,000ltr underfoor fuel capacity. The air-conditioning, fresh water maker, salt ice maker, and ample amounts of refrigerator and freezer space, was all put to good use and certainly made things much more comfortable in the warmer tropical climate –especially after escaping a cold and windy New Zealand winter. Vava’u offered exceptional fshing with Marlin encountered daily, along with Maha Mahi, Wahoo and Sailfsh. On the best day, the crew onboard Paragon caught and released 5 Blue Marlin averaging 80 – 120kg in weight, with a couple much larger models caught and released at well over 200kg. Designed and built for offshore voyages by a family with a passion for fshing, Paragon proved to be the ultimate platform for this type of voyage and ticked every box required to not only undertake such a voyage – but do so in such extreme comfort and functionality. The next leg of the voyage was across to Fiji for some more relaxed family time, exploring Fiji’s crystal-clear waters and beautiful islands, before the return trip back to New Zealand. It appears, ‘Paragon’ which means ‘A Model of Perfection, or Excellence of a Kind’ - certainly lived up to its name, on her frst big voyage, there is no doubt there will be many more to come!

JOHN DORY

John Dory will often take softbaits, but you need to slow down your retrieve out the back of the boat to entice a strike.

One of the best eating fish for the table, the John dory is often a by-catch for most anglers, but winter is a good time to change things up and target JDs.

I will admit it myself, I set off fshing planning to target snapper on jigs or softbaits, or jig for kingfsh or try topwater lures and we make plenty of plans for catching these species over the day. They both fght hard and are common in Godzone’s waters, so the allure of snapper and kingfsh is usually at the top of most angler’s wanted list. Kingfsh and snapper taste rather good too for the family dinner, but there is one fsh I would happily trade both for on my plate and that is John dory. A JD or Johnny is easily up there as the best fsh to pan fry with its white, almost translucent fesh. If I manage to catch one as a bycatch during the day’s fshing, it is one fsh I won’t give away or let go of easily.

John dory are common enough in our waters too it’s just that we don’t head out thinking about targeting them, but we love to catch them for the table. They don’t put up much of a fght so they aren’t considered much sport but I’m sure your family and friends would rather you served up dory for dinner. Here are a few tips on helping you catch more top tasting Johnnies.

LIVE BAITS

JDs are the experts in stealth and camoufage, just look at their colour patterns, thin body and huge mouth that is telescopic and designed for grabbing smaller fsh. John dories love live baits, with sprats, mackerel, and kahawai being at the top of their list. To score more JD’s you need to spend the time catching livies to take out and drop to the bottom.

Find a reef, harbour, or channel with plenty of baitfsh in the area and you will fnd dory. They are found where the bait is and often in shallow areas under 15m. A good rig is the trusty ledger rig but make the hook leader longer, so the live bait can move around away from the mainline. It is also a good idea to use heavier line for your mainline, say 15kg and a leader of between 18-24kg as it won’t bother a JD but a struggling livie will also attract big snapper or kingfsh. You want to increase your chances of landing the bigger species if they turn up, so don’t break out the 12-15lb set for live baiting those poor swimming Johnnies. It pays to consider this if that 20lb+ snapper arrives unexpectedly to snaffe your livie, as I know of many people who have hooked up and lost huge fsh on livies in the foul when using light gear.

A 4/0 or 5/0 circle hook is also a good option and put through the live bait’s back, just in front of the dorsal fn. Small kahawai are the best for lasting the rigours of being dory dinner, then mackerel and fnally sprats (yellow eyed mullet), which are the smallest live bait to consider and better than having none.

SOFTBAITS WORK

As I tend to softbait more often when in the boat over other methods, I also catch plenty of Johnnies when softbaiting for snapper. A softbait is an imitation live bait and they fool JDs well, but the key to catching more is to really slow down your retrieve and almost drag your lure out the back of the boat’s drift. As John dory aren’t great swimmers, a quick moving softbait won’t pick up many unless it goes right by its nose by chance.

Just twitch your rod casually with a slow wind on the handle, leaving it every so often and let the boat pull it along with its drift. A lighter jig head of ½ oz or less is also best to prevent those snags when being fshed closer to the bottom this way.

Flicking softbaits around reefs, over the sand near harbour mouths or even around wharves or channel markers where baitfsh hide, will bring more success. I have also discovered over the past few years that my catch rate for dory has increased dramatically when using Z-Man 5” Atomic Sunrise lures. These bright orange softbaits have been deadly on JDs and would be my go-to softie for targeting them. The other upside is that snapper, trevally, gurnard, and kingfsh also love this colour, so you have all bases covered.

GO STEADY & USE NET

When a JD strikes your softbait or live bait, there is no big run of line screaming off your reel at speed, typically it is just a dead weight. When you start winding down and lifting the rod, it feels like you have got kelp or foul hooked a fsh. From here, be careful how you bring up the fsh, often they are just hooked in their delicate mouth or aren’t even hooked at all, with the live bait wedged in their large mouth. Take it easy when bringing the fsh up and when you see it at the surface, always call for the net. So many dories are lost when at the boat as anglers attempt to lift in the non-struggling fsh, only for the hook to rip out of its soft mouth and watch it swim (slowly) back to the bottom. So, this winter head out with a plan to put more John dory into your fsh bin and you will be surprised by how many you catch and the bycatch beneft of other species you will often bag.

“They don’t put up much of a fight so they aren’t considered much sport but I’m sure your family and friends would rather you served up dory for dinner.”

BOAT TEST_ OCEANPRO 460 EVO - CENTRE CONSOLE

OCEANPRO 460 EVO - CENTRE CONSOLE

Fishing in Godzone’s editor, Matt Hewetson commissioned a new boat to assist with generating content for the magazine and digital club. Aptly named ‘Godzone’ the vessel is designed for inshore lure fishing.

The last time I went out in an Oceanpro centre console was back in spring of 2020 and Pauanui based builder Mike Bush had just fnished his very frst model. I can recall the little 440 (4.4m) vessel impressed me for its sea worthiness and fshability. That day we ventured over the Tairua bar and out to Slipper Island to stalk the shallows softbaiting for snapper. What appeals to me about centre consoles is how you can cast lures from all around the boat, with no hard top in the way and is a key

feature for myself when looking at a boat. That day on the water and Mike also got to see how an avid softbait lure angler uses the small boat and space to get the lure presentation to fsh well away from the vessel.

I also gave him feedback in what I would like to see on the boat with a forward casting deck ideal and placement for a Minn Kota to complement the centre console and tailor it even more for lure fshing. A couple of years later and I kept in touch with Mike as his boats gained

popularity and he designed more models and sizes which were sold directly and through Family Boats in Auckland. I decided to get one of his centre consoles built for the magazine as with so many people becoming time poor, I needed a boat under 5m to easily launch on my own and get out on the water.

NEW DESIGN

Mike and I looked at what was needed and welcomed the partners Mercury, Lowrance, U-DEK,

and Minn Kota who would become greatly supportive of the new build to aid in getting the vessel on the water. From this the new 460 EVO was hatched as the ultimate version of the Oceanpro 460.

The hull and deck has been increased to 4mm for extra durability and a quieter ride, while also allowing for additional speed and range provided by the Mercury 60hp four-stroke. With the added raised casting deck in the bow

to increase the boat’s fshing area and provide storage below.

The extra room up front allows anglers to cast safely ahead of the boat’s drift with good leg rails for comfort and an impressive Lowrance HDS 12” sounder. When fshing from the casting platform, the angler can use the sounder to hunt down fsh and see what structure is approaching using Side Scanning or ActiveTarget Live Sonar fshing. This exciting Lowrance feature will be discussed in future issues of the magazine.

Mike also added a recessed Minn Kota bracket on the bow, with cut away rails to create a low profle trolling motor installation. This electric trolling motor is a key product employed by the Godzone team when shallow water softbaiting, it can also be used in deeper water to spot lock over sign on the bottom or when fshing a workup and dropping lures.

The 460 EVO also comes standard with dual layer U-DEK for practical fooring and a live bait tank to complete the ultimate Oceanpro fshing machine. U-DEK were very helpful when designing the look and utilising the logos of each partner in the deck fooring with fsh

measures on the sides. The product is a must have for open boats with increased decking that is exposed to the elements.

MERCURY FEATURES

The centre console is suited for an outboard from 40-60hp and I decided to go with a 60hp engine to provide better range and power at hand if fshing with three people. Mike advised he had yet to run a 60hp on one of the boats as most were ftted with 40hp or 50hp engines. Selecting the Mercury 60hp EFI meant we could also utilise their impressive data to vessel system information, Mercury VesselView. This feature allows you to display your engine information and sounder, including rpm, speed, fuel fow and effciency, temperature, and trim. VesselView helps keep track of everything and fully integrate your existing multi-function display with your Mercury propulsion system using VesselView. This means it is also

“We had it up to just over 30 knots! Pretty impressive for a small craft under 5m and with two adults on board. ”

Slow trolling a livie in the shallows produced this metre long kingfsh (12-13kg) within seconds of the kahawai being deployed.

A nice 50cm snapper is measured frst on the handy U-DEK measure.

The Minn Kota will enable the Godzone team to quietly target the shallows when casting softbaits for snapper.

compatible to the Lowrance displays, with all the VesselView information and control capability on the touch screen of the sounder.

A key feature I loved using is the Vessel Control Trolling feature to slow troll live baits or lures and we used this feature to land a kingfsh on a kahawai on the very frst fshing trip out in the new boat. Testing the boat on the water after running in the Mercury outboard and we had it up to just over 30 knots! Pretty impressive for a small craft under 5m and with two adults on board. Cruising at around 23 knots in calm conditions and we only using just over 13 litres/hour.

The 60hp outboard has the power when needed and outstanding fuel effciency with our trips out testing and fshing using only 8-12 litres with the motor used a lot for trolling, started often when drift fshing and covering the coastline lure fshing. The updated centre console and technology onboard is going to signifcantly help the magazine to create content when boating and fshing around Godzone, and we look forward to hitting the water in 2023.

The package price of this boat is $52,000* (includes boat wrap, live bait tank, U-DEK, Minn Kota bracket with a DMW 430 single axel trailer).

*Price excludes Lowrance electronics and Minn Kota featured.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model Oceanpro 460 Evo Centre Console

Price As Tested NZ $73,000 incl Lowrance electronics and Minnkota

Type Centre Console

Length Overall 4.6m

Beam 1.83m

Hull Bottom 4mm (5083)

Height On Trailer 2.1m

Trailerable Weight 750kg

Deadrise/Transom 16 Degree at Transom

Person Capacity 4 Persons

Fuel Capacity 25l Tote Tanks

Power Option Outboard 40-60hp

Manufacturer Ocean Pro Boats

Contact Mike Bush, Ph 027 388 4717

mike@oceanpro.co.nz

OCEANPRO.CO.NZ

WE DECIPHERED THE AMPHIBIOUS PUZZLE

CENTER OF GRAVITY

CMATERIALSELECTION

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

COMPUTER MODELLING PART SELECTION

3D

MORPHOGENIC ANALYSIS

BUYERS GUIDE 2023

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 o ers two amphibious RIBs, the Pursuit 8 and the Pursuit 920, tted with the Anura system.

Built in NZ, the breglass 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. e Pursuit 8 sports a short cabin with a walk-through to the bow, o ering excellent storage space without compromising on functionality. e 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 o er 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 shos, or a comfortable bench seat for additional passengers. e 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 shing market, following the similar theme of their trailer boats. e new 560 will t in a 6m garage and the 600 in a 7m garage.

e FC700 HTA is tted with the three-wheel Anura S25 system. e 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.

e 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. e shing space has not been compromised, which is essential in a boat this size.

IMAGE

Invercargill-based Image Boats Ltd o er six models in the amphibious wheelie boat range, and they are big boats!

e Fish nder 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.

e rst Image 8.5m is currently under construction for delivery later this year. It is a true o shore 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. e heavilybuilt hull, with its ne entry and 17° deadrise, easily goes through choppy waters. e rst 8.5m amphibious will be powered by a Cox 300 diesel.

A few years ago, Image Boats built a 7.5m Fish nder model with a Sealegs system and, like its bigger sistership, was designed for serious shing. is model is still available.

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 rst 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 stu e 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.

e 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. is was done to reinforce the boat's structural integrity due to the extra 680 kgs, which are carried over the bow and stern areas.

Another leading alloy boat manufacturer recently embracing the amphibious world, Marco Boats, has its rst boat in the design stage currently. Due for release in early 2024, the rst 700 AMPH is based on a customized version of the standard Marco 700 Souwester and is tted with the all-electric Tectrax system.

e 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 shing-based cockpit. Once completed, the Amphibious option will be available on their 650, 725 and 750 Hulls also.

OCEAN CRAFT

Ocean Craft Marine is one of the world leaders in manufacturing RIBs for leisure, professional and military applications. ey o er several amphibious RIBs, including the all-new Ocean Craft Aluminium 7.1 amphibious hardtop. While built in Dubai, Ocean Craft Marine's rst 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.

e new Ocean Craft Aluminium 7.1 amphibious hardtop has explicitly been designed for the New Zealand and Australian markets. Whether you're targeting sh 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.

e 7.1m AMPH boat is also available in console versions, plus 8.4m and 9.4m models are available.

Pro le is a renowned builder of quality boats developed for family recreation, shing and diving. e 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. Pro le Boats are renowned for delivering outstanding ride and build quality, and the Pro le Boats 735H o ers an uncompromised boat to the serious sherman and the overnight leisure boatie alike.

e Pro le Boats 735H does all this, providing the safety and security of an aluminiumdesigned pontoon hull that can handle the most adverse sea conditions with con dence.

SENATOR SEALEGS

Napier-based senators o er two amphibious models utilising the Tectrax system.

e Senator Stealth 690 & 770 self-contained electric hub motors retract, so there's minimal e ect 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 shing 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.

STABIX

StabiX is an independent company led by Stabicraft cofounder 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.

ere 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. ey are all chambered boats with hardtops, large open shing cockpits and run Yamaha or Mercury outboard engines. e boats are extremely well equipped in their standard package, with paint and powder-coating and UDek ooring.

The rst and largest manufacturer of amphibious boats, Sealegs have a strong local and international market. e range extends from a 3.8m tender to a 12m hardtop cruiser. ere are ten models covering everything from the centre console to the full cabin, with a variety of alloy and breglass hull construction. ere 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.

e 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.

ere 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.

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. e company uses the Anura system for all their models, which start with the Strata 620/660 & 700 centre console series. ese three boats share a common design and layout with variance in length. ey combine with the Anura S25 system tted 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.

e Smuggler Strata 800 Centre Console and Mid Cabin models are based on the proven 27 deg Smuggler hull. is is a serious, capable, soft riding hull, with 250 litres fuel capacity and many options to suit your needs. e 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

Awell-established amphibious boat brand Stryda recently increased its range to three models with the introduction of the 500C. e 500C is the smallest in the range and runs the new S15 Anura system, specially designed for small craft. e 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 di erent needs, be it shing, 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 tted with the Anura four-wheel drive technology. e 900C is designed as a large-volume dive and shing 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 have 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 shermen's lines and ease of boarding.

With a top speed of 40+ knots (water)/10kmph (land), a 250L under oor 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 shing, and a spacious forward cabin, this is a must-see for those not wanting to be constrained by a trailer.

TINO

Tino Marine o ers two brands of amphibious boats; Fly n and Fenton Marine. Fenton Marine o ers a class-leading level of customisation and luxury nishes for the discerning owner. With a limitless level of customisation, from colours and nishes to layout and specialist shing amenities.

Fly n Boats will launch its new range of amphibious boats in late 2023. Starting with the popular 2100 Hardtop. With the usual Fly n DNA, durable construction, and fresh and innovative design ethos, the Fly n range utilises the new Textrax T3000 Gen2

e 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.

e Fly n range focuses on durability and the basics without compromising design, esthetics, or nish. Appealing to a wider range of customers without breaking the bank.

Fly n Boats has proven huge popularity in the NZ market. With a focus on durability and functionality, these semi-custom boats have a high level of nish without breaking the Kiwi sherman's bank.

WHITE POINTER

White Pointer has for more than 30 years built a range of high-performance shing machines. With a strong focus on both performance and craftsmanship and over 600 boats built, White Pointer has an outstanding reputation.

eir entry into the amphibious market is the 780 T-Rex based on the popular and well-proven 7.8m hull. Built as a serious shing machine, the all-alloy hull has a 6mm hull with an 8mm plate around the wheel mounting. e 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 onwater 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.

"After the FC700HTA's overwhelming success as New Zealand's favourite Amphibious Fishing boat, FC Boats have released two groundbreaking new models"

NOTE: LOA is boat length excluding the wheels in the up position.

Image Boats has a reputation for building customised aluminium boats, ranging from 5.8 to 12m. They combine safety, strength, durability, quality and performance to produce the perfect allrounder. If you are interested in building the perfect customised boat for yourself, then give Dean at Image Boats a call.

Whether

wanted to go somewhere a little more rural, SeaLegs is the answer if you find yourself high and dry. Foldable, retractable and with a good accountant even tax deduc-

or maybe you just wanted to go somewhere a little more rural, SeaLegs is the answer if you find yourself high and dry. Foldable, retractable and with a good accountant even tax deductable. Suit most alloy models from 2m - 6m.

you’ve missed the tide because the fish were still biting or maybe you just yourself high and dry. Foldable, retractable and with a good accountant even tax deductable. Suit most alloy models from 2m - 6m.

AMPHIBIOUS BOATS A BUYERS GUIDE

Foldable.

Foldable. Well would you check out these bad boys - reall 4x4 sand grabbers!

THE SYSTEMS

Foldable. Well would you check out these bad boys - reall 4x4 sand grabbers!

Foldable. Well would you check out these bad boys - reall 4x4 sand grabbers!

Foldable. Well would you check out these bad boys - reall 4x4 sand grabbers!

Well

you

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 o er amphibious models in their range is growing, and so is the acceptance of this very unique Kiwi product. There are three di erent 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 breglass in atable 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 rst Sealegs came o the production line in 2004. Today there are over 1650 Sealegs craft spread over more than 50 countries around the globe, and the company have dedicated o ces 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 o 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 tted 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 retro t onto existing boats. e 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 o er two di erent size systems, System 70 and System 100. e System 70 is designed for vessels with a maximum gross weight of up to 3000kg, powered by a Briggs & Stratton 35hp petrol engine. e 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.

you’ve missed the tide because the fish were still biting

would

check out these bad boys - reall 4x4 sand grabbers!

ANURA - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

WOrion Marine was established in 2012 with the intention of o ering 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.

e US market is looking especially exciting as we have enquiries from multiple well know manufactures in the US”, said a representative from Anura. After sales support is a key focus for the company, and have established a global service platform to ensure the end user has full con dence in purchasing a craft equipped with one of their systems.

MORE SYSTEMS

Anura currently o ers three systems, with a fourth, S10, set to be released in April 2024 Each system is designed for a speci c gross hull weight.

e S15 uses a 20kW (28HP) EFI, air cooled engine.

e engine is operated via Control by Wire (CBW) technology. e 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 di cult terrain.

e 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.

e 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.

e S40 suits larger ‘trailer’ boats in the 7.5m to 9m size range. e 4N has a two-wheel front assembly and is designed to provide the optimum balance between otation and traction. Traction Assist is a standard feature that provides additional drive capability on di cult 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.

e system is easy to operate via its intuitive joystick and components neatly tucked away so no deck space is wasted. e fully electric brush-less hub motor system is reliable, quiet and low maintenance, with rst service aligned with the outboard and yearly thereafter, and is now supported by a 3-year warranty.

e T4000 AWED range can be tted to boats displacing up to 4,000kg.

e electric motors are very powerful, with high speed turned into high torque via a reduction gearbox. e T4000 o ers 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 o the grid. Each rear motor has an integrated electric parking brake for safety, and all motors also have regenerative braking (re-charging the batteries) and all AWD along with traction control. rough 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. is new system builds upon over 5 years of operating electric amphibious systems, customer feedback and, importantly signi cant 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.

Tectrax has built on its popular All Wheel Electric Drive technology with a number of other advancements, enhancing reliability, safety and performance. e 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. is 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. e option of an autonomous launch and land function means that the transition from water to land is easier than ever!

Amphibious boating just got better.

Introducing Tectrax 2nd generation. The same great power but a whole new brain brings the smarts of electric vehicles to amphibious boating. The future is driven by electric, are you ready?

Find out more at tectrax.co.nz

At the core of the Generation 2 system are the powerful and quiet All Wheel Electric Drives. ese 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. is unit is compact and has enabled Tectrax to remove all the hydraulics they had in their previous system. is means less weight, less maintenance and less compromise on boat space, and it is signi cantly 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 powerassisted steering on modern cars. is steering provides a quicker response than hydraulic steering, and it also doubles the steering arc, giving your boat unbelievable manoeuvrability on land.

e 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.

Winning a Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show Award is an achievement for any boat brand, but winning two is even better. The small yet growing Dreadnort Boats picked up the runner up position in the Most Innovative Boat Award for their Dreadnort D4000 in 2022, and then in 2023, they came away with the All Purpose Family Boat Up to 6m, with their V4000-Tiller. A remarkable achievement for a brand that is not mainstream.

Dreadnort, I hear you say. While they are a small player in the alloy boat market, what they have built and are still producing is exceptional and distinctive. Designer Blair Lewis doesn’t mind pushing the boundaries, and his boats don’t always follow convention. So is that good or bad? I reckon it’s good and gives the market something different to consider. From the logo to the fnished designs, Dreadnort Boats are different. The logo contains a ‘Vegvisir’ (pronounced “VEGG-vee-seer”), often called the Viking or Norse Compass, which is an Ancient Viking Rune intended to help the bearer “fnd their way in storms or rough weather”. Dreadnort Boats is a modern take on the name for the next generation of revolutionary powerboats!

MIXED REVIEWS

When the Dreadnort D4000 was introduced, it had mixed reviews. Designed essentially as an alloy alternative to the fshing jetski, the boat attracted much attention for Dreadnort Boats. It was like nothing else we had seen before and got people talking more about the brand. Fast forward 12 months, and Dreadnort turned up at the Hutchwilco Boat Show with another winner. While the

V4000 may look like just another tiller steer runabout, something different makes you sit back and have another look. Much like the Dreadnort D4000 did. The prolifc use of a customised U-Deck accentuates the high-impact fnish. Interestingly every fsh symbol on the deck is exactly 30cm long, the legal length for a Snapper. Based on the same hull as the D4000, the layout is different, and so is the bow. The V4000 doesn’t have the distinctive Dreadnort bow but a more conventional vertical one. The layout has been designed to cater for diverse users, from soft bait fshermen to divers and those just looking for a stable fshing platform. While boat #1 was painted inside and out plus covered with U-Dek, it is available unpainted and with a tread plate foor.

“We have had a really wide interest level, from painting it in camo for hunting to using it as a tender with lifting hooks for a davit crane, says Blair. Being a semicustomisable boat, there is a lot of changes that can be made. While the standard boat has no individual seating or items such as a ski pole, bait station, trolling motor or drum winch, they can all be added.

Should you be looking for more protection from the elements, an optional forward dodger is available, which folds out of the way when not in use.

QUICK AND AGILE

I got to run the frst V4000 on the calm waters off Herald Island, Auckland, immediately after the boys from Yamaha had done some prop testing. Running a 13” 3-blade alloy, the Yamaha 60 pulled 6500 rpm and bounced on the rev limiter. Unfortunately while needing a 14” prop, there was none available at the time, so I had to do my review with the 13”. Despite not being the right match, the V4000 is still a little rocket ship. Acceleration is instant and doesn’t take long to reach maximum speed. In this case, it was somewhere in the low 30knot region. The boat had no tacho or speedo, but my phone showed around 31 knots. While the Yamaha 50hp is probably enough power, I would go for the Yamaha 60, as it is the same weight as the 50hp, and there is nothing like having a bit more power when you need it. There is not enough height under the foor to build in a decent size fuel tank, so provision is made for a pair of tote tanks.

The best cruise was around 16-17 knots with about mid-trim. In hard turns, the boat hangs on with no side slipping. Having run a tiller steer boat for almost fve years, I know the concept. I always steer from the starboard side, and in the case of the V4000, you have the choice of sitting on a Dometic fsh bin or the fat coaming. I preferred the bin as it is lower than the coaming and closer to the extended handle. You have complete control,

and you stay dry. A full-width rear bench seat is also available. Blair says he frmly believes in attention to detail, which is very obvious when you look through the boat. The boat weighs more than most due to complying with scantling calculations. The lightship displacement is 520 kg, and we had a test weight of around 800 kg. Construction is all 4mm over a solid subframe with segregated buoyancy chambers. The welds are clean, and the workmanship is exceptional. The V4000 is unsinkable, with buoyancy chambers under the side decks and under the foor. Overall, just over a tonne of positive buoyancy.

FISHING FRIENDLY

The V4000 T is a versatile runabout that I see being used more for fshing than anything else. You can tow water toys or use it as a dive platform or maybe a tender for big boats, but it’s the fshing market that I see been attracted to the V4000 T. If you don’t want a tiller steer, then Blair says they can do a side or centre console based on a slightly larger 4.25m hull. Dreadnort Boats is the product of a collaboration between two companies, Transformarine Naval Architects and Altech Marine. This combination of collective expertise forms the next generation of cutting-edge vessels with no compromises on safety and quality.

Blair Lewis B.Eng AM.Rina – Naval Architect | Transformarine@gmail.com | +64 21 613 990

Stuart Dawe – Shipwright | Altechmarine02@gmail.com | +64 21 833 080 @DREADNORTBOATS | VISIT THE WEBSITE TO SEE THE FULL RANGE

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand Dreadnort

Priced From $NZ39,000

Priced As Tested $NZ45,000

Model V4000 Tiller

Builder Altech Marine

Designer Blair Lewis

LOA 4.00m

Beam Internal 1.79m

Beam External 1.90m

Deadrise 18 degrees at transom

Trailerable Weight 700kgs

Power Yamaha 60 4S

Top Speed 31-33 knots

Power Options 40-60hp

Fuel Tote Tanks

Decking U-Dek

Contact

Blair Lewis 021 613990

transformarine@gmail.com

DREADNORTBOATS.COM

ALLOY BOAT LISTING 2023

MARSDEN MARINE Ship Surveyors and Valuers

MNZ, AIMS-CCMS & UK SCMS qualified, recognised and professionally accredited leisure and commercial marine surveying practice.

Greg Marsden (Practice Principal) DipMarSvy, AIMS-CCMS, AMCMS, MNZ P(AP)

SF600R

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JET BOATS