An amphibious caravan which can transform into a boat is set to go on sale in 2012. Launched at Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf in September 2011, the German designers say their Sealander device is a normal caravan which weighs only 380kg, until it's lowered into the water.
At this point a 5HP electric motor kicks in which can be used to control the £13,000 caravan which has instantly become a £13,000 boat.
It's not going to be luxurious at just 160cm wide and 185cm high, but the floating caravan boasts a sink, coolbox, camping toilet and 2 berths for sleeping. It has a removable roof so you can sleep under the stars, and the interior will be customizable through a number of modules to choose from.
Its creator says:
'You can settle for the night at the campsite and during the day sunbathe, cruise on the lake or even go fishing for dinner.
'You can even up sticks and settle on the next island if the camp site is crowded. I think the advantages offered by the Sealander are varied and different for everyone.'
The design has a clever double hull which means that should the outer shell spring a leak, only the sub-floor will fill with water, ensuring that it remains afloat.
So far the Sealander can only be used in shallow waters but Daniel is already looking at building vans which can take to deeper waters and even the sea.
A prototype has been built and successfully tested on the road and on the water, and the Sealander is expected to go on sale for camping/boating enthusiasts at the start of 2012 with a price tag of £13,000.
There was a british amphibian caravan marketed in the 70s called the Caraboat, quite expensive and heavy and was only in production for a short while. I beleive there are still a couple in exsistence, tho don't know if the owner's club still survives.............Mick
How do you peg the awning down?
Does it have a water ingress warranty?
Where do I mount the satellite dish?
Does it come with a floating pontoon for the barbie?
Makes Hammonds "Dampervan" on Top Gear look like a good idea.
I think it's great, nice to see people using their imaginations and turning things around, and getting away from the run of the mill, ok not what I'd buy but I bet some would.
I say good on him.
------------- "I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.
I think its quite funky, nice to see something different, but did they have to do it in white?? Bright red so the big ships can see it I would want, lol
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
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Topic: the Sealander - an Amphibious Caravan!
