Say “Bonjour” to the First All-Electric Luxury Amphibious Boat: The Iguana Foiler

Innovative French boatbuilder Iguana Yachts has been delighting the boating world with its distinctive amphibious “crawl-able” designs since it was founded 15 years ago in Normandy.

Iguana vessels are unique, with expandable/retractable tracks (think miniature tank treads), independently powered by dedicated electric motors. When on the water, the treads retract alongside the hull, thus not affecting the hydrodynamics of the boats’ sleek deep-V hull designs.

But on land, the electric power produces enough torque to roll the boat over nearly any terrain on the expanded treads, from soft sand to mud to pebbles, and up and down steep slopes with as much as a 40% incline at a safe 4 mph.

Moreover, with the tracks deployed, the center of balance is constant and can crawl along with passengers and cargo on board, right into, or out of, the water (and conquer 4-foot waves during the process, to boat, er, boot).

Of course, anyone even casually involved in boating will recognize that an Iguana can virtually eliminate the costs and hassles of launching fees, dock construction, land-based hull and engine maintenance, and off-season land storage. All you need is access to a water frontage.

Its unique mobility also provides intriguing destination exploration possibilities, as well. Imagine: You could roll an Iguana filled with your guests and gear onto a remote beachfront or park your vessel safely on land in optimal party locations far from the nearest dock.
 

Iguana produces a full line of RIB, center console, and cabin/bow-rider amphibious vehicles for consumers. However, the company has even logged sales of its earlier pro-spec Interceptor vessels to the U.S. Navy, which, of course, speaks volumes about the reliability and toughness of the builder’s design and technology.

But a new sporty, open-top Foiler model takes Iguana’s cutting-edge power, sustainability, and retractable component approach even further.

While the retractable treads have always been electrically powered, previous Iguana models utilize more traditional fueled outboard engines to take the vessel across the waves. The new Foiler, on the contrary, features a 300hp all-electric outboard made by Norwegian company Evoy.
 

This motor not only makes the whole boating process greener, but it will also propel the Foiler up to 30 knots (about 35 mph) on the water. Wait, isn’t that pretty fast for an electric outboard? How far can you go on the charge when you are out and about?

Enter the next innovation of the Iguana Foiler: Retractable hydrofoils. Inspired by the foiling race boats of the America’s Cup, when extended in the water, the sweeping bow foils (along with aft foils on the outboard itself) actually lift the Foiler hull out of the water at speed, thus greatly reducing vessel drag.
 

The result of this innovation is greater potential speed and an increase in the range of the 120kwh outboard to 50 miles. Plenty of range for a day’s cruising (and crawling).

Of course, on land, the Foiler’s treads extend, and the hydrofoils retract up. Once in the water, flip the script. Up to 8 passengers can take this futuristic 10m long/3.10m beam bow-rider on exciting, sustainable adventures.

And get a lot of looks from your fellow boaters, for sure.