Rugged way to chart new water

The new D Tube amphibious aluminium boat is expected to have more appeal for the military and rescue organisations.

Sealegs is hoping to tap commercial markets with a new "rugged" version of its boat on wheels.

Company founder Maurice Bryham said the 5.6m all-aluminium D-Tube was more versatile than the company's inflatable model and would suit military and rescue organisations or fishermen.

But he did not think it would slow sales of the rubber inflatables and expected to sell equal numbers of each.

The listed marine company makes amphibious boats - those that can be driven in and out of the water on retractable wheels.

The D-tube, which will retail for $69,000, was unveiled at the Hamilton Boat Show on the weekend.

The craft has a 4mm marine-grade aluminium hull with solid 3mm aluminium foam-filled pontoons and a self-draining deck with scuppers.

Like the earlier models, it will reach a top speed of 60km/h on water and 10km/h on land.

Sealegs' boats are made in stages in East Tamaki and Auckland's North Shore, and sell for an average price of $75,000

Last week, the company said production had reached 50 orders, after the first boat was delivered 15 months ago.

In June, Bryham broke the record for crossing the English Channel. His Sealegs boat took 45 minutes - less than half the time taken by British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson when he set the record last year.