Sealegs gets approval to enter European market

Amphibious boat maker Sealegs has received approval to sell its 5.6 metre amphibious rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) in Europe.

Sealegs chief executive David McKee Wright said the company had received European certification for the boats. The company can now sell the boats throughout the European Union, as well as the European Economic countries and territories not already in the EU

The certification process meant that some design changes were made to the 5.6m boats, but Sealegs said the investment in making the modifications was offset by the large market opportunities opened up by the approval.

Sealegs contracted consultants CE Proof to advise it during the six-month certification process.

The amphibious 5.6m rigid inflatable boat sells for $69,000 plus GST, and comes with a 90hp Yamaha outboard motor.

Sealegs set a new world record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel by an amphibious vehicle in June 2005.

Shares in Sealegs were down 0.5c at 17.5c in early trading today, having ranged between 15c and 36.9c over the past 12 months.

- NZPA