Sealegs secures $1.5m in forward orders

One of Sealegs' aluminium amphibious boats. Herald file picture

Sealegs is proving that its amphibious boats have legs, securing $1.5 million in forward orders.

The company said it has received forward orders for 18 of the patent-pending boats.

Sealegs chief executive David McKee Wright said the orders are from customers in Britain, Europe and Australasia.

With the latest batch of orders, a total of 34 of the rigid inflatable and d-tube aluminium amphibious boats have been ordered so far this year, more than twice the number at the same time last year.

Mr McKee Wright said growth was expected to continue next year.

"Everyone is flat out meeting the strong demand and we are continuing to field regular enquiries from local and offshore buyers," he said.

The increased demand has led to a price reduction, with buyers now able to snap up a standard 5.6m amphibious boat for $69,000 plus GST, down from $98,000.

The company also hopes to bring amphibious boats to the masses, with plans to design a high volume, low cost craft selling for $50,000 by 2008.

- NZPA