At first glance, it might be mistaken for another unsuccessful attempt to combine the two worlds: road and sea. But if you look at this vehicle with an open mind and more curiosity, then you can realize that it is actually a revolutionary means which embodies considerable technical and technological elements.
We’re taking about WaterCar.
We found it in Palm Beach, during our explorations at one among the most beautiful world’s boat shows. It’s one of the “youngest” events since it takes place exactly while American students are enjoying their “Sprink Break” holiday near Miami.
Thus, it is therefore not surprising if, during one of the numerous – and little crazy – side events of the boat show, where bier flows free and music is blasting, we see a car-like means running on water near boats, yachts and watercrafts.
The .Watercar incorporates an extremely strong off-road chassis as well as a durable light weight fiberglass hull. This kind of construction allows the vehicle to be used both off-road and at sea despite the heavy stress it is subject to.
Filled with an almost one cubic meter of US Coast Guard approved close-cell styrofoam the means is virtually unsinkable and requires just a normal road driving license.
Fitted with a Honda V6 V-Tec 24-valve engine, the vehicle can exceed 55 m/h. However, the real engineering masterpiece lies in the so-called “transfer case” which allows the Watercar to reach 38 knots at sea.
So, we’re talking about a rather fast means if we consider it weights 1.3 tons.
The manufacturer is very clear about how to solve the corrosion problem. In a technical note, it indeed declares: ” Everything that can be built with stainless steel is, everything else is epoxy coated or build out of non corrosive materials“.
Seats are made of marine vinyl and are installed on off-road suspensions in order to absorb the biggest bumps.
What about price? The Panther, completely custom-made, costs $ 155,000. Not too much considering it is an off-road and a motorboat at the same time.
If you still have some doubts about this car, please take a look at the video below which shows all the features of this versatile amphibious vehicle very well.
