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Caravanboot (1963 prototype)
Germany · Camper
| Also known as | Caravanboot |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Built | 1963– |
| Type | Camper |
| Status | Prototype |
| Use | Civilian |
| Propulsion | |
| In water | Propeller |
| Hull | GRP |
| Engine | Outboard motor up to 75 PS (not supplied) |
| Dimensions & performance | |
| Length | 5.2 m |
| Width | 2 m |
| Weight | 600 kg |
| Seats | 4 |
The Caravanboot is a one-off German amphibious caravan built in 1963 as a prototype by a caravan manufacturer. The aim was a vehicle that could serve both as a touring caravan and as a boat. It never went into series production. It is known from a 2004 private sale advertisement placed when its owner could no longer afford to finish restoring it.
Design
The boat sits on a separate steel semi-trailer. To launch it, the trailer is driven to the water and the boat rolls off on rollers. The hull is a fibreglass catamaran, which the seller described as fully seaworthy even in waves. It takes an outboard motor of up to 75 PS; a stainless-steel mounting kit was included, but no engine.
The boat is 5.2 m long, 2.0 m wide and 2.3 m high and weighs 600 kg. The trailer is 6.0 m long and 2.6 m wide, weighs 200 kg and has brakes on all four wheels. The cabin has four seats and two tables that convert into a three-person bed, a large wardrobe, three small cupboards and a galley with a sink.
Condition
At the time of sale, neither boat nor trailer had registration papers. The boat was at a boatyard in Achern, where restoration had started and then stalled. The seller said it was still usable and in sound condition, though it looked neglected.
3 Photographs
3 photographs in the archive folder. Click any image to view it full size.
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