Sealander

The Sealander is a small amphibious caravan ("Schwimmcaravan") from Germany. Two prototypes were shown at a trade fair, with fairly sparse interiors, and the makers promised customers more choice in series production. The standard version was expected to cost around 15,000 euros, fully equipped and including an electric outboard motor.

Design

The body is a closed monocoque shell, hand-laid in one piece from glass-fibre composite. Its lower shell has a double bottom divided into sealed air chambers. If the hull is holed, the space between the two floors floods and the draught increases slightly, but the cabin stays dry and the caravan cannot sink. The running gear is sealed, so the Sealander can be backed into the water by its tow car, or even pushed in by hand, without a trailer or slipway. The wide lower shell gives a shallow draught and good stability, helped by the low centre of gravity of the axle.

Afloat it is driven by a low-emission electric outboard, which means no boat licence is needed on most German inland waters. The outboard's battery also powers the cabin and can be charged from the tow car on the road. The caravan is 3.89 m long including the drawbar (3.56 m without), 1.60 m wide and 1.85 m high, and weighs 380 kg. It is light and narrow enough to be towed by small cars without a trailer licence or extended mirrors.

Interior

The 305 x 156 cm interior was planned to include a cooking and washing module, cool box, heater, a table and two benches that convert into a 156 x 200 cm bed, with a portable toilet as an option.