Transformer
If you’ve ever suffered pangs of guilt about blatting around on your PWC while the rest of your family watches from the shore, you might consider this add-on accessory to share the fun.
Converting any PWC into a fun, family boat.
Alightweight speedboat that can be ‘mated’ with most PWCS to create a much larger vessel, the just-released Wave Boat 444 accommodates five passengers – all without sacrificing too much of the PWC’S performance. Depending on the PWC used, the 444 can run at 50 knots.
The 444 fits snugly around the PWC’S hull, with the latter providing the power and steering. In effect, the two vessels become one – and the result is an ingenious 2-in-1 solution to the traditional mis-match between a PWC and family boating. It’s a clever way of sharing the adrenalin-filled thrill of PWCriding with friends and family.
The 4.44m Wave Boat is manufactured by Sealver, a French company based at Sanguinet in the country’s southwestern corner. It specialises in vessels that are mated to and powered by PWCS.
At 280kg, the 444 is the lightest and smallest model in the Sealver stable – and will appeal to users because of the ease of towing and the simplicity of docking/undocking. It’s a simple process involving straps and buckles – and there are customised adaptor kits for the different PWC brands/models.
Constructed in fibreglass, the basic vessel comes with cushioned seating and is equipped with four storage lockers. Optional extras include a foldaway bimini and a tow post for skiers/wakeboarders/biscuit riders.
Fundamental to the 444’s appeal is its versatility. Coupled to the PWC, it’s a highperformance vessel offering loads of thrills and a variety of tow sports. When everyone’s knackered you head to a remote bay for a family picnic. There the PWC is quickly undocked and replaced by a floating sunbed inset. The Wave Boat becomes the party base, leaving the PWC untethered and free for riding by anyone still able to muster the energy.
All of which translates into shared fun. Every PWC owner will admit to relishing the dynamic thrill of the craft’s speed, electrifying acceleration, cat-like agility and dynamic manoeuvrability. But most owners – if they’re honest – will also admit to feeling a little selfish and guilty about the rest of the family watching from the shore.
Key advantages of the Wave Boat include its excellent manoeuvrability thanks to the hull’s clean lines and sharp entry. Many users will also feel a little more comfortable about the vessel being powered by a jet unit rather than a prop – particularly when recovering skiers/
biscuit riders. With the shallow draft it’s also easy to beach the vessel.
Today Sealver manufactures a range of the vessels in various sizes – some with rigid hulls, some semi-rigid with inflatable pontoons. The larger models – with reinforced kevlar hulls – are geared to maritime rescue roles. The vessels are sold through agents in more than 50 countries – but not yet in New Zealand and Australia. The company is actively trying to address this issue, seeking contact with interested dealers here.
Without a local dealer, it’s difficult to say what a landed 444 might cost in New Zealand, but the company’s website lists the price at €9,500 (about NZ$16,000 depending on the exchange rate).
BNZ