HALF VAN, HALF BOAT A BIG HIT

FOR those who can’t decide between a caravan and a boat, a hybrid has hit the market to provide the best of both worlds.

The CaraBoat – a caravan that can also travel on water – has been a hit at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The 8.7m vessel is comfortable enough to live on, sleeping four adults, and includes a shower, oven, deep freezer and pantry.

CaraBoat’s Rob Shenn said a smaller model debuted at the boat show three years ago.

“We started in 2016 and did about six of them, then realised there was a good market there so we went into full production,” he said.

“We get a lot of inquiries. At a launch ramp or a caravan park, you get swamped with people.”

The CaraBoat is designed for inland lakes and river systems, and can be towed by a Toyota LandCruiser or similar.

“(The buyers) are driving long distances, staying at caravan parks and doing the sights along the way, doing the grey nomad thing, then they get to the water and head off,” Mr Shenn said.