A caravan that can turn into a motorized houseboat is a dream that countless companies (and entrepreneurial DIY’ers) have been attempting for years. Back in the 1930’s for example, there was much talk of houseboat barges becoming trailers and wooden surfboards. In the 1970’s there was the Caraboat – which has now become a collector’s piece.
In more recent years, German companies have proved particularly successful in developing highly successful hybrid amphibious caravans. Back in 2014, German company Sealander launched a vehicle described as a ‘caravan and yacht in one’ and has been steadily improving its concept ever since.
Now another German contender has appeared on the market. The arrival of a new Caravanboat at September’s Caravan Salon Dusseldorf immediately attracted attention.
Visitors flocked to discover the merits of this Caravanboat and were not disappointed. Manufactured by German company, Deutsche Composite Gmbh, it represents years of experience in dealing with innovative construction projects.
Caravanboat is a caravan, speed boat and a home all in one. [Photo/Deutsche Composite GmbH]
The Departure One CaravanBoat promises ‘camping without limits.’ You can hitch to the car and take to the road. Park at a lake or river, you can stay on land or take to the water for a leisurely boat ride, or even turn it into a houseboat for a longer journey. You can park, moor or drive where you like. According to the company, it is ‘the perfect solution for people who treasure their freedom and independence while striving to maintain a variety of options while traveling.’ As yet, it is only suitable for inland waterways.
At just over 8-feet wide and 30-feet long, it is trailer bar compatible with the requirements in almost all countries worldwide. Towing vehicles need a payload of at least three metric tons to cope with the size and weight of the CaravanBoat. Travelling in Europe with the CaravanBoat is no problem as it has been built with European guidelines in mind, and meets the highest possible boat standards for both inland and coastal driving. Departure One can be exported outside Europe as a Germanischer Lloyd acceptance can be created, making it acceptable worldwide. Deutsche Composite Gmbh is already looking at the opportunities posed by the North American market for this innovative caravan/boat.
The specifications are definitely high. Four people can sleep comfortably in the Departure One Caravan Boat. LED reading spots beside the beds enable you to relax with a book before sleeping. Generous storage units are provided including a wardrobe, lots of kitchen cupboards, and even spice racks.
Great care has been taken in practical considerations when the caravan is turned into a boat. There are non-slip walkable outer surfaces on the roof and in the front of the vessel, sliding doors and attachments such as railings and ladders. Deutsche Composite’s patented RexWallâ„¢ construction materials have been used to create light weight sidewalls, floors and a roof strong enough to bear the weight of up to four passengers. Transforming the caravan into a boat takes only a few minutes preparation. Unhitch the caravan at the waters edge, fit on the outboard motor and away you go.
Looking at the specification, it incorporates a 15HP outboard engine, and a hollow hull filled with polyurethane foam. Green and red lighting are installed in the railing, together with an RV-Light Reversing system displayed within at the helm. Panoramic windows provide great views of the scenery as you drift or drive past. The entry point is at the rear, rather than the side of the vehicle. This enables it to be turned more effectively into a boat creating the image of a motor cruiser style.
Sleek, curved edges at the front add to the aerodynamic qualities of the caravanboat, while the roof includes solar panels, back up camera, and TV antenna or radar. An integral storage box with folding brackets for back support provides comfortable seating and there is even a table with cup holder. The anchor is hidden in a box at the front. Ladders at front and back give dual access. Fancy a swim? Take a dive from the small diving deck at the front, or relax on the optional teak pattern floor deck at the rear. The rear tailgate door opens at 90 degrees matching the linear line of the boat. As if that is not enough, there is a pull out awning providing an additional external seating area.
Whether on land or water, two people can use it for up to two days without needing any additional electrical power or water supplies, thus making that impulse trip down river or across a remote lake much more accessible. In addition, quite different from normal trailer usage, it can be moved by road on a truck or flat rack container.
And what of the cost? Starting prices are $67,326. Find out more info on their Facebook page. Practical, versatile and stylish, the Caravan Boat has become reality.
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