While the development of amphibious vehicles began over one hundred years prior to the dawn of the automobile, the practicality of such rides still hasn’t caught on much, mainly because of the limitations of on-water speed and the sluggishness of the land-to-water transformation itself. However, one type of vehicle that could preclude the need to go fast on the water is the caravan.
Partnering with Schneider Caravaning, German-based Caracat has made it so you don’t have to be in some high-tech spy movie to travel from land to sea in your luxury RV. The company has developed and patented a unique way to transform caravans into catamarans and has now released its largest model yet, the Caracat 860. Named for its 8.6m length (~28ft), the Caracat 860 makes the transition from land to sea seamlessly thanks to its deployable pontoon, which adds an additional 8ft to the width, yielding triple the stability while on water, where it’s powered by 15hp thrusters..
Operating with an electric engine and powered by solar panels on the roof, the Caracat has enough amenities on the inside and out to make this a spectacular option even if you were to stay on land, equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, and two foldable beds. Unique for most RVs, the 860 model also has a balcony out in the back as well as a covered rooftop lounge.
Caracat may have perfected the amphibious vehicle, since venturing on the water in a boat this size doesn’t typically call for much speed in the first place; it’s more for relaxation. Likewise, those spending time living on the road won’t mind the time it takes to draw out the GRP hulls to head out to sea. Head over to Caracat’s website to learn more.
