Kia Ora Sealegs Enthusiasts,
It is with great pleasure that I write this Sealegs update and brief you all on the progress and successes at the Sealegs Group since August. It has certainly been a year of two halves. The first, started with the wildfires in Australia (of which some of our customers had first-hand experience), and of course Covid-19 putting a stop globally to many marketing efforts including boat shows and demonstrations, along with supply chain and logistic issues.
I’m therefore very thankful to report positively on the second half of the year. Whilst there continues to be challenges for businesses around the world Sealegs has been experiencing strong sales on the back of new product releases and a loyal customer base,.
Below you’ll see some of the developments at Sealegs. Included is the announcement for Dealer of the year 2020 and as such I'd like to congratulate Francis and Danielle from DB Marine. They have done an outstanding job promoting and servicing Sealegs in France and long may their success continue.
1. Dealer of the Year 2020
Congratulations to Danielle, Francis, and Nicholas at DB Marine, France. The Sealegs DEALER OF THE YEAR 2020.
Sealegs has benefitted hugely from the support of many suppliers, partners, agents, and dealers around the world. The latter of these, our dealers, have assisted us hugely in 2020. The inability to travel or attend boat shows has meant our network of dealers has been invaluable assisting with the sales and marketing alongside our global offices.
Having entrenched routes to market in the post-Covid world is imperative, and DB Marine this year has stood out among others due to their commitment, support and ultimately success with the Sealegs brand.
We look forward to working with you all further in the years ahead.
The highly innovative and distinctive Sealegs E4 electric amphibious boat was awarded the Gold Best Design Award at the recent annual Designers Institute of NZ awards ceremony.
The judges commented that the integration of electric hub motors into the Sealegs system is a good fit, saving space and taking the existing system a step further.
The judges went on to say that paired with a redesign of the overall control and information console, the Sealegs E4 electric amphibious boat is a refined, cohesive and modern utility craft.
We're delighted to have worked in collaboration with Blender Design to make this win possible!
With the cancellation of major shows, here in NZ we took the opportunity to host our customers and friends for an open day at our Auckland factory in early October, as well as a small meet & greet on Waiheke Island.
It was great to see so many friendly faces after a somewhat isolated year, share stories and showcase the new 7.5m Semi-Cab and 6.1m Alloy (more below).
Over in Australia, Sealegs dealers Blairgowrie Marina Services had the same idea, where they hosted their own event - the 2020 Sealegs Broome Beach Races.
We'd like to thank everyone who attended these events, and hope to see you at our next one, wherever it may be!
Below is a slideshow and some photos from the three events.
4. New Team Members
The challenges of Covid-19 gave us an opportunity to reassess our business. This came with some hard questions but also provided some hugely productive answers. As a result we are pleased to welcome over 10 new members to our team.
We want to say a big welcome to Harry, Benji, Michael, Dominic, Adrienne, Brett, Chris, Dale, Rima, and Jake.
5. Release of the 6.1m Alloy
For the past 20 years we’ve been in pursuit of creating the worlds best amphibious boat. This has led is to advancements in technology, and increase in size, and breadth of application to suit all needs.
This year we decided to take a step back and look to areas of the market that still didn’t have the world's best amphibious boat for their needs. This led us to the creation of the 6.1m Alloy. A dedicated coastal fishing craft, that can be built cost-effectively and configured efficiently to their needs.
Designed in 2020 to incorporate modern styling and efficient production, the 6.1m Alloy is a practical, highly configurable amphibious fishing boat.
Last month we officially announced the release of the 6.1m Alloy to New Zealand and Australian customers. We’re excited to provide an amphibious solution that will allow more people access to the joy of amphibious boating.
6. The 7.5m Hydrasol RIB overseas arrivals
2020 has been a big year for the 7.5m Hydrasol RIB, with many of deliveries completed throughout New Zealand, and also the United Kingdom during the year.
We are now excited to announce the arrival of the 7.5m Hydrasol RIB to Australia, the USA, Canada, and France in more recent months.
Below are a couple of images of our most recent deliveries.
7. New Zealand Customer Service
Summer has officially started in the southern hemisphere and the weather is only going to get better, which means many of you will be heading out onto the water.
If you encounter issues and require technical assistance whilst on the land, please call us on 0800 SEALEGS (0800 732 5347) and follow the prompts. We have after hours technical assistance available on weekends, and the number is available to overseas callers.
If you are on the water and it is an emergency, please call your local coastguard. If you are in NZ, you can find your local coastguard channel here.
This is also a timely reminder to make sure you have fresh fuel onboard and your Sealegs on a battery trickle charger when not in use.
8. 12m Cabin RIB
A little while back we announced the release of the world’s largest amphibious production boat - The Sealegs 12m Cabin RIB (or 12RC) - Read the press release here, and are delighted to announce that it is now in production.
With a 12 metre overall length, up to twin 425hp outboards, massive 940mm diameter by 500mm wide tyres and a gross weight of 7500kg, the Sealegs 12RC is a monster craft with unequalled size, power and performance in the amphibious boat market.
9. Sealegs Store
A reminder to all customers that you can purchase parts, accessories, and now merchandise from the Sealegs Store. Alternatively if you need something that isn’t listed, please email parts@sealegs.com
