Amazing Australian 'Sports Limo'

Hydraulic hardtop and pop-up cabin make this superyacht tender a future sportsfisher, dive boat and more

The incredible Sports Limousine from Van Diemen Luxury Craft (VDLC) is a clever Australian-designed and -built tender that makes some European designs doing the rounds here seem rather tame. Just check out the embedded video at the foot of the story for a visual explanation.

The smart boat has been designed to give maximum volume, versatility and comfort within the specified size limitations of a superyacht tender.

Using hydraulics, the boat morphs from launch to centre console with hardtop to a full-blown limo with forward cabin and protected seating for eight at the press of a button. Clever alright!

But for those without a superyacht, this patented conversion system offers equally great potential.

SUPERYACHT BACKING

Built in Australia, the Sports Limousines are shipped worldwide with a commitment to excellence, care and quality, say founding marine engineers, Andrew Fearman and Matthew Craze.

Both directors share a passion for boats and a flair for design and have been working in the commercial marine industry and the superyacht industry for a combined 30 years, their bio says.

The so-called Sports Limousine can be made in a range of sizes and styles, the Tasmanian-based company adds. The smallest Sports Limo’ starts at 5.5m in length, but the specs below are for the 7.5m model and there are custom options.

All boats are said to comply with stringent size and build quality specifications using quality materials (aluminium in the pictured demonstrator) and world-class craftsmanship.

THREE BOATS IN ONE

A key attribute of the Australian-designed and –built Sports Limo is its roof and window system featuring a sliding glass windscreen and separate lifting hardtop. This ingenious bit of engineering gives three main forms at the press of a button.

The boat variants include:

<< Sports Position: The roof is lifted fully overhead where it provides sun protection ideal for sportsfishers and divers. The glass ‘windscreen’ can be raised fully or partially to further protect passengers from the elements.

<<Limousine Position: With the windows raised, the roof is lowered to form a sealed comfortable forward cabin. This creates a limousine style of vessel with comfortable forward seating for eight guests in a semi-enclosed cabin.

<< Launch and Stowed Position: All components are lowered to the height of the gunwale for minimum volume. With the hardtop lowered you reduce garaging and stacking height of what is a large versatile trailerboat. You also gain optimum casting space, while the aerodynamic boat is ideal for cruising and towing at speed.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Certainly, the mind boggles with all the possibilities for a boat with a hydraulic storable hardtop and cabin. If the two could be made in a cost effective and sturdy way it might change the way designers offer their boats.

The combination of weather protection for running to the grounds and clear casting space with the hardtop stowed is desirable for sports and fly fishing, for example. With the cabin-top stowed flat you could turn the cabin top which becomes a foredeck into a dedicated casting platform.

With the hardtop up you gain shade in what is essentially a big runabout and centre console that has the potential to fulfil many mainstream roles.

With the cabin up, the innovative design gives you luxury protected seating for transportation and ferrying passengers but you could also create a weekender version.

The boat also suits many watersports and towing activities, with jet-drive power an option for shallow-water boating.

OTHER KEY FEATURES

The stern doors slide inside the gunwale giving uninterrupted access to the transom and allow the vessel to be backed onto pontoons or swim platforms for rear boarding. The sterndrive is recessed for clearance and to avoid obstructions on deck.

A deep-vee hull has been employed to give a comfortable ride, with wide reverse chine to minimise spray and help the vessel to plane efficiently.

Power comes from a 260hp Volvo Penta diesel Duoprop sterndrive, allowing for a top speed of 35 knots, the builder says.

An electric bow thruster and Interceptor trim tabs enhance manoeuvrability and allows manual and automated adjustment of ride. Price appears to be on application at this point in time.

Specifications: 7.5M Sports Limo

Features: Hydraulic steering, bow thruster, Volvo Trim control system with automatic trim control, Muir electric anchor windlass, Fusion sound system with four Bose marine speakers, courtesy LED lighting, Raymarine E165 touchscreen chartplotter, Raymarine VHF radio, forward-facing camera, dual batteries, custom stainless anchor, teak decking, and more

Available options: Cabin air conditioning, underwater lights, underwater camera, custom swim ladder, radar, toilet, fridge, aluminium or composite construction, jet drive, fully customised interior and more.

Dimensions: 7.5m (24ft) x 2.45m x 2m (stowed height)

Dry weight: approx 3000kg

Fuel consumption: 1L/nm @25 kts

Top speed: 35 knots

Seating: 8 Pax + 2 Crew

Superyacht storage: Designated high-strength lifting points

Engine: 260hp Volvo Penta common-rail diesel with Du prop stern rive

Details: See Van Diemen Luxury Craft, www.vdlc.om.au.

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Amazing Australian 'Sports Limo'

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