Sealegs developing ‘best-in-class’ self-launching fishing boat

The Sealegs 6.5m Alloy Cuddy Cabin, as the new model will be known, is an all-new keel-up design featuring a hull optimised for the Sealegs System 60 driving system.

According to Sealegs, the new design makes the 6.5m Alloy Cuddy Cabin “easy launch and retrieval, even for a sole operator”.

It means owners with beachfront, river or canal access can drive into the water, fish for a few hours and then drive back on shore without the need to visit a boat ramp or tie up in the water.

You could even swing past the local shops and pick up a carton of milk, with an extended range version able to handle up to 30 minutes of running time, although crawling along at a maximum speed of 10km/h.

Consideration has also been given to improving the onboard storage options, including four cockpit sleeves, two underfloor kill tanks and a forward underfloor dry locker.

The boat will also come with port and starboard fold-out ladders that tuck away into the transom for a seamless appearance.

Powering the Sealegs 6.5m Alloy Cuddy Cabin is a choice of 130hp or 150hp Yamaha outboard engines, with the three wheels driven hydraulically using an inboard 22hp Honda four-stroke auxiliary engine. Owners can tick a box for optional Seastar hydraulic steering if needed.

The 130hp engine will give the Sealegs 6.5m Alloy Cuddy Cabin a top speed of just more than 30 knots.

The images giving clues as to what the new model will look like show king and queen modular helm seats and Simrad electronics.

Interestingly, the new model does not use a built-in underfloor fuel tank, instead relying upon a 45-litre tote tank that fits into a floor cavity.

The boat will come standard with an 1100-gallons-an-hour automatic bilge pump, battery with a dual battery system available as an option, navigation lights, windscreen and deck tread.

It will also get a seat on the auxiliary engine box, and rod and drink holders.

A trailer is available, as is a two-seat option for the helm.