Smuggler Strata 700 gets the Rob Salthouse seal of approval
by Sail-World NZ 14 Oct 2020 22:53 AEDT
15 October 2020
The Strata 700 and 800 in full flight © Roger Mills
Smuggler’s Strata 700 Amphibious combines their own Orion S25 land-drive system and the forgiving 23-degree deep vee hull.
The result - a comfortable, safe ride and great performance on the water and off. The powerful S25 system gives you greater manoeuvrability in tight areas or on steeper terrain, meaning you can say goodbye to the trailer and drive the boat from your fishing Spot X right into your garage – assuming you live near the beach.
Rob Salthouse, Kiwi yachting legend, and Smuggler spokesperson says that the Smuggler is more than just a boat with some wheels bolted on. “Everything tucks nicely away,’ he says, “so that when boat is in the water, the wheels lift right up and there is no splashing.”
Solving what is a problem for many amphibious boats, Smuggler have extended the pontoons to wrap all the way around the forward wheel when it is raised, the boat is like a normal RIB. When it is being taken alongside another vessel or a dock, there is no chance of collision between the wheel system and your docking target.
Similarly, the anchoring system is hidden away under the forward seat and is operated by a switch at the helm with a through bow anchoring system. A large platform on the bow covers the front wheel and is great for standing on when casting, soft baiting or dolphin watching. The Electronic packages display the built in camera in the bow for keeping an eye on the wheel or anchor
The test boat (pictured), is powered by Yamaha F200 outboard and 175 litre fuel tank provides approx 1 litre of fuel per nautical mile, a range of around 150 nautical miles. It has lots of interior space, with seating for eight people.
With three lengths to choose from in this range, 6.2 , 6.6 , 7.0 metres, Smuggler can make the boat fit your space requirements. Lifting points can be added for tenders. Fold down T-Tops and screens as options make storage in low garages possible.
Smuggler Amphibious RIBs:
All Smuggler Amphibious models are teamed up with the powerful and innovative Orion S25 technology featuring electronic soft touch controls, joystick, all-wheel drive hydraulic system, brakes, diff lock. Wheels retract into a recessed bow, and aft into the D-tube so that when underway the wheels are hidden from sight giving you a safer, drier ride, plus a streamlined looking hull. On land operation is effortless - no trailer, no tractor, no fuss, just drive straight in. A large purpose built fibreglass flange not only deflects the spray down and away from the hull making a drier ride, but also takes pressure off the tubes
Other boats in the Smuggler Range:
Smuggler boats are like riding on a cushion of air – both the finish and ride are amazing
There is an extensive range of fibreglass Smuggler models to choose from:
Strata RIB ranges from 5 to 11 metres – centre console / mid cabin / full cabin options
Family Cruisers from 5 to 7 metres – with cabins, hardtops, bimini and centre console options
Amphibious RIBs from 6 to 11 metres
Smuggler Recreational – fishing, diving, superyacht tenders, beach house transport
Smuggler Commercial – Coastguard, Charters, Work boats
All production models can be customised to suit your requirements. They have the deepest vee, comfortable ride and are well known for their quality and finish and performance.