Anyone who has ever experienced the frustrating and often soaking-wet joys of launching and retreiving a boat can appreciate this New Zealand innovation. Sealegs represents the first commercially available amphibious option for small boats available anywhere in the world, allowing the occupants to drive from a storage location, down a boat ramp or beach and into the water whilst staying high and dry inside the boat.

The Sealegs motorised, retractable and steerable boat wheels are fitted to a customised 4.7m rigid inflatable boat giving the user a variable speed of 0-10KPH in both forward and reverse - so it wont be useful on the freeway. The system is currently available on boats in the 4m - 6m size range with a total weight of up to 750kg.The patentpending concept from New Zealand uses powerful motorised wheels that are retracted when the boat is on the water. When in this position the legs are completely out of the water and the boat can be driven and used as normal. For the reverse situation, where the boat is returning to land, the Sealegs wheels are lowered whilst still in the water and the boat driven towards shore until the wheels touch the botom and the boat can be driven back up the beach.With the sheer convenience of driving the boat onto land, Sealegs is ideal for those lucky enough to reside on the waterfront, or for use as a luxury yacht tender. The Sealegs system utilises all submersible components and is Salt Water ready. Visit www.sealegs.co.nz to learn more.

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Tyger-Ray is an electric underwater scooter designed for use during snorkelling or diving that not only increases dive time by saving energy, and therefore oxygen, but also lets you throw underwater loops and somersaults to depths of up to 38 metres. Travelling at 4 kph above and below the surface when used by an average-sized person, the rechargeable 12 volt system delivers a run-time of more than 60 minutes under typical conditions.

Tyger-Ray is an electric underwater scooter designed for use during snorkelling or diving that not only increases dive time by saving energy, and therefore oxygen, but also lets you throw underwater loops and somersaults to depths of up to 38 metres. Travelling at 4 kph above and below the surface when used by an average-sized person, the rechargeable 12 volt system delivers a run-time of more than 60 minutes under typical conditions.

Tyger Ray is constructed from impact proof, UV resistant and highly visible polyethylene and the placement of motor and propeller is underneath and in front of the diver to maximise water flow, thrust and manoeuvrability whilst minimising any chance of dive gear or hair becoming entangled.

Operation of the underwater scooter is via a magnetic safety switch and glove that engages the single speed drive and ensures that it stops when you let go.The benefits to dive duration come from the fact that you dont have to rely on kicking to the same degree, so you burn less energy and use less of the oxygen in your tank.

The maintenance-free 12 volt battery takes 8-12 hours for a full recharge, the unit weighs just 22kgs and another attractive feature of the Tyger Ray is the price - AUS$1,500.

Tyger Ray is the latest aquatic accessory from the Australian company that developed 12 volt diving systems, PowerDive International. Read Gizmag’s coverage of the PowerDive diving unit here, or for further information on PowerDive products and distributors within Australia please visit www.powerdive.com.

Looking for a little more underwater speed? Check out Gizmag’s article on the Delfjet, a surfing device capable of speeds up to 25 kmh and diving to 125 metres depth.

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Designs have been unveiled for a new commercial and recreational marine park from Giancarlo Zema that incorporates the Trilobis 65 - a 20 metre long, multi-level semi-submerged floating home designed for habitation by six people featured in Gizmo 4. Known as Lake Washington, the large-scale water themed entertainment venue will include boating amenities, shopping centres and a submerged restaurant.Visitors to the park ride in small submersibles, kayaks, sailboats and electric powered watercraft for recreation and to visit the underwater restaurant, floating Trilobis 65 homes and waterside cafes and facilities for the performing arts.

The first class underwater dining room that provides a 360-degree illuminated view of a submerged wreck and small manned submersibles. Lake Washington also features a glass enclosed Shopping Mall that houses a tropical avian area, a Submarine Docking and Instruction Area where visitors can learn how to pilot a small submersible or rent a sailboat or electric boat.Trilobis 65 residences will also feature throughout the park and a concert arena and business conference facility for meetings and lectures.For further information visit www.sub-find.com or follow the links below to learn more about the Trilobis 65 and other Giancarlo Zema designs previously featured in Gizmo.