CaraBoat crossover
From highway to high tide, CaraBoat delivers the best of both worlds.
A cross between a caravan and a boat, CaraBoat is the versatile alternative to both which offers owners the ability to tour the country and enjoy its coastline, rivers and lakes as the spirit takes them.
The vision of boat builder, Andy Kiernan his wife Diane and their business partners, Rob Shenn and Anthony Tippett, CaraBoat has been delivering on this dream package since 2016 when the prototype proved it was possible and appealing to others.
From a background in custom boat building, Andy applied his considerable skills with high-tech composites to design the first model, the 24ft 750 model, followed by a 28ft 870 model, which both weigh under 3 tonnes for easy trailering.
“We have sailed around Australia, and we’ve driven around the country, and we wanted to combine the two,” says Rob.
“CaraBoat was designed as a crossover, putting a different spin on the whole idea of doing The Big Lap.”
They feature a shallow draft, gullwing-hull design, and high-strength composite fiberglass to navigate shallow waters and deliver cruising speeds up to 20 knots.
Modular interiors comprise accommodation for up to four guests, an bathroom with shower/toilet, and galley with cooktop/oven. CaraBoats can be equipped with solar power systems for off-grid living, making it ideal for extended, self-sufficient travel.
Since its launch, there have been 15 sold in Australia, 15 to the US and soon New Zealand will welcome its first two models with a newly appointed CaraBoat dealer.
All the fibreglass work is completed in the Philippines, then these nifty little vessels are shipped to the owner’s region for local assembly and supply of all the other items to complete.
Dealers in each country run their own marketing, including “demo days”, boat shows and road trips to show off the CaraBoats unique prowess on the land and water.
“It’s finding a market with people who’ve had some experience with boating, who might be downsizing from a motor yacht and looking to travel – cruising the land, with the ability to cruise the rivers, dams and bays along the way,” Rob explains.
Underpinning the lightweight structure of the ingenious CaraBoat is its composite construction.
“I was familiar with ATL products, including DIAB foam, which we used in the prototype (plug boat) and WEST SYSTEM resins, so it they were an obvious choice,” says Rob.
Molds were created from the ‘plug boat’.
Throughout the build process, CaraBoat has utilised a combination of ATL formulated and manufactured epoxy resin systems, including both WEST SYSTEM® and KINETIX® ranges, selected across different stages of production for their proven reliability, performance and ease of use.
The combination of lightweight composite materials and high-performance epoxy systems has allowed the CaraBoat team to achieve a strong yet lightweight structure that delivers durability without compromising towability or efficiency.
For Rob and the team, working with ATL also brought the advantages of local manufacturing and technical support.
Having access to Australian-made epoxy systems, local stock availability, and direct technical assistance has provided confidence throughout development and production, particularly when refining designs and scaling the project over multiple builds.
“As boat builders, consistency and support are important,” Rob explains. “Being able to work with a local manufacturer that understands composites and marine applications has been a real benefit.”
ATL’s long-standing reputation within the Australian marine industry, combined with decades of expertise in epoxy formulation and composite technology, continues to support innovative builders like CaraBoat as they push the boundaries of modern boat design.
Next off the drawing board is a 650 offshore model, which launched in July as an open water boat with taller sides, reinforced hull and “that same CaraBoat magic” that promises both camping and boating adventure in a smaller package.
Priced at around $190,000 without motor, it allows owners to choose whether they want a 140hp engine for 28 knots, or 30hp for more sedate speeds.
“Our Queensland dealer has ordered the first one, so we’re excited to see the response,” Rob adds.