Sealegs International
Sealegs International, founded in New Zealand in 2001 and producing since 2004, manufactures patented amphibious boats that transition from land to water at the push of a button. It serves recreational owners, government emergency services, tourism operators, and OEM boat builders in 55+ countries via three regional offices and a 150+ dealer network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Sealegs International does
Sealegs International Limited, founded in 2001 in Auckland, New Zealand, with first production in 2004, designs and manufactures amphibious boats under proprietary patented technology marketed as the Amphibious Enablement System (AES). Its craft drive on land via inboard engines powering retractable wheels and transform into high-performance powerboats on water at the push of a button. Available in System 70 (for boats up to 9m and 3,000kg GVW, using a Briggs & Stratton 35HP engine) and System 100 (up to 12m and 7,500kg GVW, using a Kubota 97HP diesel), the AES is also licensed to third-party boat builders through a B2B OEM programme validated by Naiad Design. The product portfolio spans Sport RIBs (3.8m–12m), Sport Alloy aluminium hulls (6.5m–8.6m), and Commercial craft (6.1m–12m), supported by sub-brands Hydrasol, Hydrapak, Electrosol, the Cross Charge™ electric drive system, and the Automatic Braking System.
Revenue is generated through three primary streams: hardware sales of new craft and a pre-loved programme (NZD 68K–145K for used boats), aftermarket parts and certified servicing through a global service agent network, and B2B income from SLG Engineering Services and AES licensing royalties. Distribution is via direct regional offices in New Zealand (Auckland headquarters with four premises including a dedicated Albany manufacturing facility), Australia (Gold Coast, QLD), and the United States (Bristol, Rhode Island), augmented by 150+ dealers and certified service agents across 55+ countries with active partners in Canada, Denmark, France, India, Spain, the UK, Vanuatu, and the US Pacific Northwest.
The customer base spans four core segments: recreational owners (highlighted by Waiheke Island's 210+ owner community and endorsements from Bear Grylls, Sir Richard Branson, and Philippe Starck), tourism operators (e.g., Pennicott Wilderness Journeys' 11.5m Naiad-Sealegs tourist boats), government and emergency services (Fiji NDMO, Malaysian Police and Fire Departments, Queensland SES, Moreton Island Rural Fire Brigade), and OEM boat builders (Naiad Design). The company employs 101–250 people and operates as a private company with no public funding rounds beyond two small Callaghan Innovation R&D co-funding grants in 2013 and 2020.
Sealegs International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sealegs International
- Legal name
- Sealegs International Limited
- Website
- https://sealegs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Sealegs International, founded in New Zealand in 2001 and producing since 2004, manufactures patented amphibious boats that transition from land to water at the push of a button. It serves recreational owners, government emergency services, tourism operators, and OEM boat builders in 55+ countries via three regional offices and a 150+ dealer network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sealegs International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Amphibious Boat Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Boat Building (336612), Ship and Boat Building (3366)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Landing Craft & Amphibious Workboats (LCM/LCT-style, Beaching Craft) (IMAJADAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Luxury Yacht Tenders & Support Craft Manufacturing (IMAJAMAK), Patrol, Interceptor & Law-Enforcement Craft (Coast Guard, Customs) (IMAJADAD), Fireboats & Emergency Response Craft (IMAJADAH)
Keywords
Where Sealegs International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices4 records
Markets served
Sealegs International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Amphibious Boat Sales: Core revenue from manufacturing and selling amphibious RIBs and alloy boats across three product ranges (Sport RIB, Sport Alloy, Commercial). Boats range from compact 3.8m tenders to 12m cabin RIBs. Products are sold through dealers, distributors, and direct regional offices globally.
- Parts and Accessories: Spare parts, options, and accessories shipped globally from warehouse in New Zealand. Parts enquiries managed via [email protected].
- Servicing and Maintenance: Annual servicing, 1st service, and internal hose replacement performed at Auckland factory or by certified global service partners. Warranty and maintenance services provide recurring revenue from existing craft owners.
- SLG Engineering Services: Precision aluminium engineering services powered by the same in-house engineering team responsible for Sealegs' amphibious technology. Services include CNC routing, aluminium cutting, and folding. Targets marine, automotive, industrial, architectural, and custom fabrication industries.
- Pre-Loved Boat Sales: Certified pre-owned Sealegs craft sold through the company's website and showroom, extending the used boat market to existing customers looking to upgrade.
- AES Licensing / OEM Integration: Sealegs licences its Amphibious Enablement System to other boat builders (e.g., Naiad Design) to transform their hulls into amphibious craft. Creates new revenue streams and expands the ecosystem of Sealegs-powered boats without Sealegs having to build every hull.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | New boat sales — quote-based pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pre-loved / used Sealegs craft |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Parts and accessories (e-commerce store) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Sealegs International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sealegs International designs, manufactures, and sells amphibious boats (RIBs and alloy hulls) that drive on land via inboard engines powering retractable wheels and transform into high-performance powerboats on water with the push of a button, eliminating the need for boat ramps or trailers. The product range spans 3.8m to 12m across three lines — Sport RIB, Sport Alloy, and Commercial — and the company also licenses its Amphibious Enablement System (AES) to other boat builders and offers precision aluminium engineering services through SLG.
Product overview
Sealegs International is a New Zealand-based manufacturer of amphibious boats that has been pioneering the industry since 2004. The company produces three main product lines: Sport RIB (recreational rigid inflatable boats), Sport Alloy (aluminum hull vessels), and Commercial (professional-grade amphibious craft). The Sport RIB range includes compact models like the 3.8m Luxury Tender (electric) and 6.1m Sport RIB, mid-size options like the 7.1m and 7.5m RIBs (available in standard and electric variants), large models like the 9m Hydrasol RIB, and the flagship 12m Cabin RIB. The Sport Alloy line offers aluminum-hulled options including the 6.5m Cuddy Cabin, 7.5m Alloy, 8.5m Alloy Cabin, and 8.6m Alloy MAX. Commercial products include the 6.1m, 7.1m, 9m Hydrasol, and 12m Commercial RIBs. The company also offers B2B Amphibious Enablement Systems (AES) for other boat builders, SLG Engineering precision aluminum services, and a pre-loved boat program. All crafts feature patented amphibious technology enabling seamless land-to-water transitions without boat ramps.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Hydrasol: Patented amphibious technology system that optimizes the craft's center of gravity for optimal on-water handling and stability, utilizing through-hull wet exhaust technology for improved power output
- Hydrapak
- Electrosol
- SLG Engineering Services
Products and services
- 3.8m (12'5") Luxury Tender The world's first amphibious luxury tender featuring electric drive with Cross Charge technology, suited to shore trips, resupply runs, beachfront café visits, remote landings, and as a superyacht tender.
- 6.1m (20') Sport RIB The most compact amphibious RIB in the Sealegs range, accommodating up to 6 passengers; suitable for tight storage or as a versatile superyacht tender.
- 7.1m (22'4") Sport RIB Amphibious RIB ideal for fishing, exploration, or professional applications, capable of up to 39 knots on water and 7.5 km/h on land.
- 7.5m (24'7") Amphibious RIB Sport RIB offering amphibious freedom with seamless launch, retrieve, and park — no boat ramp needed.
- 7.5m (24'7") Electric RIB Electric RIB delivering quiet, emission-free amphibious performance with near-silent operation of the electric amphibious system (Electrosol 7kWh battery with brushless electric hub motors).
- 9m (29'11") Hydrasol RIB Large amphibious RIB with Hydrasol technology optimising centre of gravity for enhanced stability and on-water handling, accommodating up to 12 passengers for diving, fishing, family excursions, and tourism.
- 12m (39'5") Sport RIB The largest, most luxurious Sealegs model featuring a fully enclosed cabin with options for galley, raised dinette, full-height bi-fold doors, a 500L fuel tank, and twin outboards up to 850HP.
- 6.5m (21'4") Alloy Cuddy Cabin Affordable amphibious solution with a durable all-aluminium hull and seamless single-operator launch and retrieval.
- 7.5m (24'11") Alloy Rugged aluminium amphibious boat combining exceptional amphibious capability with a deep-V hull design for stability and control; highly configurable for varied applications.
- 8.5m (27'11") Alloy Cabin All-alloy amphibious cabin boat for effortless land and water transitions with weather protection, up to 39 knots from a 250HP outboard, and accommodation for 6 passengers.
- 8.6m (27'11") Alloy MAX Premium amphibious craft combining enclosed alloy cabin comfort with the latest amphibious technology — 42% more rear deck space and 70% better turning circle via Super Steering.
- 6.1m (20') Commercial RIB Compact commercial amphibious RIB for demanding professional operations including rescue, transport, and offshore applications — combines amphibious capability with robust construction.
- 7.1m (22'4") Commercial RIB Versatile commercial amphibious RIB built with commercial-grade materials designed to withstand the toughest environments for rescue and offshore operations.
- 9m (29' 11") Commercial Hydrasol RIB Large commercial amphibious craft featuring Hydrasol hull technology for high customisability — ideal for tourism applications including diving, tours, and wildlife viewing.
- 12m (39' 5") Commercial RIB Largest commercial-grade amphibious craft with a fully enclosed cabin, 500L fuel tank, and a maximum 1200HP from twin outboard engines for ultimate power and operational reach.
- Amphibious Enablement System (AES) — System 70 & System 100 B2B licensing platform allowing other boat builders to retrofit amphibious capability onto compatible hulls. System 70 is for boats up to 9m / 3,000kg GVW with a 35HP Briggs & Stratton engine; System 100 is for boats up to 12m / 7,500kg GVW with a Kubota 97HP diesel. Both feature all-wheel drive, hydraulic wheel retraction, and automatic braking.
- SLG Engineering Services Precision aluminium engineering services — CNC routing, cutting, folding, and custom fabrication — powered by the same in-house engineering team responsible for Sealegs amphibious technology, serving marine, automotive, industrial, architectural, and custom-fabrication industries.
- Pre-Loved Sealegs Certified pre-owned Sealegs amphibious craft sold through the Albany, Auckland showroom, priced NZD $68,000–$145,000 (or USD $74,900), allowing existing customers to upgrade within the Sealegs brand.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sealegs owners report up to 4x more use from their boat after switching to Sealegs from a traditional trailered boat
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Sealegs International
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Sealegs International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Sealegs International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Naiad DesigncoreSealegs collaborated with New Zealand-based Naiad Design to integrate System 100 AES into a custom 11.5m aluminium tourist boat for Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Naiad handled hull design and construction, Sealegs provided amphibious technology. The result is the largest Sealegs-equipped vessel at launch, carrying 30 passengers. This partnership validates the AES licensing model and showcases the technology to tourism operators globally.
- Kirby MarineminorWestern Australian boat builder Kirby Marine built the Naiad Eco-tourer hulls for Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, integrating Sealegs System 100 AES. Represents Kirby Marine's role as a regional builder incorporating Sealegs technology.
- MFAT / Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP)coreNew Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided follow-up training and support to Fiji NDMO vessel operators through its Pacific Maritime Safety Programme, following delivery of four Sealegs boats. This government-to-government programme enhances Sealegs' reputation in Pacific maritime safety.
- Moreton Island Rural Fire Brigade / Bulwer Fire StationminorSealegs sponsors the annual Moreton Island Fishing Classic which raises funds for the Moreton Island Rural Fire Brigade. The Sealegs team uses the Bulwer Fire Station as base camp during events, and Scott Bielenberg (Chief Fire Warden) is a Sealegs owner. Deep community ties support local sales and brand advocacy.
- Sky Reach & City Hire (Event Co-Sponsors)minorEvent co-sponsors of the Moreton Island Fishing Classic. Both company owners are also Sealegs owners, creating organic brand advocacy within the local business community.
- Boat PromoteminorAustralian boat video production company that captured stunning footage of Sealegs craft at the Moreton Island Fishing Classic, producing marketing content showcasing Sealegs in their natural environment.
- YamahacoreYamaha outboard engines are standard or optional power across the Sealegs range, including Yamaha 200HP, 250HP, 300HP, and 350HP options. Yamaha Helm Master Level 3 and Level 4 steering systems are offered as customisable options. Partnership with world's leading outboard motor manufacturer validates quality positioning.
- Briggs & StrattoncoreBriggs & Stratton 35HP and 40HP (EFI) inboard petrol engines power the land-based amphibious drive system across Sealegs models. Critical to the amphibious capability of System 70 crafts.
- KubotacoreKubota 97HP (diesel) engine powers the System 100 Amphibious Enablement System for larger vessels up to 12m. Provides the heavy-duty land-drive capability required for the 12m Cabin RIB commercial applications.
- Coastguard New ZealandminorSealegs supports Coastguard New Zealand's life-saving maritime missions. Sealegs refers sea rescue enquiries to Coastguard teams. Some Coastguard teams use Sealegs boats for rescue operations (e.g., Fiji NDMO).
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Sealegs International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Yamaha Motor: Global outboard engine and marine propulsion leader and a key Sealegs OEM partner. Comparable as a marine technology incumbent whose engines, Helm Master steering, and dealer ecosystem overlap with Sealegs' customer base, and which could choose to vertically integrate amphibious capability over time.
- Brunswick Corporation: US-listed marine conglomerate owning Boston Whaler, Mercury Marine, and several premium boat brands. Comparable as a large, diversified marine platform competing for end-boat-buyer share, with the scale and R&D resources that small niche players like Sealegs must position around.
- Highfield Boats: Global aluminium RIB manufacturer with a broad product range and worldwide dealer network. Comparable to Sealegs on hull form factor (aluminium RIBs) and on recreational/commercial channel overlap, though Highfield's offering is conventional rather than amphibious.
Emerging players
- Williams Jet Tenders: UK-based specialist in high-performance jet tenders for superyachts. Comparable to Sealegs on superyacht tender and premium small-craft positioning and channels, though Williams' tenders are conventional jet-driven rather than amphibious.
- Lancer Inflatables: New Zealand inflatable boat manufacturer cross-linked with Sealegs and marketed alongside the Sealegs range. Comparable as a neighbouring NZ small-craft builder targeting similar recreational and superyacht tender buyers, with overlap on hull form factors and channels.
- Naiad Design: New Zealand-based aluminium boat builder and confirmed Sealegs AES OEM licensee. Naiad integrates Sealegs System 100 into its own hulls (e.g., the 11.5m tourist boat for Pennicott), making it both a customer and a relevant peer in amphibious-enabled commercial craft.
Direct peers
- WaterCar: US manufacturer of amphibious cars and vehicles (Panther, Python) targeting recreational and novelty buyers. Comparable as a small-volume amphibious vehicle maker, though it is more car- than boat-centric in product form factor.
- Gibbs Amphibians: US-based developer of high-speed amphibious vehicles (Quadski, Humdinga, Phibian) and supplier to military and recreational markets. Directly comparable to Sealegs as a niche manufacturer of amphibious craft, though Gibbs focuses on quadski/jet-ski and wheeled amphibious platforms rather than boat-style hulls.
- Iguana Yachts: French manufacturer of amphibious luxury tenders and day boats for superyachts and high-end owners. Closely comparable to Sealegs' 3.8m Luxury Tender and premium amphibious positioning, competing for the same superyacht tender and beachfront buyer.
Regional players
- Kirby Marine: Western Australian aluminium boat builder that has integrated Sealegs System 100 AES into Naiad-designed hulls for tourism operators. Comparable as a regional commercial boat builder participating in the Sealegs AES ecosystem in Australia.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Sealegs International social profiles
Digital presenceSealegs International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sealegs International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Sealegs International subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Sealegs International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sealegs International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sealegs International
What does Sealegs International do?
Sealegs International designs, manufactures, and sells amphibious boats (RIBs and alloy hulls) that drive on land via inboard engines powering retractable wheels and transform into high-performance powerboats on water with the push of a button, eliminating the need for boat ramps or trailers. The product range spans 3.8m to 12m across three lines — Sport RIB, Sport Alloy, and Commercial — and the company also licenses its Amphibious Enablement System (AES) to other boat builders and offers precision aluminium engineering services through SLG.
Is Sealegs International a public or private company?
Sealegs International is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sealegs International founded?
Sealegs International was founded in 2001. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Sealegs International based?
Sealegs International is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Sealegs International make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Amphibious Boat Sales are the primary driver. The others are parts and Accessories, servicing and Maintenance, SLG Engineering Services, pre-Loved Boat Sales and AES Licensing / OEM Integration.
Who are Sealegs International's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Yamaha Motor, Brunswick Corporation and Highfield Boats. Emerging players are Williams Jet Tenders, Lancer Inflatables and Naiad Design. Direct peers are WaterCar, Gibbs Amphibians and Iguana Yachts. Kirby Marine is listed as a regional player.
Does Sealegs International have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sealegs International.
What industry is Sealegs International in?
Sealegs International's product category is Amphibious Boat Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJADAK, Landing Craft & Amphibious Workboats (LCM/LCT-style, Beaching Craft), with a secondary code of IMAJAMAK, Luxury Yacht Tenders & Support Craft Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336612 and its SIC code is 3730.