Iguana Amphibian (2020-)

Brief Summary

For more info on Iguanas, please click here and fill out the attached form.

Designed to simplify beach landings, the Iguana comes in several outboard powered models and multiple trim levels – all about 30-feet long and equipped with the hydraulically-deployed nylon track system. The boat designs came first, with the track adaptation following, so the boats perform well at sea with the extraordinary ability to climb ashore or return to the sea. We’re overviewing the 2020 lineup of Iguanas as a prelude to a future test.

Key Features

• Nylon treads with the impact of a human footprint
• Deep-V hull design.
• Outboard-powered
• Gas- or electric-powered hydraulic mobility system

Captain's Report

Editor’s Report by Capt. Peter d’Anjou

Mission

Antoine Brugidou set out to create a boat with the capability to move seamlessly onto land, allowing freedom to access nearly any terrain along the coastline without compromising water performance.

The first amphibious Iguana Yacht was launched in 2011. According to the builder, the boat successfully achieved 35 knots on the water and 4.5 mph on land, simplifying the experience of moving between the sea and the land. The original center console design accommodates eight people and now comes in three trim levels, The Classic, Exclusive, and Expedition packages. The X One and Commuter models are also made on the same hull but have more extensive layout options such as helm enclosures and seating, all can be tailored specifically to an owner’s interests.

The new X100 model, based on a rigid inflatable design, still has the same mission -- unhindered sea performance and the ability to climb in and out of the ocean, but at a more affordable cost.

Distinguishing Features

• Hydraulically-deployed track system
• Tracks run on dedicated gas engine or battery-powered electric motor

Major Features

• Designed as a boat first with quality handling characteristics
• Two ton load capacity
• Can relaunch in up to 4' (1.22 m) seas
• Handles inclines up to 45-percent
• Fold-down boarding ladder

Design

Designed with a deep-V hull form and capable of 45 knot speeds with twin 300-hp outboards, the latest Iguana offerings have customizable deck layouts to meet an owner’s use and taste, yet they can all conquer 29 to 45 percent inclines with impunity and as the builder states, “If you can walk on it, the Iguana can embark on it.”

Construction

Iguanas are hand built in Normandy, France.  

Boat Specifications

Original, X-One, and Commuter models all use the same hull 30’4” (9.2 m) hull. They have a maximum beam of 10’2” (3.10 m), a draft (with motor down) of 2’6” (0.78 m), and a minimum dry weight of 6,944 lbs. (3,150 kg). Draft with landing gear down is 3’11” (1.2 m).

The fuel capacity is 71 gallons (270 L) with gas IMS, 100 gallons (380 L) with electric IMS.

The X100 is a rigid inflatable design with a LOA of 31’6” (9.60 m) and a beam of 11’1” (3.40 m). The rib has two fuel tanks totaling 132 gallons (500 L) and weighs in at 6,944 lbs. (3150 kg).

Iguana Mobility System (IMS) uses a gas-powered direct-injection four-stroke combustion engine to power the 1.5L Hydraulic system. The speed of the IMS is 4 mph (6.5 km/h).

The optional lithium battery - 9 kWh - uses an electric 110-220V - 50/60Hz charging system. The electrically driven hydraulic system gives the Iguana a run time of up to 1.5 hours at a speed of 3.4 mph (5.5 km/h).

Equipment Discussion

Price

All prices are in euros. Excluding VAT, and subject to change without notice.

The Iguana Original comes in three trim/layout packages all of which include a gas-powered 4-stroke engine to power the track mobility system and a single 300-hp Mercury or Yamaha outboard.

A 400-hp outboard, dual outboards, or an upgrade to Iguana’s electric propulsion mobility system, either 9kW or 15kW, are options.

Base Price:                    € 330,000 ($363,262) Classic package

                                       € 412,000 ($453,543) Expedition package

                                       € 403,700 ($444,406) Exclusive package

The Iguana Commuter utilizes the same hull but has a hardtop enclosure. These are single 350-hp Mercury/Yamaha outboard models with hardtop enclosures standard. The Commuter also comes standard with the Iguana 15 kWh electric motor mobility system.

Upgrades to 400-hp outboard, twin outboard and or upgrades to the 25 kW mobility system are options

LIMO or SPORT          Classic                         Exclusive

Base Price                  €598,000 ($444,406)    € 649,000 ($714,424)

The Iguana X-One

The Iguana X-One uses the same hull as the original and commuter models and comes standard with a single 300-hp Mercury or Yamaha outboard and the gas powered track mobility system.

Base Price: € 275,000 ($302,721)

The Iguana X100 (rib) comes standard with a 300-hp outboard and the gas powered mobility system. Upgrades to dual outboards or the electronic version of the mobility system are options.

Base Price: € 220,000 ($242,177)

Optional Equipment to Consider

The various models have numerous options and each boat is built to order based on the owner’s specifications. The track system is the key to these boats, so choosing the gas-powered mobility system or a version with the electric motor (9 kW, 15 kW, or 25 kW) will affect price, run time, range, and speed ashore.

Observations

The Iguanas are a novelty that have attracted owners of superyachts, high-end resorts, and shoreside property alike. How well the boats become mainstream depends, in part, how the builder can address the costs. They certainly have made an attempt with the X100. The technology works and will only continue to evolve – like all amphibians. 

BoatTEST looks forward to first-hand inspection and tests of Iguanas.

For more info on Iguanas, please click here and fill out the attached form.