in the expansive world of strange vehicles, there is a model from the 80s that surprises: the ‘boaterhome’ which -as the name suggests- is a half boat, half camper van hybrid. the strange invention takes shape as a land vehicle whose rear can be detached to sail across lakes and calm waters, allowing users to travel in all seasons. 

meet 'boaterhome': the rare half boat, half van hybrid from the 80s
the boaterhome is a half van, half boat hybrid

all video stills courtesy of barcroft cars

 

 

the boaterhome has been around for several years, with the first one built during the 80s in idaho, the US. today, only 21 models exist in the world, and no new boaterhome is to be manufactured in the near future. some of these amphibious vehicles are still in motion and their owners pamper them to keep them running, while others have been forgotten in the back of a garage and delight those who seek to restore them.

meet 'boaterhome': the rare half boat, half van hybrid from the 80s
all boaterhomes were based on the ford econoline van (the E-350 series)

 

 

all boaterhomes were based on the ford econoline van (the E-350 series) and featured front-wheel drive (FWD) in order to be able to pull all that weight attached in the back. at the rear end of the vehicle, there is a 79cm hulled boat fitted with a mercury marine 200hp DFI outboard engine. when the boat reaches the ramp, it glides easily from the trailer to the body of water. the boat is designed for lakes and calm waters and can reach 64.3 km/h on the water. on the road, the truck-boat hybrid can reach 161 km/h.

meet 'boaterhome': the rare half boat, half van hybrid from the 80s
the rear part can be detached to sail across lakes and calm waters

 

 

as far as the interior is concerned, there is a walkway that allows you to move from the truck to the boat seamlessly. the vehicle includes a fitted kitchen with a dining area, which turns into a sleeping bunk in the evening. there’s also a living room which can transform into a bedroom, and a small bathroom with a shower. essentially, this automobile-vessel hybrid serves as a comfortable and smooth motorhome on land, while on water, it’s an exciting and action-packed cruiser. ‘it’s just exactly like an RV, but it floats. it’s amazing!’ john ortlieb, one of the few lucky owners shares. 

meet 'boaterhome': the rare half boat, half van hybrid from the 80s
a 79cm hulled boat fitted with a mercury marine 200hp DFI outboard engine can be found at the back of the vehicle

 

 

 

project info:

 

name: boaterhome
manufacturer: highwave boatorhome 2000 inc.
price: $20,000 – $50,000