The Smuggler Strata 1100 Amphibious Waka Kai isn’t just a boat, it’s a bold statement of ingenuity and practicality that blends on-water performance with amphibious ability and the versatility to tackle unique logistical challenges head-on. It’s a lifeline for the communities it serves.
A versatile workhorse
Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are the Swiss Army knives of the marine world, and the Smuggler Strata 1100 Amphibious elevates the RIB concept to new levels. Known for stability and adaptability, RIBs have long been trusted by rescue teams, adventurers, and commercial operators. Waka Kai continues this tradition while adding its own unique flair.
Picture this: a gusty afternoon, whitecaps dancing across the water. Waka Kai doesn’t flinch. Its hull slices through the waves, the inflatable collar absorbing the shocks and keeping the ride smooth. Even fully loaded with groceries, the deck feels solid underfoot, a reassuring reminder that this boat was built for serious work.
Outboard power
A Yamaha 450hp V8 outboard drives the Smuggler Strata 1100 Amphibious, delivering dependable performance in a demanding marine environment. Displacing 5.6 litres, this engine provides abundant torque and steady power delivery, making it an ideal companion for vessels that demand resilience and reliability.
Featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and plasma-fused sleeveless cylinders, the engine prioritises durability and operational efficiency. Digital electronic controls ensure responsive throttle management and precise handling, for smooth power delivery and control in all conditions.
Yamaha has also designed this engine with corrosion-resistant materials to protect against harsh saltwater environments, while the integrated exhaust system reduces noise and emissions without sacrificing performance. The 450hp V8 incorporates Yamaha’s Helm Master EX system, offering advanced joystick controls for effortless docking and manoeuvring in tight spaces, among other features.
Amphibious engineering
Waka Kai owes much of its versatility to Anura’s amphibious technology. Based in Auckland, Anura’s team of engineers and designers creates amphibious systems that blur the lines between sea and shore.
With Anura’s S45 all-wheel drive system, four hydraulically driven wheels transform the vessel from a seafaring workhorse into a land-capable delivery system at the press of a button. Beaches, rocky shores, or grassy inclines – it handles them all.
It’s hard not to feel a sense of satisfaction when the wheels engage and the boat smoothly transitions from water to sand, ready to deliver its cargo to places otherwise hard to reach.
Inboard power
A 40hp Briggs & Stratton Vanguard air-cooled V-twin engine with EFI is the powerhouse behind the S45 amphibious system, Anura’s largest. Compact yet robust, the Vanguard drives hydraulics that deliver 5700nm maximum drive torque to the wheels, allowing the vessel to operate in diverse terrains. Maximum speed on land is 9kph.
The Vanguard inboard engine also boasts fuel efficiency, minimising operational costs and environmental impact, while easy maintenance and reliable performance make it a good choice for Waka Kai’s specific duties.
Delivering the groceries
In Whitianga, the Smuggler Strata 1100 Amphibious Waka Kai is a lifeline, ferrying groceries to remote beach communities and isolated islands.
“The Smuggler Strata 1100 has been transformative for us,” Kerry, the store’s owner, explained. “It’s not just about delivering groceries, it is about staying connected. Many customers live where access can be difficult, especially in bad weather or peak tourist season. This vessel allows us to provide a reliable, efficient service, ensuring everyone gets what they need when they need it.”
The layout has been tailored to carry a payload of 1,000kg of groceries, and the hull was load-tested throughout the design and build process to ensure stability, safety, and handling. On our day with the boat, we had over 25 knots of wind with a sloppy sea state over a metre high – challenging conditions, but nothing the Smuggler couldn’t handle.
The peak holiday season sees Waka Kai operating at full throttle, navigating crowded harbours and open waters to ensure every delivery is on time. For the locals and holidaymakers who rely on these deliveries, she’s been nothing short of a game-changer.
Modern solutions
The big Smuggler’s fuel-efficient Yamaha engine and amphibious design reduce its environmental footprint. Its ability to land directly on beaches eliminates the need for docks or extensive infrastructure, making the vessel a cost-effective and efficient solution for the supermarket it serves.
Waka Kai continues a proud tradition of boats serving as vital connectors for communities, from the sturdy schooners of the 19th century to the nimble cutters that once plied these same waters. This Smuggler RIB carries that torch by applying modern innovation to provide solutions to an old problem: delivering supplies to isolated customers.
Waka Kai embodies the spirit of Kiwi ingenuity and resilience. Watching her approach a sandy shore loaded with crates of fresh produce is like witnessing a modern-day schooner delivering life’s essentials.
