Smuggler Marine will display a mix of amphibious and conventional RIBs at the Auckland Boat Show, led by the Strata 800 Super Sport.
Smuggler Marine will have a strong on water presence at this year’s Auckland Boat Show, giving visitors the chance to step aboard a mix of amphibious and conventional RIBs and compare the two platforms side by side.
The display brings together family focused layouts, offshore capable hulls, and a practical look at how amphibious technology is now being applied across different boat sizes and use cases.
Amphibious models take centre stage
Leading the amphibious line up is the Strata 800 Super Sport Amphibious, supported by the Strata 800 Mid Cabin Amphibious and the Strata 700 Centre Console Amphibious. Together, the three boats show how Smuggler’s amphibious system has been adapted across different layouts, from open family boats through to more enclosed designs.
For boaties considering beach access, boat ramp flexibility, or reduced reliance on trailers, the chance to walk through multiple amphibious models in one place is a key drawcard.
Traditional RIBs alongside amphibious options
Alongside the amphibious boats, Smuggler Marine will also present two non amphibious RIBs, the Strata 750 Centre Console RIB and the compact 580 RIB.
Having both platforms on display allows buyers to compare ride, layout, and complexity directly. It also highlights that Smuggler continues to develop its conventional deep vee RIBs alongside its amphibious range, rather than replacing one with the other.
Focus on the 800 Super Sport
The newest boat on the stand is the 800 Super Sport, a bowrider-style RIB released at last year’s show and already delivered to customers. Based on the proven 780 Super Sport hull, the 800 SS is aimed at watersports users, divers, and families, while still retaining genuine blue water capability.
The bow area provides seating for up to five, with six more seats in the cockpit. That layout delivers a claimed capacity of up to 12 people without sacrificing deck space or offshore intent.
Amphibious system and performance
The 800 SS is fitted with the Anura Electric Over Hydraulic amphibious system, driven by a 28kW air cooled electric motor and powered by a 12.4kWh battery pack. Smuggler quotes a land runtime of around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on terrain and conditions.
On the water, the boat runs Smuggler’s 27 degree deep vee hull used across its 7.5 metre and above models. Paired with a Mercury 300hp V8, the package is rated to reach speeds close to 50 knots.
A practical show comparison
Rather than focusing on spec sheets alone, Smuggler’s Auckland Boat Show display gives visitors the chance to assess layout, access, and real world usability in person.
For anyone weighing amphibious convenience against the simplicity of a traditional RIB, it is a rare opportunity to see both approaches, built on the same hull DNA, in one place.
The Auckland Boat Show is on the waterfront in Auckland from 5th to 8th March 2026.
