Smuggler Marine is well known for its range of high-quality rigid inflatable boats, available both as conventional RIBs and with amphibious drives for go-anywhere capability. Always built to an impeccable standard, these boats are available in Centre Console, Mid-Cabin and Super Sport bowrider configurations.
So, when Dave Pringle, owner of Smuggler Marine, said he had a new interior layout for us to have a look at, we were intrigued. How could he improve on an already well-established and superbly functional configuration? Well, as it turns out, incremental changes are sometimes the best kind, and the new 800 Elite model is a definite step up.
Pringle says the changes were driven by a client who wanted the same features as the Strata 800 centre console amphibious, but also wanted additional onboard galley features: a sink, space for a cooker, a refrigerator, and running hot and cold water were all on the wish list. Achieving all of this without compromising interior space or existing functionality required a slight rethink of the hull and layout.
Space for the new accessories was achieved easily enough by extending the seating pedestal that already housed the engine and hydraulics for the Anura amphibious drive. However, this would have negatively impacted cockpit space, so a couple of other tweaks were required. Firstly, the outboard was relocated from the transom onto a fully integrated pod, which has the benefit of extending the boat’s waterline length by about 50cm without adding drag. Apart from the extra space gained, this also provides handling and performance benefits, and even makes it easier to step down over the stern when the Elite is on the beach.
With the outboard now positioned further from the transom, a full-width lounge seat could be fitted right across the stern, since there was no longer any need to accommodate the powerhead when the motor is tilted. As part of that change, Pringle says they also opted for slightly more luxurious seating throughout the boat, with thicker cushions and armrests for the helm positions. Pringle astutely pointed out that, as we get older, we tend to look for more comfort. Hidden inside that transom is also a live-bait tank, while the usual huge bait board with integrated stainless steel rod holders drops into a bracket in the transom.
These changes gained some additional cockpit space, while shifting the centre console unit forward slightly completed the job. The resulting layout has the same generous cockpit space as Smuggler 800 models with conventional seat pedestals, but with improved functionality and performance.
The final piece of the puzzle was creating the longest hardtop bimini unit in the Smuggler range, ensuring the galley has adequate protection from the elements. It is mounted on the usual top-quality stainless steel supports, with the ubiquitous rocket launcher rod holders at the rear of the roof and spray screen supports running down to the tubes on either side. Installing the clear plastic spray shields either side of the centre console ensures the skipper and passengers are sheltered from wind and spray. The 800CC is also fitted with Smuggler’s removable sunshade awning aft which shades the entire cockpit area and can be left up while underway.
The whole point of these changes was to add a bar or galley option to the centre console, and the additions have been very well integrated. A refrigerator drawer plenty big enough for a day’s refreshments pulls out from beneath the stainless steel sink beside which is a food preparation area where a gas cooker could be located. A locker under the console provides storage space for food or galley accessories.
Another innovation is the hot-water shower and washdown system. This is usually difficult to implement in an open boat, and 12V hot-water cylinders have several drawbacks. Pringle has installed a 40-litre freshwater tank and cleverly worked out how to plumb in a hot-water feed from the outboard motor’s cooling system. This is highly effective, with piping-hot water available after only a short run of the motor.
The amphibious drive from Anura is now well established, here in New Zealand and with international boatbuilders, and several Smuggler models offer this system as an option. Drawing on years of boatbuilding experience, Pringle has again designed a very practical and unusual bow wheel mounting system featuring a large bow overhang.
“The bow wheel on most amphibious boats is very prone to causing damage to other boats when coming alongside,” Pringle says. But by building a ‘pocket’ into the fibreglass hull beneath the bow, the wheel doesn’t extend beyond the hull. And since the pocket is both watertight and airtight – where air goes, water goes as well, as Pringle points out – no spray comes off the forward drive mechanism.
The bow also features the other Smuggler amphibious innovations, including an offset anchor fairlead so there’s no risk of the anchor damaging another vessel or the marina.
A camera and driving lights under the bow allow the skipper to see the exact path the front wheel is following while driving, helping to avoid obstacles that could cause problems.
Dual helm seats with armrests provide a comfortable ride, while the wide dash area provides plenty of space for a large Simrad multi-function display and the usual controls for the outboard and the Anura drive, trim tabs, VHF and stereo. The centre console unit itself is spacious enough to conceal a toilet compartment, accessed through a large hatch in the front.
A privacy curtain can be deployed if required. The compartment is spacious enough for all but the very largest of occupants and the same space also doubles as a dry storage for bags and other gear, while providing easy access to monitor and service the helm console wiring and electronics.
The review boat was fitted with a Mercury Verado V8 300hp outboard, and we easily reached 40 knots with power to spare. The hull is rated for between 250 and 350hp, and the 27o deadrise hull is surprisingly economical. During our testing, in less-than-ideal conditions, but with a light load, we were skimming along at 30 knots with the motor humming along at just 4,000rpm and consuming under 1.5 litres per nautical mile. Under these conditions, the 250-litre onboard fuel tank provides a range of close to 150 nautical miles, although actual consumption will vary depending on load and usage.
The amphibious drive on the Elite 800 is the latest Anura S25 Gen 3 drive, with features such as ‘garage mode’. Push a button and the boat lowers to a preset position that provides the lowest possible height while still remaining drivable. The brakes on the new version have been upgraded, and the drive has plenty of power to tackle steep gradients and uneven surfaces. The controls are easy to operate and require no special training.
We headed out from Westhaven into a blustery 20-knot wind, with a head-on chop that bounced our smaller photo boat around a fair bit. The Smuggler remained perfectly dry and was able to reach 40 knots in conditions that most runabouts would struggle to handle. Video footage taken from the side showed just how effectively those large pontoons keep spray well away from the boat, while the deep-vee hull provides a remarkably smooth ride.
Once we reached a sheltered bay, we drove the 800 Elite up onto the beach and proved Pringle correct about how easy the Anura drive was to operate. A few rocks in the way posed no obstacles, and we stepped off the stern to take some photographs. A step built into the Anura leg, plus stepping on the wheel itself, makes it easy to climb on or off the stern without needing a separate ladder.
With the drone in the air, we drove back into the water and had a play around. In the rougher conditions, we could see the benefit of those side clears, which largely protect occupants from both wind and spray. Pringle says he developed the system in response to a previous client who really wanted a centre console but found them too cold. By eliminating wind wrapping around the sides of the windscreen, the console area – and indeed the seats behind it – become noticeably more comfortable.
Handling proved to be classic Smuggler – smooth riding, dry, and free from any harsh slamming. We found some big water to play in and the Elite powered through it with ease. It is easy to see why those in the know rate the ride quality of a Smuggler so highly – it is simply superb.
We threaded the boat through some shallow water in order to drive up onto a picturesque sandy spit for photographs, and the boat demonstrated just how manoeuvrable she is at low speed as well. Of course, in an amphibious boat you have fewer concerns than with most other vessels, since if the water becomes too shallow you simply lower the wheels and drive over the obstruction. Fortunately, we had no such issues and were able to navigate the very tight channels with ease.
All too soon it was time to head back to Westhaven, so we transferred the photographer onto the other boat and headed home. A couple of high-speed runs demonstrated just how effortlessly the Smuggler handled the rough water, and we arrived back somewhat sooner than our accompanying chase boat. Pringle then pulled her onto her custom tandem trailer with ease. Although the beam is 2.75m, this can be reduced to under the 2.25m towing limit for road travel by deflating the side tubes.
Our overall impression of the Smuggler 800 Elite Centre Console Amphibious is that this is another fine evolution of the Smuggler range. Dave Pringle is justifiably proud of the innovations he has introduced in this model, and the additional features are likely to find a ready market. The boat is superbly built and finished, rides exceptionally well, and is versatile in the extreme.
