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AN IGUANA IN GRANVILLE, HOMETOWN OF THE COMPANY

Some days ago, an Iguana X100 was delivered in Granville. While the team is accustomed to sending boats all over the world, this destination particularly resonated with the company’s history. Iguana Yachts was born from a personal problem. Antoine Brugidou, founder of Iguana Yachts, spends half of his time in Granville where he has enjoyed sailing for more than 40 years but where the tides are very high, which makes launching a boat very complex. Places in the harbor are rare and expensive, there is little infrastructure on the coast, maneuvering with a trailer and a tractor on the beach can be dangerous. Iguana Yachts was born out of a desire to simplify the launching process and the sailing experience in general.

“The old cliché “necessity is the mother of invention” is very true. I wanted to be able to use my boat from my own property which, due to extreme tides, was impossible. Now, we have refined amphibious yachting to a simple and elegant experience in which we have all but erased the line which separates land and sea.”

CAN WE GET A REAL BOAT THAT CAN TAKE US BACK TO THE BEACH?

There were many projects that existed, boats that were imagined in the 18th century and even before, but all these inventions were real contraptions, complicated and not beautiful on land. The boat was not seaworthy. So, the constraint that was set for the designer was that it should be a real boat and that once at sea, you could hardly tell the difference.

One of the interesting elements of this project is that they started by saying that they were going to make a boat. Then, they became interested in the problem of land mobility and realized that this problem was as complicated, or even more complicated than moving a boat on the sea, and the integration of the two is even more complicated. So, finally, they gradually put together a team of people from very different backgrounds: designers, specialists in automobile prototypes, construction, manufacturing… This is what makes it a very rich project integrating a lot of know-how.

HOW DID THE DESIGNERS AND ENGINEERS MET THE CHALLENGE?

The fact that the Iguana can go up on land generates a lot of technical and design constraints that had to be hidden in favor of the nautical aspect and its design because one of the requirements was to make a very elegant boat. The initial problem was that the boat should also be able to go up on quicksand and soft ground, and the caterpillar quickly became a necessity in terms of use and design. The fact that the track is on the side of the boat makes it relatively easy to understand and not too technical.

There was a whole design phase where they came up with this caterpillar concept, then the collaboration with a naval architect to approach the nautical parts of the boat in a more serious way. This collaboration also brought a lot to the design, with very sharp lines and a piercing bow, which has the advantage of going through the sea very well, and which reinforced the elegance of the boat. There was the objective of making it a very beautiful object, which is worked on through the lines and materials. They also wanted a boat that was a little original, out of step with what was being done, particularly in terms of comfort. They worked a lot on the notion of accessorizing.

2011 – First prototype in Normandy

2012 – Second prototype in Arcachon

FROM THE IDEA TO THE FIRST MODEL

Together with his long-time friend and designer Antoine Fritsch, Antoine Brugidou first embarked on the project in 2008, with the objective to create a seaworthy boat with integrated landing gear. Many were amused by their audacity, but after toiling with a range of solutions they settled on a final design for the iconic Iguana Original which exceeded all expectations.

After five years of R&D, the first boat was sold to a client in the Middle East in 2013, which opened their eyes to the further potential of its amphibious capabilities. People from all over the world were suddenly keen to express their needs, from landing on remote islands in the Bahamas to embarking a family member with a physical disability. It became clear that Iguana Yachts’ concept could radically change the traditional boating experience for a range of different people, offering new solutions for safety and access.

2013 – First Iguana Yachts sold in Bahrain

Today, thirteen years after the birth of the concept in Granville, it is in this same city that the 54th Iguana Yachts lays its tracks. This coincidence allows the Iguana team to realize how far they have come and to look back with pride at all the beautiful projects that have been accomplished since then.

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NEW DESIGN – DARK GRAY METALLIC IGUANA COMMUTER

Discover the dark gray metallic Iguana Commuter and its options in video and photos. Enjoy its roomy sun lounger, adjustable driver’s seat, cabin, electric flush head, seating layout, electric T-top…

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INTERVIEW OF JP SHIPMAN, IGUANA YACHTS USA

Tell us about your background in the yachting industry? What was your most significant experience?

I’m an avid yachtsman with over four decades of offshore maritime experience. During such time I served on the Board of Directors for the International Superyacht Society, ISS, Superyacht Broker with Camper & Nicholson’s and Northrop & Johnson respectively. I served as consultant on various new build, marina, resort and island projects. My most significant experience was increasing membership and marketing initiatives with ISS.

What was appealing in joining Iguana Yachts? Had you heard of the company before?

I first heard about Iguana Yachts from a Superyacht captain friend of mine then from an overseas recruitment team. What appealed to me was the craft’s versatility and craftsmanship. It’s the ultimate tender for a charter yacht campaign with incredibly safe beaching capabilities for guests.

How would you define your role at Iguana Yachts? What do you like so far in the company?

My role at Iguana Yachts is to enhance brand awareness, increase dealer exposure and continue to build on our four main areas: Superyachts, Hotels & Resorts, Islands along with waterfront properties in North America. 

What I most enjoy about Iguana Yachts to date is you feel like part of a team and family. Each and every employee are there to serve customer needs and promote the brand in a responsible manner. There is a certain pride of production and ownership. It’s a group of intelligent yachtsman that only settle for the best.

What I most enjoy about Iguana Yachts to date is you feel like part of a team and family. Each and every employee are there to serve customer needs and promote the brand in a responsible manner.

What are your main challenges as Iguana Yachts USA? And, according to you, what are the main challenges for the company in general?

The main challenges of Iguana Yachts that I see are gaining exposure to brand awareness. Many of these wonderful crafts remain hidden in remote locations. It’s my goal to increase exposure through targeted marketing and sales efforts.

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CUSTOM PROJECT FOR SUPERYACHT

The Iguana design department is working on many different custom projects. In 2021, they worked on a project for a superyacht and developed many different custom options. Discover the design sketches of these options and some pictures of the boat.

This beautiful knight tender was designed for a 51m yacht. With custom options like a driver’s bimini, a roll-up bar, a modular center island, this RIB is absolutely unique. The white tube and red line matches perfectly with the yacht color. With strong lifting points, this tender is easily crane on the yacht for long journeys, it can also be towed or used as a chase boat.

One particular option on this tender is the secondary electric engine. It can be used to enter ports or marinas at low speed with a green and quiet propulsion. A specific seat was made for this second engine. The main engine for this tender is a Diesel outboard, which is perfect to embark on the yacht.

OPTION DRIVER’S BIMINI

OPTION ROLL BAR CUSTOM

KIT OPION SIDE ACCESS FOLDING STAIR

KIT OPTION CENTRAL ISLAND CUSTOM

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WHY ARE AMPHIBIOUS BOATS SUSTAINABLE?

Contrary to what people might think, the overall impact of an amphibious boat is more sustainable than a traditional motorboat. Firstly because amphibious Iguanas don’t rely on any infrastructure to be operated.  Secondly because it does not spend as much time in the water and does not need any toxic products on the hull. Lastly, because it is easier to maintain and Iguanas are made of durable materials to withstand significant impact on land and at sea.

No ports congestion & no invasive infrastructures 

The Iguana concept is designed to be versatile and self-sufficient by not relying on infrastructure and by relieving overcrowded ports which are a primary source of water pollution. Iguanas do not need ports, pontoons or docks to be operated. It is an all-in-one, versatile and integrated solution. Iguanas are less harmful to the coasts as they do not transform and alter the environment.

Less damaging and polluting time in the water with toxic products

Having a boat stay in the water all year long is very harmful for the environment. Iguanas stay in the water for the time they are being used as they are stored on land. It limits water and visual pollution. It is also less damaging for the boat and thus more durable. As the boat is stored on land, the hull does not need antifouling. It also get less damaged by salt and does not need to be streamlined every year.

Easy to maintain and durable materials

The boat can be put out of the water in seconds which facilitates maintenance. As Iguana owners have easy access to the hull and deck, Iguanas are usually well maintained and last long. The development of the mobility system was a technological achievement and required high quality material and sheer mechanisms. The carbon fiber hull, the 5083 marine-grade aluminium powertrain with epoxy paint, the 316 stainless steel bearing and rams make the Iguana more sturdy and durable than other boats. 

RESPECTFUL OF THE COAST

Iguanas are versatile and stealth. They were designed to reduce port congestion and to eradicate the need for heavy infrastructures. Owners choose Iguanas to have an environmental friendly solution that does not damage the coast. Iguanas limit water and visual pollution and limit the built-up land footprint from docks and marinas. 

Iguana Original water edge
  • NO NEED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

Iguanas don’t require building heavy infrastructure to host the boat like marinas, docks or ports which are very damaging to the environment. Iguana limit the build of docks along the coast. They reduce considerably the water and visual pollution but also the built-up land footprint of a boat. Iguanas adapt to the environment and coast. 

  • REDUCING PORT POLLUTION 

Iguanas limit the use of overcrowded ports which are very polluting. Boats in ports are used on average less than 10 days per year but stay in the water most of the time and release toxic products.

  • LIMITING ON LAND TRAFFIC

Iguana owners don’t need to drive to a dock, a ramp or a port to use their boat. It limits land traffic and car pollution. 

RESPECTFUL OF THE SEA

Iguanas are stored out of the water which limits their time in the water. Boats staying all year long in the water are very harmful for the sea. Iguanas release less toxic products in the water. Moreover, Iguanas are stealth and do not disturb swimmers and sea life by staying in the water. 

  • LIMITED TIME IN THE WATER

Iguanas are stored on land and do not need to stay too long in the water. It limits the release of toxic products in the water. Moreover, Iguanas are stealth and get out of the way to not disturb sealife. They stay in the water only for the time of use.

  • NO NEED FOR TOXIC PRODUCTS

As Iguanas do not stay in the water, there is no need for antifouling which is very harmful for the environment.

  • NO ANCHORS DAMAGING OCEAN FLOORS

Iguanas usually don’t use anchors and moorings as they can get out of the water in seconds. They have no impact on ocean floor.

RESPECTFUL OF THE BEACH

Iguanas are used in the most respectful way to have no impact on the beach. Following a code of conduct, owners use the mobility system for swift landings at the edge of the water to leave no traces behind. The tracks have a very low ground pressure and have less impact than a boat beaching. 

Iguana Commuter on land
  • USED AT THE WATER EDGE

Iguanas land on the shore where the waves break in the water wash and does a U-Turn to put the ladder down at the limit of dry sand to drop passengers. In a few seconds the tracks are washed away by the water leaving no traces behind. 

  • VERY LOW GROUND PRESSURE

As the tracks are large and long, in square centimeters the pressure is equivalent to an 80 kg human footprint. The tracks have low impact on the soil and the mobility system stays on the ground surface. Thus, the boat has a lower impact than a boat beaching.

  • NO DRIVING UP THE BEACH

Iguanas are boats first and foremost, they are not used as land vehicles. The mobility system is only used for swift launches and landings, and to get the boat to its storage location.

DURABLE HIGH-TECH BUILD

Iguanas high-tech boats are built with the latest technologies. With sheer mechanism and high quality materials, Iguanas are easy to maintain and durable. They also get damaged less quickly and are more durable as they are stored out of the water.

  • EASY TO MAINTAIN

Iguanas are easy to maintain as they can get out of the water easily. Going around the boat, checking and repairing is very simple. Moreover, the boat is designed with sheer mechanisms to facilitate maintenance.

  • DURABLE MATERIAL AND SUSTAINABLE USE

guanas are one of the most technologically advanced boat in the marine industry. Using carbon fiber hull, marine-grade aluminium, stainless steel and epoxy paint, Iguanas are sturdy and last long. Moreover, Iguanas spend less time in salty water than traditional boats, and get damaged less quickly. They are also sheltered from storms and bad weather as they are stored on land.

  • ELECTRIC LAND DRIVE

Since 2016, Iguanas are electric on land which is more respectful for the environment in terms of air pollution and noise.

Iguana Yachts Commuter exclusive

TO CONCLUDE

Another key advantage of amphibious boats is how secure they are. Iguanas offer a very safe experience for boating enthusiasts. Boarding on dry sand is easy and stable. Escaping a storm and finding shelter on land takes seconds. The sea becomes less of a hazard for sailors. Iguanas are often used as rescue boats around the world.

Amphibious boats overall impact rely mostly on users and how they use the boat in a good manner. Owners choose Iguana for its non-invasive operating system which does not damage their coast. They also receive a code of conduct from Iguana to use the boat in the most respectful manner (landing in precise locations, landing at the edge of the water, limiting impact on beaches…).