A car boat can refer to a boat powered by a car engine or an amphibious vehicle that can be used as a car or boat. They can be homemade or produced by specialist manufacturers and are often expensive due to their unique design requirements.
The term “car boat” can be used to refer to a boat powered by an automobile engine or to an amphibious vehicle that can be used as a car or boat, depending on conditions. There are a number of variations on the craft, from high-end products produced by specialist manufacturers to home-built versions by hobbyists. One of the most famous examples of a car boat appeared in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, in which a car that turns into a submarine plays a prominent role.
In the sense of a boat powered by a car engine and sometimes built on the chassis of a car, a car boat is generally a homemade boat. Car boats can be used for a variety of purposes, including offshore navigation, and are generally intended for practical, non-recreational use. The approach to construction and conversion can vary, depending on the skills of the boat builder and the application for which the boat will be used.
When people think of a car boat, they often think specifically of an amphibious vehicle with the ability to be used as a car or boat. These types of boats are sometimes built by enthusiasts as recreational vehicles, although they can also serve some practical purposes. Sports car and sports boat manufacturers can also team up to create unique car boats that are designed for performance and speed.
Building a boat capable of being street legal and navigating the water is quite a challenge. Wheels tend to create drag, making a vehicle less functional on the water, and car boats must have systems to compensate for this, such as retractable wheels or wheel covers that can be used on the water. Other concerns include handling on the water compared to handling on land, in addition to seaworthiness.
Whether built by a hobbyist or purchased from a manufacturer, car boats tend to be expensive propositions. Special design requirements require a unique skill set and some very distinctive parts that can be expensive to acquire or manufacture. A premium is also placed on such vessels due to their versatility and perceived desirability. High quality car boats are sometimes used in races and other sporting events where people have the opportunity to show off and compare their car boats.
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