Ken Schley makes a big splash
Nov 23, 2017
Kelland Watercraft is now the Canadian importer of Sealegs amphibious rigid inflatable boats (RIBs)
Six years ago Ken Schley, co-owner of Quality Foods and the MV Minnow of Gilligan’s Island fame, bought three 7,1m Sealegs amphibious rigid inflatable boat for his waterfront hotel at Qualicum Beach. Ken loved being able to climb into his boat in the parking lot and just drive it across the beach and into the water to go fishing. The guests loved it too.
Forward to today, Ken has sold his chain of supermarkets, (but kept the waterfront hotel); and his new company, Kelland Watercraft, is now the importer of the New Zealand-built Sealegs amphibious boats. Ten of their most popular models are on their way to Vancouver Island with more on order for the spring including the new 9m “Interceptor”, powered by a 300hp Yahama. The Interceptor is the largest of the Sealegs line and like the other models has AWD and ABS brakes. It too can climb over beach boulders and logs and has a top speed of 9 km on land and 50km on the water.
Sealegs provides a solution to that age-old issue of getting ashore on a coastline where docks can be problematic or not permitted at all, or where boats left overnight on a buoy mean a poor night’s sleep. More than being practical tools, these head-turners are pure fun, opening up areas of our coast that were previously only accessible to kayakers or rowboats. Prices start at $150,000 Can.
For further information contact John Dowd at 250 266 0346
Kelland Watercraft. 2350 Delinea Place,
Nanaimo BC V9T 5L9.
Phone: 250 585 1482.
