It’s a van. It’s a boat. It’s a motorhome. It’s the Boaterhome!
You may recognize the Boaterhome from its appearance in Street Muscle Magazine, Ridiculous Rides, and a Little Caesar’s Pizza commercial.
This beautifully refreshed shape-shifting vehicle—one of 21 ever produced—is offered via the Barrett-Jackson auction taking place this July 4 weekend. Don’t be alarmed by the listing’s high price. It’s a no-reserve online/offline auction listed on eBay Motors in collaboration with Barrett-Jackson.
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An RV That Floats
This Boaterhome was tastefully modified over the years and is in tip-top shape. The updated interior features new seats and carpet, along with a new 3,000-watt 22-speaker audio system.
The mighty and magnificent land-water hybrid pairs a 138-inch wheelbase 1987 Ford F-350 Econoline van with a handsome 28-foot V-hull Sportking Cabin Cruiser. The hauler sports a 460 cubic-inch V-8 engine, with a three-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the front wheels.
John Ortlieb, the Las Vegas-based owner, devoted countless hours to get the hauler and cruiser into shape over the years. The Boaterhome has been in the Ortlieb family since the 1980s when John’s father purchased the vehicle.
The Econoline’s updated mechanicals and technology include a new air conditioning system, power steering, fog lights, fresh tires mounted on powder-coated wheels, and LED running lights.
Ortlieb said:
It’s exactly like an RV, but it floats. It’s amazing.
The Boat Latches to the Van
The boat is designed for the lake life, sporting a full galley with a dining area, a bathroom with a shower, and a living room that converts into a bedroom.
A Mercury Cruiser 350 inboard/outboard engine with 260 horsepower handles the propulsion duties on the lake. A rear swim deck and underwater lighting make the lake your backyard wherever you go.
Although the stretched wheelbase might look ungainly from some angles—due to the truck’s length—the cruiser integrates smoothly with the hauler. In addition, drivers can access the boat from the van while on the road and launch it into the water without any help from a deckhand.
Is the Boaterhome too big for your driveway, but you still crave a car that takes to water like a duck? Then perhaps the Amphicar fits the bill. With roughly 3,900 Amphicars built between 1961 to 1968, these fine amphibious beasts - opens in new window or tab. are often found on eBay Motors.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.