Our boats : FAQ
Legal
Wetton boats follow the same rules as those applicable to the driving of a boat and trailer.
For more details, please consult the page dedicated to regulations.
Wettoncraft via its partner April offers packages at optimised rates.
Batteries
The Wetton 56 is composed of a lithium battery with cells delivering 24V, and other cells delivering 12V.
The 12V cells are dedicated to starting the engine and accessories (lights, instrumentation, USB ports, etc).
As for the 24 volts, they are dedicated to mobility on land.
The capacity of the alternator allows the lithium battery to be recharged to ensure the starting of the engine and its accessories, but is insufficient to ensure land mobility. It is necessary to recharge it from a mains socket after each use.
An indicator allows the charge level to be constantly monitored.
The boat is delivered with a 15A charger to be plugged directly into domestic sockets.
It takes 22 hours to recharge the battery if it is completely empty.
It is recommended for better durability to keep the batteries recharged.
We have chosen Lithium batteries for their high energy density. They are of the same type as those commonly used in electric cars.
Design / Quality
Wetton boats are simply designed for easy maintenance with materials proven in the marine environment (316 L stainless steel, 5083 H11 aluminium hull, CSM fabrics, landing gear components, wheel hub bearings) for optimum durability. Most of the key parts are of controlled French or German origin.
Our reference partners have been selected among the best in their speciality for the quality of their know-how and their years of experience in the nautical sector (aluminium hulls, polyester deck, float).
The assembly of sub-assemblies and tests are carried out in our workshops by a highly qualified workforce.
A visit to our premises can be organised at your request.
The Wetton's great transportability and mobility means that you do not need a place in the harbour, and the costs associated with it.
It is similar to a boat on a conventional trailer in terms of insurance and maintenance costs, not to mention reduced storage costs due to the overall length of the lower hitch (retracted drawbar).
The durability of the product combined with the popularity of an attractive amphibious concept means that a high resale value can be anticipated. The value of amphibious boats remains much higher than that of traditional boats, as they are highly sought after in the second-hand sector.
Maintenance
In order to preserve the lifespan of the equipment, after each outing as for any boat, it is necessary to rinse the hull, the float and the landing gear with a water jet. The battery should also be recharged from a conventional mains socket.
Wettoncraft, confident in the quality of manufacture of its units, grants its private customers a 2-year manufacturer's warranty, extendable to 5 years. This is subject to an annual inspection comprising several major control points at a recommended fixed price of 250 euros excluding VAT (*) carried out by an authorised Wettoncraft representative or at the factory. This maintenance guarantees a safe use to sail with peace of mind.
(*) excluding engine costs and consumables. Recommended price as of 1 December 2020.
The major advantage of Wetton boats is that they can be launched quickly and effortlessly, and stored away from the weather, without the hassle of having a place in port. However, our boats can remain temporarily anchored with the same drawbacks as any other boat (UV, antifouling, etc.).
Engines
The Wetton 56 can accommodate outboard motors as long as the weight is less than 185 kg and the motor shaft size is XL.
Wettoncraft recommends the use of Suzuki, Mercury or Yamaha engines for a power between 125 and 140 HP. The adaptation settings of these engines have been fine-tuned to optimise performance on the Wetton.
Wettoncraft is also authorised to assemble the Suzuki and Mercury engines with their accessories to be able to deliver you a complete turnkey package.
For any other engine, a test or validation by Wettoncraft may be necessary.
Navigation mode
The overweight is only about 15% of the total weight, equivalent to 2 to 3 people on board, partially compensated by a lighter aluminium hull.
The landing gear, located close to the centre of gravity, guarantees a perfect balance when under way. The retractable towing bar is ideally located at the bottom of the hull to lower the centre of gravity and create a keel effect for better handling in turns and increased safety when boating.
The progressive V shape of the hull allows the boat to get on plane quickly without compromising comfort when boating in rough seas.
Launching
Depending on the version, there are different ways of launching Wettoncraft boats.
In the Evolution version, the Wetton is only launched by means of a manoeuvring bar that is attached between the front of the boat and the towing ball of the car. The user then steers the Wetton to the water with the help of his vehicle. Once the boat is in the water, all you have to do is detach the manoeuvring bar, stow it in the vehicle or in the Wetton and get on board.
In the Performance version, all you have to do is get on board the Wetton and steer it into the water thanks to its motorised wheels. It is also possible to launch it into the water with your vehicle thanks to an optional manoeuvring bar.
Very simply, reverse the boat until it is afloat (*), engage the reverse gear of the outboard engine and gradually tilt the engine to the lowered position. Once out of the slipway, raise the landing gear.
On the return trip, proceed in the reverse order, this time with the boat facing the slipway.
(*) it is however possible to launch the boat forward if the slope of the slipway is gentle enough.
As in an aeroplane, everyone must be seated in their own seat to balance the load, avoiding the area in front of the steering console.
Performance in launching mode
The speed is limited to 1- 2 kmh to enable a quiet, fully secure manoeuver even with people around.
About 3 hours, depending on the conditions (weight/ slope %).
Wettons are built to climb 13 % slipways, the standard % in Europe.
Up to you : from the console with a joystick, or from a distance with your smartphone and your thumb. Safety systems protect you from any undesired action.
We recommend that only the skipper and another person stay aboard, to spare the batteries.
Of course, when moving from sea to land and vice versa, all passengers can remain seated.
With almost no training, you need 3 mn from unhitching a Wetton to wheels fully up in the water.
Present regulations are forbidding road and public coastline use, only on private areas.
Roadway Performance
Actually easier to pull than any other trailer, in terms of road holding (no swaying), and manoeuverability, because the hub is closer to the vehicle (because you pull stern first).
It is possible to trim thanks to the jockey wheel angle.
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