Autoboat (ship type)
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The auto boat is a special type of motor boat . The hull of a classic car boat is between 4 and 10 meters long and offers (depending on the length) space for 2, 4 or even up to 6 people. It has the shape of a Tiller wave binder and is supposed to represent a semi-glider. In general, however, such car boats tend to be real displacers. Modern hull shapes are also possible, which then under certain circumstances even enable planing . The main material used is wood . Noble tropical wood , especially mahogany , is mostly used for the deck and planks . However, car boats are also available in steel construction or nowadays also made of GRP . The engine is concealed in the stern, no outboard motors are used. Often the overall engine power is generously or more than sufficiently dimensioned, since even real wave trusses do not allow particularly high hull speeds .
The name “autoboot” is derived from its appearance: similar to a car, autoboats have a windshield , comfortable seats or a bench, as well as a dashboard and a steering wheel for steering the boat. Car boats are generally open. However, some car boats can be closed with a cake stand similar to a convertible top. A modification of the car boat with a closed cabin for the boat driver and his passengers is called a "limousine", also based on the automotive industry. The latter are not to be confused with so-called "travel limousines", which are usually medium cabin boats and represent a separate type of ship.
In the 1950s, very small motor boats with a hard chine and outboard motor, which resemble a car boat and could be built in practically any garage at a reasonable price, became popular. The small size of these boats also allows them to be trailers with a car. However, these are neither real wave trusses nor real car boats, but so-called " fake fifties ".