Iguana Yachts
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipbuilding, Marine engineering |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Antoine Brugidou, Tanguy Le Bihan, Fritsch & associés |
| Headquarters | Normandy , France |
| Products | Amphibious motorboats |
Iguana Yachts is a French enterprise established in 2008 that specializes in crafting amphibious motorboats equipped with all-terrain continuous tracks. The company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing sites are situated in Normandy, France.
History
Antoine Brugidou, previously a Vice President at Accenture, founded Iguana Yachts together with naval architect Tanguy Le Bihan and design firm Fritsch & associés. Their objective was to develop luxurious, high-performance boats capable of traversing various terrains. The Iguana Mobility System, engineered by Antoine Fritsch, features a track mechanism integrated into the hull that rotates 90 degrees to deploy on land. This system allows the vessels to operate on inclines up to 12°, as well as on sand, mud, and rocky shorelines. The tracks are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials tailored for diverse environmental conditions.
Following three years of research and the creation of two prototypes, serial manufacturing commenced in Caen, leveraging regional expertise. Financing was secured through numerous business angel networks such as Arts et Métiers Business Angels, ESSEC Business Angels, Paris Business Angels, and XMP Business Angels. The initial 24-foot model was launched in 2012. Production facilities were expanded alongside participation in global boat exhibitions. In 2013, the company completed its first luxury amphibious boat sale in Bahrain. This innovative product has also garnered attention from military organizations and professional sectors including firefighting services.
Iguana Yachts today
Currently, Iguana Yachts manufactures 29-foot vessels powered by 300 HP outboard engines that can reach speeds of 35 knots on water and 7 km/h on land. These boats incorporate aluminum landing gear connected to a carbon fiber hull, which improves durability against fatigue while enhancing overall performance. The Iguana 29 is primarily utilized as tender yachts and day boats for owners of beachfront villas.
Toward the end of 2013, Iguana Yachts raised €1.2 million from private investors aimed at advancing product development and supporting expansion efforts.