A New Zealand-engineered boat launching system is heading to Southampton Boat Show 2026, where SBS Trailers will demonstrate the C-ROVR electric launch system to British and European boaties for the first time.
SBS Trailers is the first authorised partner of Tectrax outside New Zealand, marking a notable export milestone for the Kiwi technology. The C-ROVR is billed as the world's first fully electric, remote-controlled boat launching system, the product of more than a decade of development.
Using wireless technology, the system lets boaties launch and retrieve their vessel without a tow vehicle. Operators can run it from onboard or from shore, using a remote with a range of up to 500 metres line of sight.
It's designed to accommodate boats from 4m up to 10m-plus, with load capacities exceeding 7,000kg. Each unit is custom-built to suit specific operational requirements rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Built for use in the water, the C-ROVR is fully submersible and engineered for reliability in tough marine conditions. Each wheel hub is triple sealed and fitted with built-in moisture sensors, ensuring waterproof integrity and consistent performance. That combination allows for confident launches in deeper water and smooth, controlled retrievals.
The system is pitched as giving boat owners and operators the freedom and convenience typically associated with amphibious vessels, without the cost or hassle of modifications or new craft.
For New Zealand readers, the Tectrax connection is the real story. A Kiwi-linked launching system will be on show to the British and European boating market at SBS Trailers' stand, P38, at Southampton Boat Show, running from 18 to 24 September 2026.
