The MetroShip, a 40 foot by 12 foot floating luxury houseboat inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural heritage, goes into production after overwhelming public support.
Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 23, 2006 -- The MetroShip, designed by modern designer David Ballinger (previous credits include BMW, MetroShed and Harley-Davidson) is going into production in Orlando, Florida and will bring the houseboat industry into the 21st century with a modern design-led houseboat.
There will be two immediate modern-designed MetroShip models; a 30 foot houseboat (with 8 foot width and 7 foot height)and a 40 foot houseboat (with 12 foot width and 7 foot height), though custom sizes will be available.
The final version of the MetroShip which has been a 4 year design process is special - and unlike any house boat on the market today. Every boat has the best of the best for the kitchen and bathroom. A clever central 'block' was created that divides the living & dining area from the master bedroom & bathroom area. Offering customers a first time alternative to the typical 1970's styled RV of The Sea style houseboat. With an open plan customers can bring their own styles into the space and change it when needed. Flexibility that has not existed in the typical houseboat. The MetroShip is more of a living space, bring your own furniture, your own ideas, your own creativity - and of course this means a much much lower price to the customer. MetroShips will retail starting at $79,000 - a fraction of most of the new houseboats currently available.
Modern designer, David Ballinger stated, "The MetroShip includes top of the line German made Gaggenau appliances, imported Italian vanity units and an open living plan that can adapt to change. The MetroShip crushes houseboat stereotypes and a modern design that is truly unique in the market place. With over 5,000 people expressing an interest in purchasing a MetroShip prior to production the MetroShip is bound to change the houseboat market, currently dominated by Gibson, Sumerset, Sailabration, Sharpe and Twin Anchors."
State of the art heat and AC units are included (all remote controlled) and the construction of the boat features full insulation and premium polydeck flooring that can never rot - unlike traditional marine plywood. The entire boat is as maintenance free as it can be - using a lot of light weight super strong insulated panels. The boats sit on super strong aluminum pontoons (much care has gone into the structural integrity and the thickness of the pontoons and the cross members have been increased to ensure a rock solid floating sub-structure).
Pricing will start from just $79,000 for a trailerable fully movable houseboat and then level off at about $159,000 (dependant on options) for the 12 foot wide 40 foot MetroShip.
The boats can be in kit form or delivered assembled. Production and design are overseen by Dwell magazine featured, MetroShed.
Manufacturing is a two part process. Pontoons are manufactured in Ontario, Canada and the entire boat is assembled in Central Florida.
MetroShip can be 'shipped' anywhere in the world. Lead times for production currently run approx. 6 weeks.
Deposits have already been taken on a number of MetroShips and production capacity is limited so a strict first come first served policy is in place.
The MetroShip is white inside and out with Aluminum framed glass and doors. Engine power is from a 90HP outboard for easy maintenance boating – the MetroShip is built for unparalled comfortable modern living, not speed.
The MetroShip is changing the houseboat market. Open plan floor layout with full designer kitchen and bathroom. Balcony features for dining and relaxation. The first MetroShips will be 40ftx12ft and 30ftx8ft, making it easy to move between marinas, lakes, oceans and ports. Available with rooftop hot tub and seating.
For more information please contact:
Elaine Hoxie Tel: 310-295-0072
Or visit: http://www.metroshed.com/metroship.html
###
|
