The Panther comes standard with left hand steering but can be special ordered with optional right hand steering.
Amphibious vehicle registration and licensing requirements are unlike any other transportation type depending on country and state it is used in.
Amphibious vehicles may be required to be registered and licensed for both water use and road use.
We recommend you check with the local governing authority as to what is legally needed to operate an Amphibious vehicle in your area before you purchase a WaterCar.
The Panther is US Coast Guard approved and comes with a registered US Coast Gard hull number so it can be licensed for water usage most anywhere in the world.
Registering and licensing an amphibious vehicle for highway use is much more challenging.
Amphibious vehicles are not recognized by the NHTSA and DOT, and do not come with an OEM manufacturers VIN number. Each Country and State has their own requirements as to how they can be registered for highway use. Typically they must be registered as a specially constructed vehicle and or a "Kit Car". In the United States, each state has their own requirements on how to register specially constructed vehicles and Kit Cars.
Here is a link to the website that explains what each state requires for registering these types of vehicles.
http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?
Panthers can be purchased as Kit Cars known as turnkey less motor and transmission (see purchase info).
We can assist customers through this process.
With proper maintenance the Panther can be used in salt water. The Panther is constructed of non-corrosive materials wherever possible but, like any vessel exposed to salt water,it is recommended it be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water after use. A light spray with a lubricant like WD 40 will prevent corrosion.
A removable top is under consideration but not currently available.
The Panther can be used in open water but it is a 15 foot boat and limited as to how rough of a sea in which it can be safely operated.
Cash / Credit Card
Amphibious definitely require more maintenance that a standard automobile. While the Panther only has one motor, it has two propulsion systems each having its own unique maintenance needs.
Any good mechanic should be capable of working on a Panther, preferably a street car mechanic with marine experience. The majority of the components that are used in the Panther are top quality off the shelf automotive and marine parts that most mechanics will readily recognize.
Seatbelts are installed in all Panthers but we do not recommend using them when operating in the water.
Any tires and wheels can be installed as long as they are the same size the Panther is originally equipped with.
The Python has both highway and marine lights. However, lights are not furnished in the rolling chassis model.
Less than 15 seconds. Once you enter the water put the transmission in neutral, pull a knob to engage the jet, push a button to raise the wheels and off you go. Reverse the process when exiting the water.
A launch ramp is recommended but if the shoreline is stable and no obstacles are higher than 8" feel free to use the beach.
WaterCar currently does not offer air conditioning as an option but your mechanic could easily install it for you.
Not at this time.
All Panther sales are f.o.b. our factory in Fountain Valley, California. Buyers are responsible for arranging transportation and registration.