Conquering The Waters: How Denis Anderson Is Revolutionizing Luxury Watercraft
Dolce sets off for Miami to meet Denis Anderson, owner of Watersports Car, to discover the exhilarating experience his customers enjoy while navigating the waters.
It can be hard to stand out in the world of high-end recreational watercraft in which bling-y superyachts, jet- powered surfboards and speedy hydrofoil jets all compete for attention among thrill-seeking luxury enthusiasts. Yet Denis Anderson is doing so with ease.
As the founder and CEO of Watersports Car, Anderson has turned an ambitious idea into a global sensation. His Miami-based company is the only U.S. manufacturer of these luxury vehicles — sports-car-styled speedboats that race across the water with the precision of a jet ski and the comfort and control of a high-performance automobile. A blend of innovation, engineering and no small amount of flash, a Watersports Car is not just a toy for the elite but a statement of style, design and high-octane adventure.
Anderson’s journey to creating the Watersports Car is rooted in his lifelong passion for automobiles and luxury. Originally from Germany, he spent years customizing high-end cars for wealthy clients worldwide. His attention to detail and love for exclusivity led him to an unusual question: what if a car could drive on water?
“I love cars, and to be honest, I’ve seen [these kinds of water] cars online, so I didn’t invent the concept. But I tested them, and none were what I consider high-quality. That’s why, for me, it was clear that I wanted quality and improvement to be at the heart of everything we do in this business,” Anderson explains.
This desire for quality and precision quickly set Watersports Car apart from the competition. Unlike earlier amphibious-vehicle concepts, Anderson’s creation didn’t just function on water — it was designed to perform like a true sports car. One of the most remarkable aspects of Watersports Car is how closely it mimics the sensation of driving on land. Unlike boats, which require a shifter, these vehicles operate with a gas pedal, just like a car, and a reverse pedal. The steering is designed to offer the same level of control as a high-end sports car, giving drivers a sense of familiarity despite the change in conditions.
“Most importantly for me was that it really feels like a car. So, you have two gas pedals for acceleration and reverse, the steering — when you go at the highest speed — it really feels like a race car. You can stop on a dime,” Anderson says.
With speeds reaching up to 68 miles (almost 110 kilometres) per hour, the Watersports Car delivers an exhilarating experience. Whether carving through waves or cruising at sunset, it provides an unmatched blend of speed, power and luxury.
Creating such a groundbreaking product was not without obstacles. Unlike land vehicles, which move on a predictable surface, water is constantly shifting, presenting unique engineering challenges and potential safety concerns.
“Our biggest challenge was to get it to a quality and safety level where I feel comfortable selling it to the public because we are literally selling worldwide,” Anderson shares.
Early prototypes experienced issues including oversteering and uneven handling, but through rigorous testing and redesigns Anderson’s team perfected the balance, ensuring stability and control at high speeds. One of the key improvements was extending the tunnel in the back of the car, which reduced unnecessary movement and allowed for smoother turns.
Despite its thrilling nature, safety remains the top priority for Watersports Car. Anderson insists that no compromise is made when it comes to ensuring the security of drivers and passengers.
“The water lets you know if something is right or wrong. It is not to be played with, so we take it very seriously. That’s why everything is fully U.S.- Coast-Guard-certified. These cars, they’re full of foam — you can cut it literally in four pieces, and it’s not going to sink.”
This dedication to safety means that every vehicle undergoes extensive testing to meet strict regulations. Watersports Car works closely with approved testing companies to ensure compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard safety standards. In one extreme test, the vehicles were intentionally submerged for 24 hours to confirm their unsinkable design.
“THE GOOD LIFE IS ALL ABOUT FREEDOM — SO YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU LIKE. FAMILY, LOCATION, HAPPINESS … LIFE IS TOO SHORT. LET’S ENJOY IT. THAT’S WHAT WE HELP PEOPLE DO HERE.”
Watersports Cars are not just a novelty; they have captured the attention of luxury enthusiasts, yacht-owners and adventure-seekers worldwide. Their eye-catching design and unparalleled performance make them a natural fit for the superyacht industry. Owners can take their Watersports Cars from ship to shore with ease, adding an exciting new element to marine exploration.
“If you don’t want to be seen, this product is not for you. These cars, on and off the water, cause so much attention. People from everywhere — young, old, female, male — they come up to you and ask what that is,” says Anderson.
The brand has successfully expanded beyond the United States, delivering vehicles to far-off places like Singapore, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Australia. The demand continues to grow, solidifying Watersports Car as a premier name in luxury watercraft.
And Anderson is not stopping with his current success. He has ambitious plans to take Watersports Car to new heights through strategic collaborations and an expanded global presence.
“We have something big coming up. We are going to join forces with a very well-known big brand. So these cars will be officially powered by that brand. I can’t say it right now, but it’s in the works,” says Anderson.
Additionally, Watersports Car is expanding its lineup. The latest model, the Series G, is the largest in the fleet, seating up to six passengers, with a convertible roof and luxury features like a built-in refrigerator. With over 50 pre-orders already secured, the demand for these innovative vehicles is clear.
For Anderson, success is not just about selling luxury vehicles — it’s about creating experiences that bring joy and excitement. His passion for quality, adventure and innovation is evident in every Watersports Car he brings to market. More than just a vehicle, it represents freedom, luxury and a fun new way to enjoy the open water.
“The good life is all about freedom — so you can do what you like. Family, location, happiness … life is too short. Let’s enjoy it. That’s what we help people do here,” says Anderson.
He didn’t just create a new watercraft — he redefined an entire category. With the precision of a luxury sports car and the thrill of high-speed water racing, Watersports Car is more than a vehicle; it’s an experience.
From Miami to Singapore, it’s making waves in the world of high-end adventure. And with ambitious collaborations on the horizon, Anderson is driving the future of luxury straight into uncharted waters.
INTERVIEW BY FERNANDO ZERILLO
