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MACHINE DESIGN article on Gibb’s |
The Quadski from Gibbs Sports Amphibians Inc., Auburn Hills, Mich., can travel 45 mph over land or water, and transitions between the two modes at the push of a button. The 1,180-lb (dry) amphibian vehicle is equipped with a 1,300-cc 175-hp BMW engine that either powers the rear wheels on land or a Gibbs-designed and built jet drive for speeding over the water. On land, the Quadski’s four wheels are supported by independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers. Once the operator drives it into the water, he pushes a button and the wheels retract within 4 sec for a smoother, more-streamlined hull. The composite hull is made from a single-piece mold. In the water, the hull lets the craft plane but still has the lateral grip needed for tight maneuvers. The vehicle’s low center of gravity makes it stable on the road and in the water. The $40k vehicle carries one person, the driver, who should weigh less than 260 lb. Though developed in the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand, Quadskis will be built Michigan and should be available next month.