Gibbs Aquada amphibious vehicle to come ashore in the US

Richard Branson's already used one to break little known world records, and it looks those in the US will soon finally be get a Gibbs Aquada amphibious vehicle of their very own, and for a comparative bargain no less. According to Popular Mechanics, a new version of the vehicle is set to go into production late next year with the intention of it being released in the US in the first half of 2009 for less than $100,000, as opposed to the $200,000+ it currently demands oversees. The new vehicle will also supposedly meet all US safety and emission regulations although, as Popular Mechanics points out, you will still likely need a boat license in order to (legally) get the most out of it.

[Billie @ Jun 13th 2007 8:03PM]

Well... you only "need" a boating license if you are between 12 and 18. If you are 18 (or 21 in some states) you can operate a motorboat with just your everyday driver's license. as long as it isn't too big... which this thing isn't.

[Nelson @ Jun 13th 2007 8:08PM]

I think they mean a license for the boat, itself... Not for the operator. You will have to reigster it as a boat AND a car.

[Cody S. @ Jun 13th 2007 11:41PM]

You can't just go out and drive a boat in all states. In Oregon you need to take a test and get a card (it can be done on the internet). It's some dumb rule the Marine Board made.

You should check your local state to see if it applies.

http://www.boat-ed.com

[Phour ZwanZig @ Jun 14th 2007 12:00AM]

Umm Billie.. I live in Wis. also..

I can tell YOU dont OWN a boat.. Yes you need to register and license the boat.. What did you think the lil numbers were on the front of the boat.. And you renew it also.. Just like your Car...

The money is used by the DNR to keep rivers and water ways clean and usable..

Just like you need to clean your boat when moving from one water to another.. There are Laws and Rules just like the DOT has on our Roadways..

[Billie @ Jun 14th 2007 3:56PM]

Phour, I misread the referance to a "license" I was talking about not needing a "Boating License". Yes, I own a boat and know it has to be REGISTERED...

[Billie @ Jun 13th 2007 8:03PM]

((edit:: of note, this is in Wisconsin... Probably different in other states...))

[bonkeykong @ Jun 13th 2007 8:42PM]

Richard Branson will be delivering the vehicle to the U.S. in record time.

[Aaron @ Jun 13th 2007 8:55PM]

Ah yeah, I remember hearing about this thing a few years ago. I could never think of a good use for it but I've always liked it. If only I had $100,000.

[sinhumane @ Jun 13th 2007 9:49PM]

i'm calling my bank for the loan now.

[myownswordsman @ Jun 13th 2007 9:54PM]

are you serious? good luck with your new toy...

[myownswordsman @ Jun 13th 2007 9:54PM]

To Nelson,so it will be ok if i could show the licence of my boat plus my drive licence? cheers...

[paul34 @ Jun 13th 2007 9:55PM]

Jeremy Clarkson would still prefer his ToyBota

[Phil @ Jun 13th 2007 10:06PM]

LOL, that episode was hilarious! The only thing about that ToyBota was the small...sinking problem.

[RikF @ Jun 13th 2007 10:17PM]

Nope, the only problem with the Toybota was its large driver problem!

[Mac Dub @ Jun 14th 2007 9:37AM]

I think I preferred Hamster's VW boat. Something about being able to cook your tea while enjoying the open water... until those two tonnes drag you down.

[Flalex @ Jun 13th 2007 10:09PM]

can I Water Ski behind it? Even Cooler, put wheels on the skis and do that amphibious too.

[lyl545646 @ Jun 13th 2007 10:33PM]

This is it, gents. Sell your kids and wives, quick! for fast cash.

[Nabimbko @ Jun 13th 2007 10:46PM]

It BETTER have one of those center console wine chilers and some rockets behind the headlights ...

[kdawg @ Jun 14th 2007 1:16AM]

How about hiring an editor? "...and it looks those in the US will soon finally be get a Gibbs Aquada amphibious vehicle of their very own, and for a comparative bargain no less."

WTF?

[Josh @ Jun 14th 2007 2:10AM]

This will be great when that global warming makes my house beach front property.

[Colin @ Jun 14th 2007 6:33AM]

Well this just isn't going to make you cool in ANY circle. People with boats will think you look like a knob for driving a car on the water, and people with cars will think you look like a knob for having barnacles on your spinners.

[EatingPie @ Jun 14th 2007 10:28AM]

Wow big comment war on license requirements. Let's just cut to the chase.

If you can AFFORD this, licensing it as a car and a boat is NO BIG DEAL!! :-)

-Pie

[Lawrence Rodriguez @ Jun 15th 2007 1:45PM]

Picture would be quite at home on a James Bond movie poster.

[LE @ Jun 15th 2007 7:46PM]

Sweet now you have you car evaluated on miles drvien and hours instead of just one. LOL

[G Jenkins @ Jul 3rd 2007 10:26AM]

If you like amphibious cars check out this face book group;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2587625909

Amphibians are great.

[dantheman @ Aug 5th 2007 5:27PM]

So has anybody checked out the amphibious red camaro and this cool amphibious jeep? The water car website is www.watercar.com I like this car a lot better!

[NZ~Miles @ Dec 5th 2007 2:41AM]

Only a New Zealander could think up something as awesome as this