WATERCAR! vs AMPHICAR!
April 14th, 2009 @ 02:10
Posted by: John Whipple Sr.
New Stuff!
I remember the first drive in it down to Lake Placid and entered under the bridge on Highway 90 West from San Antonio, Texas. I knew “nothing” except it might not sink and they cost $2,888 if it did.
I did not know what was in store for me for the next 4 years and if I had I think I would savored the experience. Col. Archie Burdett, the owner of KARBO INC., was riding right seat and giving instructions which was only one! And it was to “follow the check list just like it was an airplane. One misstep could be a disaster. It was kept iin the glove compartment.
I was 36years old then and I am 72 now. Lets see if I can still remember!
#1 set the hand brake.
#2 get out and install bilge plug.
#3 use a life jacket for every passenger. DO NOT USE SEAT BELTS!
#4 pull shifter boot up the shift stick high enough to inspect bilge for leaves and debris and pull on bilge pump switch and you will hear it as the blue light comes on.
#5 lock down door inner gasket compression latches.
#6 put prop power lever in forward position and shifter into road gear 1 and drive into water.and then into neutral when water bound.
&).Return this Checklist to the glove compartment.
The first thing you will note is the car won’t go where you want to go or stop. Water control is a whole new art.and after you get the hang of it you can do things you would never believeput it into every possible water maneuver situation you will discover that you have great control and it is a really very safe amphibious vehicle that is about the right speed for a me.
Other reasons why I would choose Amphicar.
(1) The 10 inch ground clearance (same as a Jeep)
saved me so many times where I could not see as well as I needed in and around the water.
(2) It could turn 180 degrees without leaving the same spot or lane of travel or in a narrow river by reversing the nylon props and right and left steering wheel position.
(3) Although they only went 15mph on water they did 75mph very nicely on the highway and that is faster than you cab go legally and at 28mpg.
(4)You actually can surf behind them on the wake of water they move which is great fun. It requires a tow rope and 2ftX4ft board.
(5) And of course their price $2,888.
Great car for hunting, exploring and camping. The metal is twice as thick as the Camaro and three times as thick on the hull.Before you start a lot of comparison that thay are like 2 different tools in your toolbox. . . .They don’t do the same thing.
A couple of days in the mountains never hurt anybody!
