Oh wow! there has got to be a prize for this design

[rwatson]

This guy is a genius - absolutely broke, but a genius

[hoytedow]

It looks like it wants to go where the rest of GM (Government Motors) is headed.

[PAR]

The only problem with your logic Hoytedow, is the car is a Chrysler product.

[hoytedow]

You are right, but they are almost all Government Motors nowadays. Old eyes mistook it for a Chevette.

[Squidly-Diddly]

used to make an auto amphibious. I was thinking of a roof mounted system that would somehow swing down.

Only problem is how to do the land/water transition.

His guy seems to have offered a solution of sorts.

[rwatson]

Originally Posted by Squidly-Diddly

used to make an auto amphibious. I was thinking of a roof mounted system that would somehow swing down.

Only problem is how to do the land/water transition.

His guy seems to have offered a solution of sorts.

Oh yes SQidy, he *has* solved the land transition.

If my eyes dont fail me, the big paddleswheels on the front match the level of the two lowered rear wheels, so they can drive (or paddlewheel) up and down the boat ramp.

It must be a front wheel drive.

[Squidly-Diddly]

the diameter wheels trying to pull all that gear up the ramp!

Another interest of mine would be minimal set of "land wheels" for a otherwise normal medium sized (25 foot?) boat.

I've seen the amphibious motor-home and sports car, but those are mostly land vehicles that have been water proofed. I've also seen the RIB with the 3 tires.

I'm thinking of something where the tires would be 'fenders' but could fold down. Probably electrically or hydraulically driven wheels, as I can't think of practical mechanical way to transmit enough power to haul a boat up a ramp.

The idea would be to dispense with mooring fees and the trailer, and to a certain extent car-rental fees (upon landing on a distant shore). 25MPH on land would be plenty fast enough.

[rwatson]

I am with you there Mr Sq. Hyraulic wheels are a rare beast, and not always marinized.

There are lots of attempts, but this is the closest one to a usable configuration I have seen.

By usable, I mean you get a certain amount of protection from the elements, and comfort while travelling .

www.sealegs.com is probably the most successfull commercially, but not much animal shelter for extensive cruising.

And this is the *cheapest* solution I have seen, I am sure you will agree :-)

[Squidly-Diddly]

The front axle is solid but the rear hubs are hydraulic and can be engaged for 4 wheel drive. This is the most common forklift on construction sites in the USA. The hubs look like they weigh at about 500lb not even counting the wheel/tire or pump on the engine.

I've heard the hydraulic hubs have more power than the front axle, which is pretty much a standard large Automatic Transmission geared low.

I haven't seen any smaller hydro-hubs.

Most "scissors lifts" have electrical hubs including electrical brakes that don't really work. On any slight grade they will 'creep'. However, the electrical drive seems to allow for a wide range of Power VS Speed without gears.
"Grade-All" comes in several sizes.