Amphibious ATV's

[Hoovey]

I have been looking on the internet at the 6 wheel Amphibious ATV's, thinking this may be a more practical vehicle for me versus a 4 wheel atv. I plan on using it for duck hunting (crossing small sloughs and transporting field hunting gear) and also for ice fishing (mainly on Mille Lacs and Red Lake). I was wondering if any FM'ers have owned or used this type of vehicle and what they thought of them. More specifically:

Are they practical for crossing smaller bodies of water?

How do they compare (without tracks) in the snow to a conventional ATV?

Will they operate the same in water with tracks vs. wheels only?

Any preference Argo vs. Max brands?

Any information on these would be appreciated. The companies selling them talk them up plenty, but I would like to hear from users. Thanks.

[Gadgetman]

Hoovey, I dont have one but one of my fishing buddies has an 8 wheel drive Argo that he has totally tricked out. It works very well on snow with the tracks on, withoui the tracks it isnt very mobile on deep snow, it gets hng up on the belly pan. Crossing water is possible but not the fastest, I havent done it with him but he was considering trying to try and mount a small motor on the back if that tells you anything. he likes it because if you do go thru the ice you arent going to get wet. We have used it on Red and it works great for a couple of guys. They are very loud to ride in if you go very far, talking is kind of a shouting match. But it sure is nice to be in a warm covered cab, and he has his boat lowrance mouinted right in front of the steering wheel so he has a nice big screen to look at instead of a little hand held. Great toy if you have the $

[fishnutbob]

hoovey,

I own a Max 11 and have a set of 17" tracks on it now for ice fishing, I love the machine in my slew I can go anywhere and not get stuck, and run it in water, and it floats. I bought mine in Wis. at Bc wheels. and had the tracks made locally. Ill be on Red this Sat , with the Max. Good duck hunting machine.

[BlueLiner]

Our company has an 8x8 argo with the briggs motor and it is very loud. Also, it is a very very rough ride. They have no suspension other than the air in the tires. They are heavy and if you do get stuck you better have a place to hook up the winch. Without tracks will do nothing in the snow. These machines require alot of tlc to keep them up and running when I compare it to my personal four wheeler. The only advantage they have is they float. I get piece of mind while on ice, but I have heard of guys breaking through and having a tough time getting back on the ice even with cleats on the tracks. I could go on for hours but I will let it rest.

[fishin magician]

One of my buddies has the 8 wheel drive Argo and has a winch on it. We use it alot for ice fishing. It is the best thing I have seen for ice fishing. We built a custom back rack in it out of wood to hold 5 gallon buckets and all kinds of gear. the auger mounts great on it.

He has tracks and it pulls a 10X6 permament fish house in the snow no problem. It is quite and 2-3 guys can getter-done in the rig.

I will definetly have one in my possesion one day.

[Hoovey]

Fishnutbob,

May I ask who made the tracks and what the cost was on those? The price for factory ones are pretty steep. How is the noise level on your Max compared to a 4 wheel atv? Thanks for the info!