Fast Amphibian to Debut at Detroit Boat Show
Gibbs Quadski, claimed to be the world’s first sports amphibian, will make its marine-show debut at this year’s Detroit Boat Show (Feb.16-24) at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
Developed and built in the U.S., the high speed amphibian (HSA) has a durable, but light-weight composite hull; utilizes proprietary water-jet technology and is powered by a K1300 BMW Motorrad engine and transmission.
According to the company, the Quadski transitions from land to water in less than five seconds and reaches planing speeds in seconds. The new sports amphibian weighs 1,300 pounds, is equipped with a 15-gallon fuel tank and retails for about $40,000.
Currently available in five colors – red, yellow, blue, silver and black – the Gibbs Quadski already is on sale at two dealerships in Florida and soon will be available at dealership locations in Michigan, New York, Texas and elsewhere in the Midwest and southeastern United States.
Designed to meet applicable state and federal safety regulations, the Quadski is 10.5 feet in overall length; 5.2 feet in width, and 4.3 feet in height with a wheelbase of 5.8 feet. It is being assembled at a 54,000-square-foot assembly plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
“Quadski represents an entirely new form of transportation,” notes Alan Gibbs, the founder of Gibbs Technologies and Gibbs Sports Amphibians. “It is the only sports amphibian in the world capable of reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour on both land and water and can transition between both in less than five seconds.”
The privately held company, founded by Alan Gibbs with Neil Jenkins in 2012, consists of two divisions – Gibbs Sports Amphibians, Inc., which designs and manufactures consumer sports amphibians such as the Quadski, and Gibbs Amphitrucks Inc., which builds commercial amphibians for first responder and military applications. Based in Auburn Hills, Mich., Gibbs currently has more than 100 employees.
