AATV's

[DukeRed04]

Hey, I'm new here. I don't have any experience with amphibious vehicles, but I've got lots of 4x4 experience.

I'm looking to pick up a summer project and do one of these vehicles up. I was looking for advice, I would like to have an 8x8, I did not know there was any other company that made these other then Argo, there are not many aound here(Ontario Canada).

My questions are what do I want to start off with for an 8x8? I'm looking for the most weight I can carry on water, as I'm a pretty big guy. 6' 5" 300lb and I'd be carrying lots of gear, and most likely a passenger.

I don't understand how the 8x8 drive works? Is it true 8 wheel drive? I know that they can follow the average 4 wheeler path, but how are they on really rough rocky, uneven, log climbs, thick mud, and all that nasty stuff that I don't like to get off to move, and just run over it with the bike anyway?lol

What kind of motor can I put into one of these? Can I throw in a ATV motor? I'd like to make one that is reliable, and has lots of power. Not speed power, but low end. I don't want it to sound like I'm disrespecting AATV's or anything, I just am not informed. I wish there was more people around here that had them. I only know one guy and he got rid of his 8x8 because no one could keep it running he said? I guess his mechanic gave up on it. I don't know.

I don't want to spend a bunch of money, as I just want to get in and test the waters so to speak. I really love my ATV's, I've always wanted an Argo for duck hunting, and pond hopping and things like that.

Sorry for the long post guys.

[LarryW]

If your looking for project 8x8 then Argo is probably the only one. There is another make buts its new and finding a project would be impossible. Well I hope.

Most older aatv's run snowmobile style motors. Newer ones are bigger lawn mower style small engines like Briggs or Kohler. At least 16hp on up usually. An atv motor unless its a belt drive polaris or whatever, wouldnt be desirable because of the gears.

There are alot of videos that can show you what they cab drive on and over or through.

Argos use a differential design, like in a truck. One side can spin. But I believe its not 100% bad as you just just learn to to brake the side thats spinning. Other manuf. have design which have, in a way, a separate trans for each side so you can power both side independently. Few model actually have a trans on each side, too.

[DukeRed04]

So it's probably just cheaper and easier to throw on a good sized lawn mower engine?

How are the 6x6's in water? I was thinking that I could always probably tow a boat behind the argo in the water heading into certain area's when i need high volumes of cargo.


What am I looking at for a fixer-upper 8x8 price wise? over 4k? I'd kinda like to keep it under 4000 with 4000 being my last resort kinda price. What about a 6x6?

[DukeRed04]

oh and thanks for explaining the drivetype to me. That makes 100% sense, not all 4 wheel ATV's are true 4 wheel drive either, they have a limited slip. Some have full locking though.

I'm okay with that style, I'm not going to be bogging or anything insane with it.

[LarryW]

For 4000 you should be able to find a non project one.

Towing a boat would work but you may want an outboard attachment. There are amphib trailers that are basically an aatv lower tub with 4 wheels instead of 6.

[DukeRed04]

Oh wow that would be cake, I should look around for one of those tubs. I have a pair of 14' Aluminum boats. But I like the idea of it being a land trailer too.

On the outboard motor issue, I have a Johnson 4.0 thats practically brand new, i'm assuming that is more then ample power. What about those mini kota electric motors? I'd kinda prefer one of those setups I think if they work well.

[lewis]

Hi Duke

I have an Avenger and it does very well in the water. The manual states that it will hold 4 passengers in the water, not to exceed 700 lds.
Argo has a optional amphibious trailer which will carry 600 lbs. at 4 psi tire pressure. I have the 9.9 Mariner installed on the Avenger and it does quite well. It is tiller control which keeps the front end up and ensures that the prop dose not have cavitation(sitting in rear of machine). Now you are not going to set any water speed records even with the 9.9 but you can travel at a very comfortable speed and is a very stable platform for the water. One thing that i had to become adjusted to was the leaning part of the machine. Leaning just like a motorcycle makes it turn one way or the other. Loading should be as balanced as possible. I have about 10 hours on the water with this machine and very pleased with it's performance. I do not compete with the jet ski's or boats. I try to stay as far away from them as possible. They become curious and move in closer to see what the machine is from time to time. I am confident of the machine in deeper water it's the boats running over me that is a little spooky so i stay out of the main channel unless crossing. Ensure if you go to the water you have a good bilge pump. Start in shallow water first to test the machines water capabilities. Bearing can leak, bottoms can be cracked and plugs may not be installed. Once you are sure of its capabilities you can move on to more exciting adventures. Contrary to belief they will sink to the bottom if flooded!! Wish you luck on you choice and be safe.

By the way the motor will need to be of the long shaft type.


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[DukeRed04]

That argo looks bad ass man. I have no intrest in setting speed records. I'll use it for fishing the back lakes. It will be real handy there because alot of the lakes around here are swamp for the first 20 feet or so and then it gets deep enough to float the boat. And I'm usually lucky if I run into another angler out in those parts.

Thanks for the advice, is it common for them to take on little amounts of water over time? Or are they usually pretty good? I definetly want a pump, something I can hook up off the electronics of it would be best eh? Ofcourse a good bucket is never a bad idea haha.

So in water they are pretty hard to flip then? They look like they would be real good and sturdy. I can see how the wake from fast boats would get scary.

[artist1018]

Check Ebay motors and your local Craigslist for 6x6 & 8x8's for sale.

[Swamper]

Hi there Duke and welcome to the site. Where do you live in Ont.? I am in SW Ont. and there are quite a few us down this way. If you are in the east there are quite a few members that live over there too. I check Kijiji quite frequently and there a lot for sale on this site all over the province. They go for anywhere $1,500 up to a price for brand new. In Argos the mid 70's and earlier had 2 stroke engines. Later in the 70's they used Techmseh 16 hp engines. They then went to twin cylinders of Brigg & Strattons, Koehler and Kawasaki, air cooled and liquid cooled. As Larry stated, you can find a non project Argo for 4 grand in really good shape and as artist said, every week there are about 10 or so on Ebay. Good luck in you quest. And remember if you have any questions, ask them here because there are really smart and friendly people here.
Cheers Al

[lewis]

That argo looks bad ass man. I have no intrest in setting speed records. I'll use it for fishing the back lakes. It will be real handy there because alot of the lakes around here are swamp for the first 20 feet or so and then it gets deep enough to float the boat. And I'm usually lucky if I run into another angler out in those parts.

Thanks for the advice, is it common for them to take on little amounts of water over time? Or are they usually pretty good? I definetly want a pump, something I can hook up off the electronics of it would be best eh? Ofcourse a good bucket is never a bad idea haha.

So in water they are pretty hard to flip then? They look like they would be real good and sturdy. I can see how the wake from fast boats would get scary.

My Avenger doesn't leak and i have 97 hours on it. Keeping your bearings and seals in good shape is a must if you plan to go in the water. But you can never tell. Keeping the plugs in are probably one of the biggest mistakes new riders make. My Conquest plugs were under the back floor pan. Out of sight out of mind. The Avengers are on the outside where they can be visually checked. That's the way i remember it being anyway.

[DukeRed04]

I live about an hour from Kingston Ontario. Thats about 3 hours from Toronto. I will start combing ebay and craigslist, and Kijiji. I'm planning on purchasing it in a few months, I'm just trying to get to know what i'm getting into for right now.

Sounds like this is going to be alot cheaper to get into then bikes. Although I see some nice new argos for the 20 000. I can't even comprehend spending that much on one, I'd have to be making alot more money lol. But with any luck maybe I will find a nice 8x8 that I can work with cheap. I'll start picking out some adds that I think are good deals, and run them by ya's before I buy.

So let me clarify on this, I should always keep the haul plugs not in while not in the water? And put them in before I head into the water?

Is there a way to increase the bounancy(sorry if I murdered the spelling on that) Is it just relying on tire air and shape to float? Can I pack foam in the haul of it?

Appreciate all the help and advice guys. Thanks Again.

[LarryW]

Is there a way to increase the buoyancy? Does it just relying on tire air and shape to float? Can I pack foam in the haul of it?

Appreciate all the help and advice guys. Thanks Again.

No foam but there are some people who made pontoons that attach to the sides!!! Gander around the gallery, look at some pictures!!!

P.S. there is a spell check but it doesnt matter, as long as we understand.

[philipatmaxfour]

Argos don,t need FOAM

Dukered04- no foam needed-the hull is a boat and it floats even if some of the tires are flat and full of water. the tires act as extra floats. the six wheelers seem tippy as you go in for thr first time but they are actually very stable. the 8 wheelers float even better. An hour from Kingston! What direction? I am on the bay of Quinte. You could look on you tube under" Argo playing in the ice in the bay",you might be surprised. After i take my tracks off in April I would be glad to take you for a "boat" ride.

[George]

I remember the first time I took my machine in the water. I was a little unnerving. After about 10 minutes you get comfortable.