Irene and 6x6's

[fasteddiesllc]

anybody have any experiences with thier buggies?? out playing in it, or rescue vehicle, maybe a new neccessity for transportation?

[frabbit]

Many years ago (25 or so) several members of ribits riders in Bflo were part of the Erie County Emergency Disaster team. We trained in oxygen mask usage, search and rescue and first aid. Fortunately, we were never called upon. The program only had funding for about a year (And we were volunteers) and was scrapped. We were all confident in our abilities and training and the EMT's loved the machines, but we were never activated. A program like that nowadays would demand an enormous amount of training, time,and dedication.I could see where it would be extremely worth a program like that again, though.

[Mr_C]

I have no experience with using a 6x6 in an emergency situation, but I certainly plan too. I live in what has recently become a fairly flood prone rural area. My property is safe (for the most part) but all roads go under for a week or more most years in the spring. This affects me and my neighbors. It is the primary reason I purchased my Hustler.

In the past I have used lifted 4x4 vehicles and driven out on flooded roads as long as it wasn't too deep but that doesn't always work. The primary issue is knowing where the road you are driving on is. Video of me driving to work when it wasn't all that deep

Boats are an option, but the roads go under in multiple locations so they don't work well.

I finally came to the conclusion that I either needed an amphibious vehicle or a hovercraft. Each having thier own advantages or disadvantages (with a hovercraft able transition from water to ice with ease and being fast in the water, but without the payload, rough terrain and trailer towing abilities of a 6x6. Being unable to decide which would be better, I ended up buying both (thanks to craigslist). There is a good chance next spring that I will be able to do a good side by side comparison.

[fasteddiesllc]

I have always wanted a hovercraft here where I hunt..Island hoping in the Mississippi river would be great... where are you located??

[Mr_C]

Near Fargo, ND... but on the MN side of the frequently flooding Red River. I purchased the Hovercraft a few weeks before the Hustler, but it needed more work than the hustler did so I don't have it quite working yet. The last of the parts I needed came in the mail today so hopefully after the upcoming long holiday weekend I can finish it up and try it out (and make some video).