Quadski from Gibbs Sports Amphibians

Gibbs Sports Amphibians, the manufacturer of the Quadski, is planning to launch to new models and expand their dealer network.  The Quadski is an amphibious vehicle that converts from an ATV to a PWC in less than five seconds. Gibbs currently has five dealers for the Quadski but expects to have one hundred dealers by the end of 2014. They will need the increased distribution as the company expects to produce 1,000 Quadskis this year. Gibbs is also looking to export their product to international markets.

The Quadski costs about $40,000 and is available in blue, black, yellow, silver and red. It is powered by a 175 hp BMW Motorrad engine and can reach speeds of 45 mph on land or in the water.  In addition to the Quadski, Gibbs is planning on launching new consumer, commercial and military products over the next 18 months. Learn more:  Powersportsbusiness.com

Comment:  Selling 1,000 of these vehicles at $40,000 apiece is an ambitious goal, especially as a purely leisure vehicle. On the other hand, law enforcement and military organizations might find this to be a compelling technology for specific applications and could help meet that goal. The Quadski does represent the continuing innovation and product advancements in the STOV market. Lately the versatility of the vehicles has been a focus, whether it is convertible seating in the Honda Pioneer UTV, the ability to use various work attachments in the Polaris/Bobcat Brutus or now the ability to travel on land or water. It is the versatility of STOVs and the ability to match the vehicle to an application or specific set of applications that has helped the market grow strongly in an overall slow economic recovery.