World’s first high-speed amphibian debuts at Miami Boat Show

MIAMI, Fla. – The world’s first high-speed sports amphibian, the GIBBS Quadski, will make its Miami public debut at this year’s Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 14-18).

Developed and built in the U.S., the high-speed amphibian (HSA) has a durable, but light-weight composite hull; utilizes patented water-jet technology, and is powered by a BMW Motorrad engine and transmission.

The Quadski transitions from land to water in less than five seconds and reaches planing speeds in seconds. The new HSA 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 is now on sale at dealerships in Florida, Michigan, New York, Texas and elsewhere in the Midwest and southeastern United States.

Two Florida dealers – RIVA Motorsports and Cycle Springs of Clearwater will be among the first to sell and service the Quadski in the United States. The world’s largest personal watercraft dealer, RIVA has newly expanded facilities in Pompano Beach, Cutler Bay and Key Largo. Cycle Springs Powersports is the Tampa Bay area’s largest family-owned powersports dealer.

Quadski will be on display at the National Marine Super Yacht Toy Store during the Miami Boat Show. More than 2,000 companies are expected to showcase nearly 3,000 boats in addition to a wide range of marine engines, gear and accessories at the show which will occupy exhibit space at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Miamarina at Bayside. The five-day show attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.

The dream of two visionary entrepreneurs — Alan Gibbs and Neil Jenkins — the Quadski is the product of millions of research dollars and years of development work in the U.S., New Zealand and the UK. 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.”

Gibbs points out that the companies have more than 300 patents and patents pending on Gibbs HSA technology representing an investment of more than $200-million and two-million man hours of work.

“Bringing Quadski to market has been a long uphill battle, but clearly worth the effort, ” adds Gibbs Chairman Neil Jenkins. “Quadski is making its public debut at major marine and powersports shows in the United States this year and will pave the way for a host of other Gibbs amphibians designed for consumers, sports enthusiasts, law enforcement agencies and first responders in years to come.”

Gibbs’ unique high-speed amphibian attracted crowds last month at the North American International Auto Show (Jan.19-27) in Detroit and also will be on display in February at the Detroit Boat Show (Feb. 16-24).

Quadski has a unique retractable suspension system that provides superb ride-and handling on land and retracts in seconds after entering water. The new HSA’s four-cylinder, water-cooled engine is considered the lightest powerplant in its segment and features electronic fuel injection, a double-overhead camshaft and dry-sump lubrication.

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.