Amphibious 6×6 UTVs were popular well before today’s 4×4 ATVs.
It seems crazy, but amphibious UTVs were marketed to the general public as recreational vehicles in the 1960s. This is a full decade before the first mass produced 3 wheel ATVs in the 1970s and the first quads in the late 1980s.
But, once 3 wheel ATVs hit the market it was pretty much game over for recreational amphibious UTV.
Most of these vehicles are now made for commercial use.
The introduction of the 3 wheel ATV coincided when the US was in the midst of a severe oil/gas crisis. There was a lot of pain at the pump and US consumers were cutting back on expenses.
Since 3 wheelers were about half the cost of their amphibious UTV cousins, they became the industry standard.
But, quads didn’t become the industry standard due to higher costs, their rise to the top was actually due to safety concerns.
The 3 wheel trikes that were the industry leaders at the time were tippy and dangerous, but also a whole lot of fun. You can read more about it here:
Throwback 3 Wheel ATVs – Beautiful & Deadly
Amphibious UTV Models
Argo
Probably the best known, most famous 6x6s are made by Argo.
They’re also extra badass, both in looks and capability.
Although Argo has a full lineup of amphibious UTVs, most are 8x8s more suitable to commercial or military needs. However, their Frontier lineup includes three 6×6 models ideal for people looking for an affordable amphibious vehicle.
The Argo Frontier lineup includes a 650, 700 and 700 Scout model.
These models all share the same basic Argo features. But, the 700 and 700 Scout have Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), plus the 700 Scout also includes a brushguard with a 2,500 lb winch and upgraded True Timber Praries Camo paint.
Argo Frontier 650 6×6
Starts @ $11,000
- 650 Series V-Twin, fan-cooled engine
- 23 hp
Is this the most practical 6×6 ATV for ranch work, home chores or hunting? Probably not. Will you still want one? Definitely!
Argo Frontier models are amphibious, making them suitable for both land and water use. They float on the water like a boat, so they don’t need a snorkel kit.
Low pressure, dual use 24” paddle tires work for both land and water. They provide optimal traction in mud while also allowing the vehicle to easily propel through water.
Argo Frontier 650 6×6:
- Land Payload: 595 lbs
- Water Payload: 395 lbs
The Frontier 650 has a tow capacity of 1,200 lb. These vehicles can carry 4 people on land, but only two in water. It has a fuel capacity of 8.5 gallons.
Bench seat, with side by side seating for driver and passenger.
Standard upgrades like brush guards and winch are available.
Specs
- 650 Series (23 hp carb)
- Classic transmission
- ARGO Progressive Steering (APS)
- New Instant Torque Clutch (ITC)
- New quieter muffler
- 24″ tires
- 8″ steel offset rims
- Rear side seats
- Front flat floor
- New 8.5 gal steel fuel tank
- New fuel level display on deluxe gauge
- Single low projector beam headlights
- Hi-Vis LED brake/taillights
- HDPE body plastics
- Color: green, black, orange
Hydratrek
Hydratrek CM66 Amphibious Vehicle
Starts @ Varies by build (but think $60,000+)
- Kubota WG 1605-G-E3-KEA-3
- 57 HP
Hydratrek specializes in heavy duty amphibious vehicles for mining, utility work, logging and the oil and gas industries.
In 2021, they rolled out the CM66 which is a smaller version of their larger industrial vehicles. But, even though this is a scaled down vehicle, it is still a very aggressive ride that strays more towards the commercial side rather than the recreation side.
It comes with a Kubota engine with 57 hp and marine grade construction for optimal land/water performance.
Hydratrek CM66:
- Land Payload: 1,400 lbs
- Water Payload: 1,000 lbs
Capable of seating up to 5 people this vehicle has a lot stronger capabilities than traditional ‘recreational’ amphibious UTV models.
Of course, these capabilities also come with a steep price tag. The Hydratrek CM66 costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $60,000+, so definitely not for the average UTV consumer.
The CM66 can be used with or without tracks.
Upgrades include an 18″ track system, rear water propulsion, LED light bars, front and rear electric winch and a full cage with storage racks.
Specs
- Kubota WG 1605-G-E3-KEA-3 engine
- 57 hp
- 12 Volt with 60 amp alternator
- 3,000 lbs tow capacity
- Ground Pressure: 1.4PSI unloaded; 2.0PSI loaded
- Hydraulic Tank Capacity: 10.4 gal; Mobil DTE 10 Excel 46
- Optima Blue Top 800 CCA battery
- Hydraulic parking braking system
- Marine grade components
- 3/16”and 1/8” full-weld aluminum body construction
- Bilge Pump: 2200 GPH 12 volt with auto/man. switch
- Hydraulic Oil Cooler: Emmegi A24110 ALU combi cooler
Related: Cool ATVs: Flying ATV & Spider Legs
Planet Resource Recovery
Max II / Max IV
This company is in a transitional period with a lot of information currently unknown. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
Starts @ ?
- Engine Unstated
- 25 hp
In production since the late 1960s, the Max is an early example of 6×6 ATVs. This ATV is made in the USA.
Comes standard as an amphibious vehicle for travel on both land and water. Other standard equipment include seat belts and a roll over protection system.
The full time all wheel drive offers superior traction, mobility, and maneuverability.
Gross vehicle weight 1310 pounds (Max II) / 1,605 pounds (Max IV).
Max II / Max IV
- Land Payload: 1,310 lbs (Max II) / 1,605 lbs Max IV
- Water Payload: 1,210 lbs (Max II) / 1,305 lbs Max IV
The Max II has two person, side by side bench seating while the Max IV is 10″ longer with front and rear bench seats that can accommodate 2 people each.
Both vehicles have a 5 gallon fuel capacity as well as 1,000 lb tow capability.
Optional track system upgrade for deep snow and swamp travel.
Specs
- Weight Approximately: 710 lbs / 805 lbs
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,310 lbs / 1,605 lbs (includes passengers, cargo & accessories)
- Gross Permissible Weight In Water: 1210 lbs / 1,305 lbs (includes passengers, cargo & accessories)
- Length: 86″/ 96″
- Height: 37″/ 42″
- Width: 56″/ 56″
- Wheelbase: 50″/ 58″
- Seating: 2 people / 4 people
- Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
- Transmission: T-20 skid steer non-differential
- Drive Chain: 520/530 O-ring
- Axles: 1-1/4″ heavy-duty steel
- Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs.
Gibbs
Gibbs Terraquad
Starts @ $40,000+ (speculative estimate)
- 4 Cylinder Gas Engine
- 140 hp (on water)
The Terraquad is a concept vehicle that isn’t currently available for sale to the public.
Gibbs Quadski was a pretty amazing ATV/Jetski combo sold from 2013 – 2016, but is no longer available. Now Gibbs is using the Quadski platform as a jumping off point to create new amphibious UTV models including the Terraquad, Biski and the Triski.
When the Quadski was available for sale it cost $40,000, so I’m using that price as a baseline and expect the Terraquad to cost more than that. How much more remains to be seen.
The Terraquad is capable of reaching 50 mph on land and 45 mph on water. It can transition from land to water in <5 seconds and plane in < 3 seconds.
Will this be the future of UTVs? Let’s hope so!!
Terraquad, Biski and the Triski
Miller Design & Manufacturing, LLC
Ultimate Outdoor Vehicle (UOV)
Starts @ $22,500
- Kohler Engine
- 18 hp
This amphibious UTV is designed specifically for ice fishing, but it’s also ideal for bird hunters and warm weather fishing.
Because it’s made for ice fishing it includes a removeable soft cab enclosure, in floor hatch and adjustable seating for fishing.
It floats like a boat, but it also has marine grade foam, so that if breaks through the ice with the fishing hatch open, it will still float.
Optional features include: additional floor hatches, an auger mount, bucket mount, exterior step with handle, propane bracket, rod and cup holder, second battery compartment and a mounted holder for 4 rods.
Specs:
- 18 hp Kohler engine
- Dual hydrostatic transaxles for easy driving
- Full windshield and enclosure; easy fold down for transport
- One in-floor easy open hatch
- All aluminum hull
- Marine grade foam for extra buoyancy
- Two seats on removable posts plus reinforced benches on each side for seating
- Additional chair mount so you can reconfigure the cabin for optimal fishing position
- USB and 12v accessory jack
- External LED lights – headlights and clearance lights
- Class 1 receiver hitch for 1-1/4″ hitch accessories
- Rubber tracks with all steel links inside
Ultimate Outdoor Vehicle (UOV)
Featured Image By Argo