Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that most questions have been answered on this web site, if you have any others please feel free to contact us, some common FAQ: -
1. £500 plans or buy a proper amphib?
On the face of it paying £500 for a set of plans (or less if you search the internet) and then miraculously a year or so later you end up with a finished amphib sounds like a great idea - however to get an accurate unbiased picture of how much time and work is involved it is really important that you visit a private customer who has actually COMPLETELY finished one and has had it registered for road use and ask these 2 simple questions:- How long did it REALLY take to build. How much did it REALLY cost to build. And finally if and when you want to sell your amphib what would you think any potential buyer would prefer? An amphib built up from some plans or a factory assembled car?
2. How easy is it to register an amphibian in the UK?
You will not be able to use your amphibian in the UK unless it complied with section 58(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 by virtue of the Motor Vehicles (Approval) regulations 2001 this is more commonly referred to as SVA. Always ask to see an SVA certificate prior to placing an order Please ask if you need details of insurance companies for the UK.
3. Does an amphibian have to comply with any regulations for use on water in the UK?
Some non-tidal river authorities require that your car complies with the UK Boat Safety Scheme (BSS). If required we can supply your Amphijeep complying with the Boat Safety Scheme regulations (there is a small charge for this). In any case to cover yourself (and to make it easier if you ever sell the car) you should buy a craft that can comply with BSS
4. Can I fit a different engine into the Amphijeep?
Yes, the engine bay is large, we would be happy to fit a different engine if required (subject to it's physical size).
5. Should I always have a water and road test before ordering a car?
Most definitely, if a company will not offer a test there might be something that they don't want you to find out about the car until it's too late, also it is important to visit the factory to see cars being built so you can see that cars have actually been sold. You should be wary about buying one of the first of a new model as you could end up being an unpaid test pilot if the product has not been fully developed.
6. What maintenance do I have to do?
Unlike steel or aluminium amphibians the Amphijeep does not require a "washdown" every time it comes out of the water. The only maintenance (other than normal" car" work [changing oil/water filters etc]) we recommend is that every year the brake pads/shoes are changed (even if not worn) and that any scratches on the suspension/axles are cleaned up and re-painted.
7. Do you give out owner info?
No, we guarantee complete privacy and never divulge customer info.
8. Are there any used Amphijeeps around?
We are enthusiastic buyers and sellers of used Amphijeep and Dutton amphibs and offer full servicing facilities, See "New and used stock cars" section.
9. Can I visit the factory to see my car being built?
Yes we actively encourage customers to come down and examine the build-up and take photos.
10. One engine or two?
Some people have commented that it might be easier if an amphibian had an outboard motor or even worse another engine stuck on the back. Firstly it would not by definition even be an amphibian and secondly the whole point of an amphibian is that it uses just one engine to propel it on both land and sea and that the transition from land to water is seamless. Having to carry around the extra weight of a second engine in the back is a definite no no. And don't forget that the extra engine also adds a hidden additional £3000 to the price! Who ever heard of an animal with two hearts?
11. Should I believe web sites?
No is the simple answer! Many sites - especially some non UK "directory sites" - are out of date, contain incorrect prices and specifications and some even contain deliberately incorrect information. So always check with the manufacturer
12. Petrol or diesel?
Like body colour this is a personal choice, there is no difference in vehicle speed between petrol or diesel.
13. What is the delivery time?
Now only 6 to 8 weeks!