Battleduck: Background Material

In case you’re sane, and therefore don’t obsess over strange Canadian amphibious ATV-like conveyances, you’ve probably never heard of an Argo. My words scarcely do justice to these weird, ugly, awesome, funky, expensive, crude, critters. Here are a few photos I found randomly scattered about the ‘net.

1. This is what the base mode, no frills, version looks like. Except they’re usually a shitty olive drab color. You’ll drop ten bills on one faster than you can say “why doesn’t it have a winch?” (Note: I only pay attention to 6×6 Argos. Most are 8×8, which is definitely cooler but completely out of my league.)
2. This is the same basic machine with proper outfitting and spiffy but unnecessary camo. They will rake you over the coals for this option set! Such minor details as a proper seat-back and a winch launch the price upwards mercilessly. That said, it definitely changes the appearance from “mechanized beer cooler” to “tricked out epic exploratory craft”. Also, I travel solo and me owning anything without a winch is just asking for trouble. Still no ROPS.
3. Here’s an older base model with tracks. Adding tracks to an Argo is much easier than adding them to an ATV. It’ll set you back maybe a couple grand, which is a fraction of the cost of tracks on an ATV. Installation is fairly easy and removal is equally easy. Tracks on an ATV, as awesome as they are, make me nervous. They have more moving parts than the Space Shuttle and are chock full of expensive delicate shit that will break when your ass is in the hinterland. Argo tracks are just as dumb and logical as you see here. I didn’t get to test it but they’re said to float over snow like a slow unstoppable snowmobile. Big selling point there. If you know (on day one) that you’ve got need for and funds to buy tracks… you might be well advised to start with an Argo. It might be cheaper than throwing money at an ATV which just wasn’t meant for tracks at its inception.
4. A random shot of an Argo’s engine compartment. The engine is exactly unlike any normal ATV. That said, I see now they don’t really need any more power.
5. Yes they are amphibious. Like drive it in a damn lake level amphibious! I tested it and it’s fuckin’ amazing! That said, the folks in this photo have got to be actors. No real humans have ever been dressed this identically for an actual outing in mud and water. Also, a helmet might be legally required or keep your noggin warm but I doubt you’ll ever go fast enough in an Argo to need impact resistance. YMMV but these things aren’t speedy roll over risks like an ATV.