Looks Like A Duck (DUKW) ?

[earlymb]

The words 'not too expensive' and 'DUKW' are usually not found in the same sentence...

 

The restorable, affordable ones have been scooped up long ago, what remains are the true wrecks that become financially interesting only now due to rising values and those heavily modified ex-tours examples.

[5thwingmarty]

From what I have heard, heavily modified means more than just adding lots of seats for tourists. I believe many of those still in operation have been stretched to allow for even more seats to be added.

[MastersMate]

Those DUKWs that are used for tours, on the navigable waters, not strictly inland lakes, are classed as a CG inspected small passenger vessel.. They have many modifications to hull stability and freeboard, watertight integrity, safety, and mechanical systems to qualify for a CG Certificate of Inspection. The different states may want the operator to have a Comm'l Drivers License and the feds, a CG masters ticket at the 25 gross register tons level. There is a cheesy ' DUCK operators' CG license issued in some CG localities, but not sure just how kosher that would be in a different locality..

 

As to the original photo, the semi geezers may recall a series of articles in the late 1950s National Geographic concerning the travels of the "TORTUGA". This was an amphibious jeep that had a similar topside covering added. I think it attempted a circumnavigation..

[Guest adtique]

There was an accident involving a Dukw and a Bus killing 5 people in Seattle in 2015. It was a modified Dukw built in Branson Missouri.

The left front axle steering knuckle broke off and caused the horrific accident.

Does anyone know if this part that broke was oem or a retrofit aftermarket part??

[turmanator]

Seattle has DUKWs too!

[Salvage Sailor]

....as does Honolulu

[M422A1]

Mobile, AL also has DUKW Tours.

 

 

[gwb123]

If there is a tourist gimmick to be had, Hawaii will have it. That thing just looks unwieldy driving through downtown Honolulu.

[fstop61]

"WW2 Reenactors" at Atlanta's Stone Mountain Park, use their recognition signals just prior to hitting the beach during their DUKW ride.

 

 

[MastersMate]

Notice that the newer Gulf Coast Ducks hull is built up one more strake higher, giving more freeboard than the DUKW hull from Honolulu.

[MastersMate]

Photos located online showing the amphibious Jeep similar to the original photo..