By Barbara Tyree on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Please help...My dad is 81 and handicapped (limited mobility in a wheelchair). We live on a large lake and he wants to get an Argo so he can go fishing.. Our lake is subject to quick heavy windstorms but he says he will only go 20 to 40 feet offshore. He would be unable to use a motor because he couldn't get to it...Do you think that he would be safe in an Argo? A local dealer says it would be no problem.. I need advise from someone who isn't interested in making money from a sale.. The rest of the family is really concerned..If we could get some feed back I would really appreciate it...thank you...Barbara

By fred on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barbara, I am an Argo dealer. I do a lot of fishing, in my spare time. I use the Argo in some of the small lakes and ponds, it floats very well, but it is slow in the water. To try to answer your question, I would not want to be in a small boat, in heavy winds, or storms. Nor would I want to be in an Argo. Argo does great in still water, with no wind. To go through moving water, or to fight a strong wind, you would have to have some help. Boat motor or good trolling motor. Hope this helps.

By P.J. on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barbara: The primary stability of these things in water until you get used to them is an issue. Until you have spent a little time in them in water they feel a little "tippy". Once you learn the balance characteristics they are fine. Secondary stability ( overturn) is very good. They are extremely difficult to flip if used in the conditions they are intended to be used in. With the flotation of the body and the number and size of the tires, I doubt very much if you could sink one. Even if you could flip one, and I don't see how your Dad could if used as intended, it wouldn't sink. The enemy of these things in water is wind as well as chop. Using the machine that close to shore should not present a problem as long as a suitable exit point is available. He would really need a very gradual slope to enter and exit the water.

He can get a side mounted outboard bracket and mount an electric trolling motor. It can be mounted on the side of the vehicle so he doesn't have to turn around to operate it. In fact he could get a remote control for the motor.

These things move very slowly and do not manoevre as well as a boat. Remember, it is primarily a land vehicle that floats, not a boat that can go on land. I would not want to rely solely on the vehicle's ability to move around in the water unassisted by another power source, especially if your Dad is not mobile. Even the slightest wind can impede your manouevreability.

I would hope that your local dealer would let you and your Dad try one first ( or give you the name of one of his customers that might ) so you can assess his ability in one of these machines. Obviously all necessary safety equipment should be available. Try it in ideal conditions first to get the hang of the thing.

In fact, where are you located? The people on this site are very helpful. I wouldn't be surprised if there is someone in your vicinity who frequents this board that just might help you out.

By Sam Preston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barb

I suggest you contact our Richard Clark owner of this site
as he has built many machine for the handicapped

Sam Preston

By Barbara Tyree on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Gentlemen.. I really appreciate your feed back...We live on Walker Lake in Nevada..One thing that I am concerned about is getting into and out of the vehicle..My father is unable to get in and out of a bathtub and it almost looks like he would have to slide in and out of the vehicle...He really wants to go fishing but with his wheelchair regular boats are out of the question and getting his wheelchair down to the lake edge is a nightmare...If this was your dad would you feel comfortable in letting him go into a lake with this type of vehicle?..I really appreciate you feedback. Thank you Barbara

By Bill Aras (Blueknightnj) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barb, My 2 Cents...
How about one of those platform party style boats.
Basic design is a floating dock like boat that has a FLAT LEVEL surface. Check out eBay Item number: 2462478714. Sort of a Pontoon Boat.
They make them small enough to power by electric motor, side gate entry that can swing open either way and he can navigate it the 30 to 50 feet out he wants to go. My thought is put a solar panel on it and that will help supplement the on board batterie(s) that power the thing and life is good!

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barbara, my dad is in a wheelchair paralized from the waist down. Although he is much younger than your father, he is able to get in and out no problem by putting his legs over the edge and pulling himself up and in. However, if your father isn't strong enough to pull himself up, than I wouln't suggest using the ARGO. I think that from a safety point of view, if he isn't able to get in and out without or with little help, than its not a wise idea. ALthough the ARGO is a very reliable vehicle, it can break down for whatever reason like any other machine. If he is by himself, and something happens, and he can't get out or in again, than it could be very bad. From my point of view, unless you have experiance using the ARGO in water, it is a bit scary at first. It seems very tippy, but its not, in fact, they are extremely hard to tip if used in the proper conditions. Of course the final decision is yours, but I wouldn't go for it given the info you gave us.

Hopefully this helps some and feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions. argo_mag@hotmail.com

By Dave Johnston on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have been out on Pyramid Lake in Nevada with my Argo Conquest. I got a 6 HP motor center mounted on the back. My wife sits on the back bench seat (added option) and works the motor. I drive the Argo from the front. It is tippy but I doubt it would turn over UNLESS we both got on one side AND got hit by a wave from a speed boat at the same time we were turning. A bilge pump is a must as it will let you know if you are taking on any water from a crack in the hull or a leaky axle. (Make sure you use marine grade axle lube also.) WIND is a problem so make sure you got your windshield down or it will act like a big sail and you may lose directional control. BEST safety item is to wear a life jacket. If the Argo does tip and takes on water, it will definitely sink.

By Barbara Tyree on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I want to thank all of you for your input..I will give it to my dad and the final decision is up to him...I feel that he will make a better decision with the input that you have given...It is so wonderful to know that there are people out there that will take their time to help someone that they don't know...God bless all of you...thanks again....Barb

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Barbara, hopefully everything works out for you and your father and his decision. The people on this board will always be around to answer questions or discuss this topic without hesitation. If he gets the ARGO, when he isn't fishing you could take it out for a spin! Then it works for both of you!

Enjoy

By Eric on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Before you purchase any type of vehicle it might be a good idea to check with the fish/boat commission in your state just to be sure they'll even allow such a thing to be used for access. Here in Pa. and NY there are many lakes that offer great fishing with access trails,ramps and decks for handicapped fishermen without any need to spend a lot of money to get out there. I like these machines a lot but, maintenance is something that MUST be done. If he is 81 and you don't have somebody willing to keep a machine adjusted and running properly, it could get very expensive for you. At the cost of health care that's the last thing anybody needs. Renting a pontoon boat to reach those coves is a good plan too. Unless the family would be willing to chip in work to keep a thing like this going or you really wouldn't use it A LOT, it's an expense to consider carefully.

By Anthony Spadafore (Anthony8x8) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

there are small aluminum boats that you can drive quads and other atvs on. i see no reason you cant drive a wheel chair on them.