Duck Boat Mechanics: How Do They Work?

Duck boats, or DUKWs, are amphibious vehicles that can operate on both land and water. They were first used by the U.S. military during World War II to transport troops and supplies during amphibious warfare attacks. After the war, these vehicles were sold off, and some were repurposed for tourist attractions, offering unique tours of cities and towns located near bodies of water. While they provide a novel experience, duck boats have also been involved in several fatal accidents, raising safety concerns due to their design and regulatory challenges.

Duck boats are amphibious vehicles that can function on land and water

Duck boats, or DUKW boats, are amphibious vehicles that can function on both land and water. They were first used by the U.S. military during World War II to transport goods and troops, and they played a significant role in the D-Day landings in Normandy. The name "DUKW" is derived from General Motors' manufacturing code, with "D" representing the 1942 model year, "U" for amphibious, "K" for all-wheel drive, and "W" for dual rear wheels. Soldiers simplified this by referring to them as "ducks."

These vehicles were designed by a partnership between Sparkman & Stephens and General Motors Corporation (GMC). The DUKW was built around the GMC AFKWX, a cab-over-engine (COE) version of the GMC CCKW six-wheel-drive military truck, with the addition of a watertight hull and a propeller. It had a GMC Model 270 straight-six engine with a displacement of 269.5 cubic inches and a power output of 4,416 cc. The DUKW's transmission system included a five-speed overdrive transmission that drove a transfer case for the axles and a two-speed transfer case for the propeller. The vehicle's length was 31 feet, and it weighed 13,000 pounds when empty.

The DUKW's ability to transition between land and water made it a crucial tool for the military. With the push of a lever, the vehicle could switch from being wheel-operated to being propelled by a rear-mounted propeller. The driver used the same system to steer both the wheels and the rudder. Additionally, the DUKW had a unique feature that allowed the driver to adjust the tire pressure from inside the cab, which enhanced its versatility on different surfaces. This innovation, first introduced on the DUKW, has now become standard on many military vehicles.

After World War II, the U.S. military sold its surplus equipment, including DUKW boats. In 1946, Milwaukee veteran Bob Unger purchased one of these boats and, along with his friend Mel Flath, started the first duck boat tour company, offering tours of the Wisconsin Dells. Today, duck boats are a popular tourist attraction in waterfront cities across America, providing unique perspectives of cities and towns located near bodies of water. While they have become notorious for their involvement in several fatal accidents, they continue to be a distinctive and intriguing mode of transportation for many tourists.

They were first used in World War II and the Korean War to transport goods and troops

Duck boats, or DUKWs, were first used in World War II and the Korean War to transport goods and troops. The name "duck" comes from the General Motors Corporation (GMC) nomenclature: "D" for the 1942 model, "U" for amphibious, "K" for all-wheel drive, and "W" for dual rear wheels. These vehicles were designed to transport troops and supplies over land and water, excelling at approaching and crossing beaches during amphibious warfare attacks.

The GMC DUKW was a six-wheel-drive amphibious modification of the 2+1⁄2-ton CCKW trucks used by the U.S. military. They were designed by Sparkman & Stephens and GMC, with the first appearance in combat during the 1943 invasion of Sicily, known as Operation Husky. The DUKW simplified the process of unloading cargo ships as they could be pre-loaded and drive directly from the ship onto land.

During World War II, the DUKW played a crucial role in transporting soldiers, artillery, and supplies. They were used in various battles, including the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in Normandy, the Battle of the Scheldt, Operation Veritable, and Operation Plunder. In the Pacific Theatre, the DUKW was used to cross coral reefs in islands such as Saipan and Guam, showcasing its versatility and ability to navigate challenging terrain.

After World War II, the DUKW continued to serve in the Korean War. The U.S. Army reactivated and deployed several hundred DUKWs during the Korean War, where they were extensively used to bring supplies ashore during the Battle of Pusan Perimeter and the amphibious landings at Incheon.

Their name, DUKW, is derived from the manufacturing code assigned by General Motors

The DUKW, or "duck", is an amphibious vehicle used by the U.S. military during World War II and the Korean War. The name is derived from the manufacturing code assigned by General Motors Corporation (GMC) and stands for:

• D—representing the 1942 production series, or the 1941 design year, according to some sources.
• U—representing "utility" or amphibious capabilities.
• K—representing all-wheel drive.
• W—representing tandem rear axles, both driven.

The DUKW was designed as a modification of the 2+1⁄2-ton CCKW trucks used by the U.S. military and was intended for the transportation of goods and troops over land and water. It was designed by a partnership between Sparkman & Stephens, General Motors Corporation (GMC), and others. A total of 21,147 DUKWs were manufactured from 1942 to 1945.

The DUKW was used in several significant military operations, including the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky), the Normandy landings during World War II, and the amphibious invasion of Incheon during the Korean War. Its ability to transition from land to water proved invaluable in these campaigns.

After World War II, many DUKWs were sold off, and the first "duck tour" company was started in 1946 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, by Mel Flath and Bob Unger, using one of these surplus vehicles. Today, DUKWs are still used as tourist transport in cities across the globe, though safety concerns have been raised following several fatal accidents.

Duck boats can be used for hunting or tourism, with the latter being closer to its military ancestor

Duck boats, or DUKW boats, are amphibious vehicles that can function on both land and water. They were first used in World War II to transport military supplies and troops, with their ability to transition from land to water proving crucial during the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

After the war, the US military sold off its surplus equipment, including DUKW boats, and in 1946, the first duck boat tour company was launched in Wisconsin Dells by Mel Flath and Bob Unger, using one of these purchased military vehicles. Today, duck boats are a popular tourist attraction in waterfront cities across the world, offering a unique perspective on city sights by both road and water.

While duck boats are now associated with tourism, their military origins are not forgotten. The design of the boats remains largely the same, with the ability to switch from wheels to a propeller, and adjust tire pressure for different surfaces, maintained from their military ancestor. This direct link to their military past is part of their appeal, with some companies offering tours in vehicles that saw action in D-Day.

The use of duck boats for tourism has not been without controversy, with a number of fatal accidents over the last two decades raising questions about their safety. Their design, which includes a canopy, has been found to hinder, rather than aid, escape in an emergency. Despite this, some continue to advocate for their use, and they remain a popular way to experience cities from multiple perspectives.

Duck boats have powerful engines and large, hollow tires that provide traction on different terrains

Duck boats, or DUKW boats, are amphibious vehicles that can traverse both land and water. They were first used in World War II to transport military supplies and troops, and their ability to transition between land and water proved to be a crucial advantage during amphibious warfare attacks.

The unique design of duck boats includes powerful engines and large, hollow tires that can be adjusted for traction and flotation on different terrains. The driver can control the air pressure in the tires, inflating or deflating them as needed to navigate hard surfaces like roads or softer terrain like beach sand. This feature, now standard in many military vehicles, enhances the vehicle's versatility and ability to manoeuvre across diverse landscapes.

The GMC CCKW truck, which served as the basis for the DUKW design, was modified to include a watertight hull and a propeller. The GMC Model 270 straight-six engine provided ample power, with a five-speed overdrive transmission and a two-speed transfer case for the propeller. The DUKW's tires, in addition to being adjustable, are large and hollow, providing traction and stability on various surfaces, from paved roads to sandy beaches.

The combination of powerful engines and adaptable, large tires makes duck boats well-suited for navigating different terrains. The ability to adjust tire pressure ensures that the vehicle can maintain traction and stability, whether on land or in the water, contributing to its versatility and manoeuvrability.

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