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Creators of the amphibious Toyota discuss their daring drive

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Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:00a.m.

Two 23-year-old aeronautic machinists, Dan Melling and Adam Turnbull converted a van into an amphibious vehicle so they could drive it across Cook Trait.

Many thought they’d never make it. Cook Strait is after all one of the most dangerous stretches of water in New Zealand.

But they did it, with an old Toyota Town-ace van, named Roofliss, packed with some polystyrene and a propeller hooked up to a two litre diesel engine.

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Comments [6]

Ben
11 Sep 2009 5:12p.m.

Brendan, why do you feel the urge to say such crap...

Dan Melling
09 Sep 2009 7:36a.m.

Hey to Brendan. We had lifejackets onboard like any responsible boatie. And tell me where it says you can't have a beer or two on a boat. Your Mrs. must be bored out of her mind with your boring PC crap

tux
08 Sep 2009 1:36p.m.

seriously brendon. get the sand out of your clam. great idea well done kiwi's

fiordlander
07 Sep 2009 9:50p.m.

oh honestly brendon it is wowsers like you that have dragged us down into the depths of the pc world we now find ourselves in. what these guys have achieved wont bring the country any extra wealth, it wont bring us closer to curing cancer but it did bring us one step closer back to where we used to be out going, adventurous fun people who did things just because they were there to do. i suggest you should go back to your cotton wool world and leave the fun stuff to those that appreciate adventure and fun.

Brendon
07 Sep 2009 8:59p.m.

Hi, I was disappointed to see your article about the amphibious van demonstrated a complete disregard for marine safety. The two occupants did not appear to be wearing lifejackets and appeared to be consuming the sponsor's beer. Considering the frequency of avoidable drownings in this country I feel that this was completely irresponsible. As a refresher, feel free to read the following article: http://www.3news.co.nz/News/NationalNews/Lake-Hawea-death-brings-2008-drowning-toll-to-95/tabid/423/articleID/85751/cat/64/Default.aspx Sincerely, Brendon Swann

Lee Badham
07 Sep 2009 7:55p.m.

Hahahahahahahahaha....only Kiwis....Love it!!!!! :)

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