The Amanda was named for the daughter of British businessman E. Werner, who had presented the idea to Philip Vincent.
Early models were propelled by 73cc single two-stroke engines and were capable of 5 to 7 mph. These were exported to Australia, NZ, Europe and the United States where they were distributed by General Motors Marine Division. 100cc engines were also fitted which gave a claimed 15 mph, and later 200cc twin-cylinder engines which allowed a speed of 20 mph. In total some 2000 machines were built.
Images exist of the 200cc twin being tested on the River Ouse at Bedford. Two Amanda water scooters were tested in a tank at full throttle for 1000 hours non-stop, unattended, without failure of any type.
The project was abandoned due a tragedy - the entire the Aero Marine sales team for Vincent of Stevanage died an aviation accident on their way to the Isle of Man.
A member of the development team drowned whilst testing an Amanda in the UK, which resulted in adverse press reports in America.
Specifications
1957 Amanda 100cc Engine: Air-cooled single-cylinder 2-stroke Ignition: Flywheel magneto Power: 2.1 hp Bore x stroke: 50mm x 50mm Displacement: 100cc Fuel system: Single slide type carburetor Transmission: Centrifugal clutch drive to propeller Top speed: 15mph
Single- and Twin-engined Vincent-built Sports Craft Afford an Excuse for an Afternoon's Grip-twisting of an Unaccustomed Kind
by R. R. HOLLIDAY
Total enclosure of the working parts and excellent hydrodynamic form are feature of the glass-fibre-hulled "Amanda."
(Below) The complete 73 c.c. Vincent water-scooter unit all-up weight, 36 lb.
Motor Cycling, July 11th 1957
Sources: The Amanda Story by Ted Davis, MPH 553 Page 14; Motor Cycling magazine; et al.
Ted Davis was a senior member of the development team
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