G.I. Joe Devilfish (1986)

 

Overview

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The Devilfish was released in 1986 as part of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. This compact fast-attack assault boat was designed for high-speed coastal operations, river patrols, and amphibious raids. Despite its relatively small size, the Devilfish quickly became one of the most popular watercraft in the entire G.I. Joe line thanks to its sleek design, flotation capability, and affordable price point.

Unlike many larger vehicles, the Devilfish did not include a driver figure, allowing collectors to assign virtually any G.I. Joe character to pilot it.

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Key Features

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1. Twin Outboard Motors

The Devilfish is powered by two large outboard engines, giving it exceptional speed and maneuverability for:

• coastal patrols

• river insertions

• rescue missions

• surprise assaults

Its design emphasizes mobility over heavy armor.

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2. Fast Attack Boat Design

Inspired by modern military patrol craft, the Devilfish features:

• low-profile hull

• streamlined shape

• open cockpit

• compact dimensions

It was intended to strike quickly and escape before heavier enemy forces could respond.

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3. Front-Mounted Missile Launchers

Despite its size, the Devilfish carries twin missile launchers mounted at the bow, giving it enough firepower to engage enemy patrol boats and shoreline defenses.

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4. Actually Floats on Water

One of the Devilfish's best-known features is that it was engineered to float, making it ideal for bathtub, pool, or pond play.

Many collectors still remember using it in real water as children.

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5. Compatible with Standard 3.75-Inch Figures

The cockpit accommodates a single G.I. Joe figure, but imaginative kids often squeezed additional passengers onto the deck for extra adventure.

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Fun Facts

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One of the Best-Selling Small Vehicles

The Devilfish is widely believed to have been one of the best-selling small G.I. Joe vehicles ever released, helped by its low original retail price and broad availability.

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First Appeared in the Marvel Comic Before Many Fans Owned It

The Devilfish made its first appearance in Marvel's G.I. Joe #47 ("Sea Duel"), introducing readers to the vehicle before many children encountered it in stores.

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Frequently Battled the Cobra Water Moccasin

Many fans created memorable water battles between the Devilfish and Cobra's Water Moccasin, making them one of the classic rival vehicle pairings of the 1980s. Community discussions still recall these matchups fondly.

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Built to Be Tough

Because it was designed for water play, the Devilfish has a reputation for being especially durable. Many surviving examples remain in excellent structural condition decades later.

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A Favorite Among Collectors

Modern fans often praise the Devilfish for its simplicity and versatility, with some even preferring it over larger and more expensive G.I. Joe boats.

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Value Drivers

The biggest factors affecting value are:

• complete missile launchers

• intact twin outboard motors

• original decals in good condition

• no hull damage or warping

• original box and instructions

Because many Devilfish boats were actually used in water, examples with clean stickers and minimal wear are increasingly difficult to find.

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Why Collectors Love It

The Devilfish has earned its place as one of the most beloved small vehicles in the vintage G.I. Joe line because it offers:

• realistic military patrol boat styling

• excellent playability on land and water

• durable construction

• compatibility with almost any G.I. Joe figure

• iconic status among 1980s fans

For many collectors, the Devilfish proves that a compact vehicle can deliver just as much excitement as the line’s biggest tanks and jets, making it an enduring favorite nearly four decades after its release.