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Should I buy or build a hovercraft?

I was once told that to design and build my own hovercraft would take years -- it did take years and tears -- but it was worth it.

I now understand exactly what makes a hovercraft work and I can proudly say that I built it to Victorian Marine Board standards for survey, these standards are the toughest in Australia and if a hovercraft passes VMB, it can be surveyed anywhere in Australia and I think in New Zealand also.

I wanted the knowledge because those who have been in the business are very secretive and are within their rights to protect their knowledge so if you want to build a hovercraft I would suggest that you buy a plan or a kit. You won't get any hints or tips from long time experts.

Because of this, I am happy to pass on hints and tips if you still want to do it yourself but listen, it won't be easy or quick and if you don't count your time, it is less expensive than buying one and you will know your hovercraft inside out. If you would like a copy of my 'Build-It' booklet which covers many of the considerations and problems, just let me know, It will cost you a few dollars for printing and mailing but Its well worth it.


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When I started there were few if any 6 metre hovercraft available in Australia and what there were cost around $80,000 to $150,000, way out of my reach. I searched far and wide and talked to as many manufacturers, hoverers and builders as possible, you don't get much of the right advice from them. Some builders advertise hovercraft 6 metres or more in length and the only one I would recommend is Airlift Hovercraft they have done many years of research into this size and larger.


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Some boat and marine manufacturers say that they make hovercraft to order, this is ok but how do you know, are you are getting what you really want and need. Expertise in boat hulls is not very relevant when designing and constructing hovercraft skirts and lift systems.

Its like saying, 'I can build rotary clothes lines, so I am expert at TV antennas', they look the same and wave around in the wind the same........ if you, who want a hovercraft, don't have some knowledge of the subject, how will you be aware, and if what you buy doesn't work, will they fix the problems if you live interstate and they don't know what the problem is all about.


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One professional Aluminium boat manufacturer quoted me over $150,000 to build a 6 metre hovercraft if I provided the plans from a naval architect which cost me $2500. The naval architect would not provide the design I wanted, so I liaised with VMB, designed and drew the plans and specs to VMB requirements. Its not that hard and is not worth many thousands of dollars but you must have a working knowledge of force characteristics, flotation, construction, etc.

I built mine for around $20,000 including marine aluminium, specialised pressings, light aircraft 3 blade variable pitch prop (Warp Drive 6 ft diam) and the MAXI-LIFT fan. The skirts cost me over $1500 in materials and much experimentation, because as I said previously the designs in 'how to do it' books are just plain wrong or at best of little practical use, You would have to spend a lot of cash to obtain scientific references.

Don't misunderstand me, I would and will do it all again. Hovercraft can be daunting but in the end the sheer exhilerating pleasure of flying a hovercraft which performs well is beyond belief.


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One person was able to advise me on skirt design and provide the formulae to calculate correct bag layout, and where the current designs in books and manuals are not right, for his patient assistance I am eternally grateful.

I purchased a Computer CAD 3D Design program which allowed me to do complex design in 3D and when it came to getting the aluminium pressed to form, the fit of the parts was exact; so I am pleased that I achieved that without difficulty. I went through yards/metres of cardboard which I used for cut-outs of each and every part before I got the metal pressed.


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You will also have to consider the trailer, how you want to get the hovercraft on and off the trailer, roll-on roll-off, fly on/off. The trailer is an aditional cost, around $2000 and more, if you use good quality rollers or flooring, you will have to take all of this into consideration, it's not scary, just a practical consideration.


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You may also wish to consider how you will tow the hovercraft, car or 4WD or truck, etc, anyway, you get the idea. I would also be happy to help design your dream hovercraft to Marine Authority standards but it will cost you for my time.

Do Your Arithmetic.

If you want to drive a commercial hovercraft I urge you to do your arithmetic carefully, will the income cover the purchase price, the repairs and give you a reasonable income. I would be happy to help with a business plan and financial calculations if that would help.

Build or buy! I don't know. It really depends on how quickly you want the hovercraft to be available, where you intend to operate and what uses you have for the craft, is it seasonal work, for example: If you intend to carry loads, cargo, tools etc then you don't want a craft that is easily damaged, you want to be able to move tools and stuff around and have plenty of space to work, you want to be able to position the gear without always watching for that scratch or dent from the stones stuck to your shoes.

If you only intend to carry passengers, then what type of passengers?? Kids damage things while you are occupied driving, Upper class passengers require luxury, --- you get the picture ---.

Salt water will wick into scratched or cracked fibreglass and cause damage over time. Aluminium crazes and cracks with vibration, Plywood is quite durable but needs waterproofing and regular inspection for damage and nails and screws rust in salt water, flotation powders due to vibration, it also soaks up water rapidly making your hull too heavy. ---- plan carefully ----.

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