Maverick Hovercraft (early 1970's)

Hovernorth · Site Admin

Maverick
Every one of the machines that were built were different in weight.
The guy who shot the glass into the molds never did it the same and some of them were extremely heavy, and just the opposite in some of the other
craft. There is an exact # of finger skirts for the front, side and rear,
along with the drag flap and if it has the 440 it will fly fair to ok with
2 persons, on a windless and cool day. Also due to age , I would replace
the multi-wings, they dont hold up from ageing. Had it happen-no fun! The front corners, were Hanks design it added more cushion area, in the
low pressure area to help eliminate or help reduce "plow in." I found it
works, better than most stream lined hovers, like scat or neoteric. This
hovercraft is also underpowered like most are. It should have no less than
a 503cc engine.
There is also an exact measurement for the finger attachment under the
craft, the fingers need to be attached with a 1.25 to 1.50 inch loop to the
hinge point on the hull using the zip-ties! Do not pull the ties up tight
to the hull! This stabilizes the craft in perfect plenum pressure on the
bubble, with you at the controls, everything else will fly in center of
lift behind you.
There are no patterns available for the fingers, they are actually
very simple to make, or take them to Alaska tent and tarp to build them. Or do it your self.
You must have 15 front fingers, 17 side fingers, 12 rear fingers of which 4
that must make the corners. 18oz rubber coated vinyl, Polyester
reinforced, any of the colors are as good as black!
Try to reduce low bag flying, these facts will bring the craft up to it's
best flying performance values without any modifications, and the operator should be able to fly it, and it not fly him anymore!
You can find the link for multi-wing on the help page. Taper lock original
SHx1-5/8
3/8x1/16 keyway

Hovernorth · Site Admin

hi were can i find out about the 1983 mavric rescue hover craft i have one needs skirts fixed i have the skirts dont know how they go on?
Thanks Randy
Hi i have a 1983 mavrick hover craft can you send information on how the skirts go on the motor fan run but the man i got it from said skirts are wrong wont fill with air if ya can send me a poc how they go and tie thanks
hi ill send ya pic of it i bought it from guy on ebay the fan motor run fine back skirts fill with air try to lift the boat but the sides dont seam to get air in them. the skrts dont look torn the man said they needed realind to make it work thanks for any help you can give me
hi ken im in pittsburgh pa the fan has 6 blades looks like can add 6 more i counted the front skirts and there are 24 them then 14 smaller ones on easch side are 11 rear ones and 8 more like the front must go arounrd the corners on back by the rear ones some howwhen i had it started up the rear ones filled with air should it be on the ground to try it is sitting on the trailer the bags dont touch the trailer deck i toke all the skirts off to see and they all look good black raincoat material like it has the 440 in it sure makes lot wind when i walked behind itcould he have made this with more skirts in front the way it is the skirts fit all around it the man said he had it going fast it started to dance side to side he flipped over think it will be lot fun i get it going i live alont the kiski river is only few feet deep so this should be great in it i got it realy cheap with the traailer its on i paid 1100 for it not sure what they cost but most of it looks like new yet. thanks for your help randy

Hovernorth · Site Admin

Saylor,
The multi-wing is a 24Z series. It has the correct number of blades in it and hopefully no one has changed the pitch! I put these diagrams with explanations for your reference. You must use a drag flap on this craft also. I do not have a Maverick at my disposal currently but am working on it to be able to show you in picture form a better explanation of your questions. If you could take some pictures of the rear of the craft with out the on it, it would be best, but if not, take some with it in the air so I can point out how the drag flap goes on, It is essential to use a drag flap for wear purpose and snagging.
The front fingers are longer than the side fingers and only belong in the front.
The side fingers are much like the front fingers, only shorter, and only belong on the sides.
The rear fingers are the same as the side fingers, except they are closed up more in a bag fashion, and have a 2-3 inch drain hole at the bottom rear of the finger and the flap hangs beyond it. The rear fingers begin at the first bend of the hulls corner and continues around to the same spot on the other side.
The drag flap is of the same material and is only hooked to the attachment points of the rear fingers only. It must protrude beyond the back of the rear fingers at rest.
This is the correct view "see maverick folder" in the adventures link on the front page; of where the front fingers stop, sometime you may want to rivet the finger to the inside to hold it in place, as it will work to the outside. Remember to leave the tie wraps an 11/4 to 11/2 loop at the finger attachment points, on all the fingers!
Hope this gets you squared away a bit more, I know how much fun it will be, remember this well, keep the power on in turns, practice slowly, wear a life jacket and always have another source of help while learning.

Hovernorth · Site Admin

Since getting Randy tuned up to this point with the his Maverick, We found the throttle cable was not opening the throttle all the way and some small other details. He soloed it April 12, 2006. It was flying really good. He is looking at replacing the 440 with a 583 now, very cool!
We are so proud of you Randy, keep us informed on your progress!
Happy Hoverin'

April 25, 2006 · Guest

There were more problems with Randy's Maverick that were not addressed. However we can help you too with your Maverick. We have sent two Alaska Certificates of Achievement to the now flying Mav Owners!
We are proud of our achievments and working hard at our goals to serve the hovercraft enthusiast.
Happy hover'in