Buying a new hovercraft.

alaskan574 · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:56 pm Post subject: Buying a new hovercraft.

I want to buy a new hovercraft but I'm new to this mode of transport.
Ihave been looking at a few sites on the web and came away more confused than before. I want to use it for hunting and fishing.
What are the pros and cons of a single engine vs. twin engine.
Size and pay load is my main concideration and how do they do on rivers.

Any info would be helpful thanks.

Hovernorth · Site Admin

Hello alaskan574,
Sorry for the delay. I have been on vacation and am now getting caught up. Let me answer your questions as you stated them!

1. I want to buy a new hovercraft but I'm new to this mode of transport?
We have established this site for you and all to become better educated with hovercraft. I hope it helps in ways that you can understand them.

2. I have been looking at a few sites on the web and came away more confused than before!
Hovercraft are confusing because they are so misunderstood and that is what we will do to help you with anything we can, but you need to ask the questions specifically, no matter how miniscule the question might be.
3. I want to use it for hunting and fishing.
I use my hovercraft for hunting and fishing alot. I troll, drift, fly fish, and cast from it. The hovercraft is in boating mode when these technics are used. The hovercraft will not sink. Hunting is just as easy, once you learn how to apply your learned flying technics for the lakes and rivers you want to fly on.
4. What are the pros and cons of a single engine vs. twin engine?
Single engine, operates the thrust and the lift air. Dual engine, one engine operates the thrust and the other for lift. Pro's and Con's, If the single engine fails, your paddleing a lot of drag against the elements, wind, river current, ect. With the dual engine, you have the option of thrust or lift air to aid in getting to a safe port much easier, if all you had was the lift air, then believe it or not, it helps with forward motion!
5. Size and pay load is my main concideration...
What do you want to haul, with a hovercraft it is relavent to know where you want to operate it. A hovercraft has it's places and only an expert can help you with this. The size of the hovercraft can get you into or out of trouble. I know, I been there! I don't feel there are any secrets in this industry when it comes to safety and consideration for life!
5. How do they do on rivers?
That is a question that takes much time to answer. I would be glad to take you for a ride and show you! Without the new technology of todays inovative new concept hovercraft, we might not have survied many close calls. You must think ahead of the river, keeping in mind, wind direction, ground effect created by the moving water, and air tempature. The hovercraft is not affected by the current of the water, because your flying above it. Start your turns well in advance of a corner or bend, stay on the high side if you have to fly on the beach to do it. Keep it slow in S curves, and stay away from overhangs, props can get expensive!
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CEO, Hovercraft Alaska

alaskan574 · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 3:10 pm Post subject: 14' Vanguard by Amphibious Marine

I have been looking at the 14' Vanguard by Amphibius Marine.
Has anyone had any experiance with this hovercraft?
It seems about the size I'm looking for.

Hovernorth · Site Admin

Alaskan 574,
I am an owner and operator of this hovercraft. The header in this message box has a picture of me and my 14' Vangaurd! There are many others in Alaska that own and operate this hovercraft also. You are welcome to email me directly, so we can exchange phone #'s if you wish!
email; hover_ak@hovercraftalaska.com
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CEO, Hovercraft Alaska

alaskan574

Hover did you build yours or buy already built?

Hovernorth · Site Admin

alaskan 574,
I rebuilt the hovercraft from the totaled state it came from. A roof with a heavy snow load collapsed and crushed the entire Hovercraft. I upgraded it as I restored it. I put on new and bigger power, and went with an IVO with ground adjust, and many other things.
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CEO, Hovercraft Alaska