Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > Boating
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Calendar Register FAQDonate Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-04-2012, 10:12 AM   #1
Pricestavern
Senior Member
 
Pricestavern's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle)
Posts: 388
Thanks: 125
Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts
Default Hovercraft Issues?

My wife and I are considering a purchase of a hovercraft sometime in the future. What operating issues/considerations should we be aware of? For instance, after running across the frozen lake for a while and then stopping, does the skirt have a tendency to freeze to the ice (due to friction heating)?

Thanks in advance!

R & M
Pricestavern is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2012, 11:10 AM   #2
ishoot308
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 5,907
Thanks: 2,279
Thanked 4,924 Times in 1,906 Posts
Default + 1

We too are also contemplating a hovercraft or airboat. Not being able to get out to our island camp this year really brought the issue to the top of the list. Your question about freezing to the ice is one we thought about also.

Not to hijack your thread but I am curious what brand and model hovercraft are you looking at or thinking about?

Dan
ishoot308 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2012, 12:51 PM   #3
NoBozo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portsmouth. RI
Posts: 2,231
Thanks: 400
Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts
Default Hovercaft

My first concern (in freezing weather) would be the spray that blows out from under the skirts when you fly over open water..OR.. ponding water on top of the ice. The spray would instantly freeze on everything ...including those persons on board. Ever notice hovercrafts always have "windshield wipers"...and No defrosters.

As mentioned in the above post..I would be concerned with the skirts freezing to the ice when parked. I believe they would, but Not because of friction warming up the skirts and then freezing. The skirts are usually a dark color..black..and would absorb heat from the sun and gradually sink into the ice and Stick Solid after a short time. I might even suspect that residual engine heat trapped under the skirt when the machine settles onto the ice would also cause ice melt and then freezing to the ice.

I like the idea of an airboat.....not necessarily the commercially available enclosed dedicated kind, (expensive) but a simple aluminum pram bowed "John Boat" with an air cooled engine clamped on the transom, driving an AIR propeller. Like an Everglades Swamp Airboat but on a much smaller scale. No air rudders required at all...just steer it like a tiller steered outboard.. I have seen such Air Drive Outboards available in the past. NB

EDIT: Google "Outboard Air Drive". This is just one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylvn0OuH2iE
NoBozo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2012, 02:50 PM   #4
cowisl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 167
Thanks: 6
Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts
Default

A hovercraft is a great means of transportation. We currently have two. The newer skirt designs dont spray as much water as the old ones do. However, if you are doing 360's on the water, you are going to get wet. We always wear helmets when using ours in the winter.

The skirt isnt going to melt the ice after use. However, there are several things to watch for while operating a hovercraft during the winter. Specifically, snow/ice build up in the skirt can cause poor performance.

If you can find one thats been well cared for, I highly recommend it as means of 4 season fun on the lake.
cowisl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2012, 02:52 PM   #5
cowisl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 167
Thanks: 6
Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts
Default

We have a Scat and a Hovercraft Concepts model. The Hovercraft Concepts model is by far superior.
cowisl is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to cowisl For This Useful Post:
ishoot308 (03-05-2012), NoBozo (03-05-2012), Pine Island Guy (03-05-2012)
Sponsored Links
Old 03-07-2012, 08:35 AM   #6
Neoteric Hovercraft
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default RE: Hovercraft Issues

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Most of the current light hovercraft skirts are made out of a variation of nylon fabric in order to ensure lightweight and performance. These are really great on water, however tend to wear quite a lot on ice and land. Heavy duty skirts are heavier and may decrease performance but are not that easy to rip while hovering on ice or freeze.
Neoteric Hovercraft has a very easy user friendly skirt replacement system and it takes 10 seconds to replace one segment. We sell a lot of craft to customers from Canada who have their own islands up north and are unable to access them in a transition period where ice is not stable enough to drive through. And you don't need to worry about the cold, since we can provide a fully enclosed cabin with a heater, so spray will not make you feel uncomfortable. Please check us out: http://neoterichovercraft.com/ or email me at: filip@neoterichovercraft.com if you've got any questions.

Thank you and good luck!
Neoteric Hovercraft is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2012, 05:39 PM   #7
Rattlesnake Gal
Senior Member
 
Rattlesnake Gal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Central NH
Posts: 5,252
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 1,447
Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts
Question Hovercraft vs Airboat

Pros and cons - which is a safer choice?


Airboating in New Hampshire

A few years back there was a great thread discussing both types of boats, but I couldn't locate the thread.
Rattlesnake Gal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2012, 05:51 PM   #8
ishoot308
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 5,907
Thanks: 2,279
Thanked 4,924 Times in 1,906 Posts
Default

I would say the airboat would be safer because of it's higher payload capacity and basically because it is more like a boat. The airboats are a lot more expensive from what I have seen at least twice the price.

Dan
ishoot308 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2012, 08:02 PM   #9
NoBozo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portsmouth. RI
Posts: 2,231
Thanks: 400
Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts
Default

I would take the .."Airboat", ANY DAY over a hovercraft. Look at the hovercraft videos; They slip and slide and can hardly make a corner...blowing water everywhere. It also seems you have to "Ride" the hovercraft on your toes.. standing up..to maintain balance and control.

The "Airboat" will skim the ice..AND... bank in a turn on the water. I like the "Airboat" consept for Water AND Ice use. NB
NoBozo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2012, 09:39 PM   #10
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,345
Thanks: 206
Thanked 759 Times in 443 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal View Post
Pros and cons - which is a safer choice?


Airboating in New Hampshire

A few years back there was a great thread discussing both types of boats, but I couldn't locate the thread.
My old boat! I remember that day, people were lining up to see it.

I am a major fan of the airboat and can't say enough about the 1000 islands brand. After doing 80 with 6 guys in it, you can't beat the payload capacity. No weight concerns, no skirts to rip, killer heat and weather protection, the list goes on. Hovercraft are a lot more finicky, although they are a smoother ride on hard conditions. Gary at 1000 islands tells me the newer models (mine was an 07) are more refined- better cushioning in the seats, engine improvements, positive flotation to meet Transport Canada specs, and an improved trailer.

To replace mine it's about $58k. A hovercraft can be bought for half that.

How do you replace a ripped skirt if you are out on unsafe ice conditions and can't get out of the craft?
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-07-2012, 10:22 PM   #11
ishoot308
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 5,907
Thanks: 2,279
Thanked 4,924 Times in 1,906 Posts
Default ? for Codeman

Codeman;

What keeps the bottom of the boat from freezing in the ice when parked for an extended period??

Dan
ishoot308 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2012, 06:18 AM   #12
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,345
Thanks: 206
Thanked 759 Times in 443 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ishoot308 View Post
Codeman;

What keeps the bottom of the boat from freezing in the ice when parked for an extended period??

Dan
I did notice that a few times when running on bare ice. The polymer would heat up the ice as and melt the surface below when parked then freeze as it cooled.

I simple push on the bow would break it free, or a quick hit on the throttle would as well. With a 6' fan blade and 350hp you have plenty of torque to move it. Also the hydraulic ice brake could lift the rear of the boat a bit.
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to codeman671 For This Useful Post:
ishoot308 (03-08-2012)
Old 03-08-2012, 11:39 AM   #13
Webbsatwinni
Senior Member
 
Webbsatwinni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
Default

If someone does get one, stop by and fix snake eyes!
Webbsatwinni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2012, 02:42 PM   #14
cowisl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 167
Thanks: 6
Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts
Default

The ride of a hovercraft is going to be much better on snow and ice. Not even close.
cowisl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2012, 02:46 PM   #15
cowisl
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 167
Thanks: 6
Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NoBozo View Post
I would take the .."Airboat", ANY DAY over a hovercraft. Look at the hovercraft videos; They slip and slide and can hardly make a corner...blowing water everywhere. It also seems you have to "Ride" the hovercraft on your toes.. standing up..to maintain balance and control.

The "Airboat" will skim the ice..AND... bank in a turn on the water. I like the "Airboat" consept for Water AND Ice use. NB
Have you ever been in a hovercraft??? Ours is a side by side two seater with a joystick in the middle. No leaning required.
cowisl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2012, 03:52 PM   #16
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,345
Thanks: 206
Thanked 759 Times in 443 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cowisl View Post
The ride of a hovercraft is going to be much better on snow and ice. Not even close.
After riding on bare ice in the airboat my spine agrees with you!
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2012, 07:12 PM   #17
NoBozo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portsmouth. RI
Posts: 2,231
Thanks: 400
Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cowisl View Post
Have you ever been in a hovercraft??? Ours is a side by side two seater with a joystick in the middle. No leaning required.
As an Aside to this discussion.....YES SIR: I HAVE been on a hovercraft. Try this.... NB

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Craft_Air_Cushion
NoBozo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2012, 08:23 AM   #18
SIKSUKR
Senior Member
 
SIKSUKR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,075
Thanks: 215
Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts
Default codeman

Curious as to how you "launch" that boat.What kind of trailer and how do you load/unload it?
__________________
SIKSUKR
SIKSUKR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2012, 12:16 PM   #19
codeman671
Senior Member
 
codeman671's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,345
Thanks: 206
Thanked 759 Times in 443 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SIKSUKR View Post
Curious as to how you "launch" that boat.What kind of trailer and how do you load/unload it?
My trailer was a tilting single axle bunk boat trailer. Since the bottom is polymer, when the trailer was tipped the boat would basically slide right off. To load, you would pull the boat up until it touched the rear center roller, tilt it then crank it on. You could also wet launch.

I am told the new one is some sort of powered system. I am sure it is a powered winch, it may be power tilt as well.
codeman671 is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to codeman671 For This Useful Post:
SIKSUKR (03-12-2012)
Old 03-12-2012, 10:11 AM   #20
Neoteric Hovercraft
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote: "I would take the .."Airboat", ANY DAY over a hovercraft. Look at the hovercraft videos; They slip and slide and can hardly make a corner...blowing water everywhere. It also seems you have to "Ride" the hovercraft on your toes.. standing up..to maintain balance and control.

The "Airboat" will skim the ice..AND... bank in a turn on the water. I like the "Airboat" consept for Water AND Ice use. NB"

The airboat's hull has to constantly touch the surface, which is fine on water. But try to imagine the "comfort" of such ride on anything else! The hovercraft flies on a cushion of air, so you feel weightless and an experienced pilot does not need to worry. Only a laymen would stand in a hovercraft to maintain balance and control, no one who can actually fly one would do that. And if somehow you'd loose it and needed an "airboat like" grip, you can always decrease the pressure of air in skirts and let your hull land and slow down without the fear of sliding into something. It's all the matter of proper training and practice which every hovercraft salesman does to do to their customers. Neoteric Hovercraft provides a whole day training session to their customers in the price of the hovercraft, ensuring the proper flying skill and maintenance of the equipment. Anyone who has ever been in hovercraft and airboat will chose hovercraft over the airboat, due to its versatility. Airboat won't fly over the land, hovercraft will. And they just look so much better
Neoteric Hovercraft is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2012, 10:51 AM   #21
NoBozo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portsmouth. RI
Posts: 2,231
Thanks: 400
Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Neoteric Hovercraft View Post
Quote: "I would take the .."Airboat", ANY DAY over a hovercraft. Look at the hovercraft videos; They slip and slide and can hardly make a corner...blowing water everywhere. It also seems you have to "Ride" the hovercraft on your toes.. standing up..to maintain balance and control.

The "Airboat" will skim the ice..AND... bank in a turn on the water. I like the "Airboat" consept for Water AND Ice use. NB"

The airboat's hull has to constantly touch the surface, which is fine on water. But try to imagine the "comfort" of such ride on anything else! The hovercraft flies on a cushion of air, so you feel weightless and an experienced pilot does not need to worry. Only a laymen would stand in a hovercraft to maintain balance and control, no one who can actually fly one would do that. And if somehow you'd loose it and needed an "airboat like" grip, you can always decrease the pressure of air in skirts and let your hull land and slow down without the fear of sliding into something. It's all the matter of proper training and practice which every hovercraft salesman does to do to their customers. Neoteric Hovercraft provides a whole day training session to their customers in the price of the hovercraft, ensuring the proper flying skill and maintenance of the equipment. Anyone who has ever been in hovercraft and airboat will chose hovercraft over the airboat, due to its versatility. Airboat won't fly over the land, hovercraft will. And they just look so much better
I based my comments on the many videos on YouTube ..particularly the SKAT, that "cowisl" remarked ... "We have a Scat and a Hovercraft Concepts model. The Hovercraft Concepts model is by far superior". NB

PS: I've ridden in the Navy LCAC..(Prounounced El-Kak) and they slide as well...but then again, they don't don't do that many steep turns..OR.. fly over land much. Just an observation. To each his own.

Last edited by NoBozo; 03-12-2012 at 04:08 PM. Reason: (SP)
NoBozo is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:54 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.30368 seconds