I'm thinking about building myself a small inexpensive first
hovercraft. At the moment the novelty is strong, but so are the other
draws on the budget. I'm thinking I want to build a small and
expensive version to see how I take to it, and how the local boaters
and LE take to me.
I'd like to build from wood, primarily because I am decent working
with wood and have access to any of the tools I'd need. I'm fairly
handy. I'll also be able to repair wood when I break it.
Use for this would be fairly sheltered waters though some strong
currents, which I don't believe should be much of an issue?
I'd like it to be reasonably quite. I don't need it to be silent, but
I'd rather not have the switchboard light up with complaints when I
fire 'er up.
The only size req. is to fit one adult, and maybe a small dog. 250lbs
or so. It doesn't have to last 20 years, be stable enough to stand
and cast from, or have room for the family and the coolers. If I like
it enough and decide this is for me I'll build another bigger, better
craft - this is the feet-wet (though hopefully not literally)
experiment.
I'm thinking maybe a UH10? Is there a less expensive model? How
cheap should I be able to assemble this? I've read under 1000, but it
was from dated posts. It also didn't mention how much under 1000.
I also considered a UH13PT. I like the idea of being able to take
someone along, but don't want to jack the cost too high. If the first
ends up costing too much, I'll never get started. If I like the first
as much as I think I will I'll build more as time goes on.
Anyone ever get anywhere with a few sheets of plywood, a couple leaf
blowers, a tarp or two and some carpentry & engineering skills? I
believe that I could build a platform that would hover me with the
above, but I'm at a loss on propulsion. I seem to remember something
from a vacuum cleaner from an old Boys Life magazine as well. As I
said, if I can get something to happen on the cheap in relatively
short order, I'm far more likely to pony up the coin and build a real
one.
I may try to attend a rally or something, but if I don't get the show
on the road in relatively short order it's likely to fall to the
wayside with so many other ideas...
Thanks,
Dan
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