Back to Hovercrafting topic

Since we've been either quiet or off topic for some time lets get back to
hovering.  On my last post I was battling spray and wind.  I can say I
constructed some belt covers and had many great trips on the James River
near here.  I would estimate I did 200 miles with no problem  at all with
my
13p and can readily handle 20mph wind with no passanger.

Then one afternoon I took my daughter for a cruise and about 10 miles
upstream bang.  Belt off, belt guards destroyed, prop damaged, belt maybe
trash, idlers bent.  I'm certain there was no outside object that got into
the prop.  I don't know if the belt came off, the guards broke or what
actually occurred.  After a good hike to a road and some hitchiking we got
home and I recovered the hover the next day.  Then I found the entire duct
was loosened from the hull but not damaged at all and the prop stand
bearing
mount platform also cracked.  Any thoughts on what happened and how to
avoid
next time?  I'm planning to weld up a platform for the bearings and bolt
it
into the uprights.

My original belt guards were stronger but I decided I didn't want
something
that strong in the prop.  I'm sure glad I lightened and softened up the
design as the finished guards seem to have just broken up and not caused
extended destruction.  I'll keep them light but may need to redesign to
give
better clearance as they may have obstructed the belt some how.  Again
I'll
consider any experience that can be offered.

Randy