Homebuilt Hovercraft ... A Fun Project The Whole Family.
Hovercrafts are modeled according to the principles applied in an aircraft. Most of its benefits are attributed to air dynamics. Although it looks like it's floating on water as how a boat would, it's actually floating. When it starts moving, the correct term is gliding just as a plane would glide through the air. Hence, whether it's a homebuilt hovercraft or a commercial hovercraft vessel, the person steering the wheel is appropriately called a pilot. Home built hovercrafts are piloted by steering. The engine is usually controlled by a throttle. To maneuver, a handle that works similarly as how a joystick work is used for the rudder.
This simple mechanism allows you to pilot the hovercraft with ease. At first attempt, expect it to be a little bit challenging to do.
Since hovercrafts are run via air cushion, there is no contact to the water or ground surface below. Thus there is much less friction involved. Imagine how it feels driving on ice. It's almost like that. Piloting your home built hovercraft requires a little bit of self training and skills. It also requires you to stay focused on the machine.
Here are a few of the benefits that should motivate you and help you learn to pilot a hovercraft:
- Island hopping - Yes you can do this without having to spending anything more than fuel or energy for your homebuilt hovercraft. Since this vehicle can practically fly on water surface, visiting neighboring islands won't be any hassle.
- No need for a pilot's license to steer the hovercraft. Although there may be a license for owning a boat or vehicle of this type. It is best to consult about this.
- Your home built hovercraft can practically go to water paths that are not accessible if you go by boat. Its mobility is more useful in this case. Examples of these paths are shallow bodies of water.
- It is affordable. It doesn't require you to spend so much. Unlike commercial versions, this is homebuilt and you can always improvise.
- Fishing is also best with your hovercraft. In winter time when you want to go fishing above thin ice, the hovercraft is a good base to sit on.
- In cases where you need to carry and move heavy cargoes or loads on flat but difficult surfaces such as mud and swamps, your home built hovercraft is the ideal alternative means of transportation.
Of course, there are other advantages aside from these mentioned. Many hovercraft models have even appeared on major movies. The best part about this vehicle, apart from its versatility is that it comes with design kits. You can build your own homebuilt hovercraft just by this package. No need to study physics or air dynamics. Simply enjoy building and piloting it.
Homebuilt hovercrafts are easy to pilot once you have the feel of the machine. You should be ready to enjoy gliding over smooth surfaces where it's best suited for. Hovercrafts can fly over frozen lakes, snow fields, and in almost all water surfaces. It is also advisable to use the hovercraft in marshes or swamp areas and muddy grounds.