Hovercraft FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here at
Hov Pod Hovercraft UK we receive many enquiries about our
Personal Hovercraft.
This hovercraft FAQ has been compiled using questions
asked by our customers about the Hov Pod along with other
questions we thought you may ask. We hope that you will
find an answer to your question about our Hovercraft on
this page.
If you have a question about the Hov Pod which you cannot
find the answer to then please contact Hov Pod Hovercraft
by email or complete the simple form on the request
information page.
The Hov Pod Personal Hovercraft FAQ provides an easily
navigable list of frequently asked questions about our
Hovercraft, please click on a sentence below to be taken
to the question and its answer.
Do I need to be trained to drive the Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Although
different to anything else around, the Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft is surprisingly easy to use. We have designed
the Hov Pod to be controlled as simply as possible, using
one set of handlebars and a throttle. Full instructions
are supplied and the average user can usually learn the
basics in just 15 minutes. The trick is to take it at your
own pace. Hov Pod also offer training packages.
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What is the top speed of the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft has a top speed of up to 45mph in
good conditions, depending on engine size.
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How environmently friendly is the
Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not produce a wake and does
not exhaust in to the water. It has a very light
footprint, weighing less than a seagull standing on one
leg! Unlike other vehicles, it can travel over eggs
without cracking them, ask to see video demonstration. The
Hov Pod has no propeller in the water to damage coral or
plant life. The Hov Pod is an ideal craft to use in
sensitive areas, for example bird santuaries etc. Contact
us for an Environment Assessment Paper
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Where can I launch a Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not need any prepared surface
or slipway and it can be operated from any smooth surface
(not necessary flat).
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What sound does the Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft make?
Although
early versions of hovercraft were noisy, (there exists a
misconception that all hovercraft are
noisy) we fit custom designed two stage silencers to
quieten the engine exhaust, and continue to
minimize noise pollution through consultation with local
universities. Technological advances has
reduced sound emissions by between 50 and 70% making Hov
Pods fall somewhere between vacuum
cleaners and city traffic (70 to 80 decibels). We use a
microlite 52 bhp engine that depending on
conditions generates around the same noise levels as a
small motorbike, at 72 decibels at 60 meters,
and 80 decibels at 25 meters. Compared to other watercraft
Hov Pod generates no water slap noise,
and do not generate the high speed repetitive whine of
fast revving engines associated with PWC'S
(sometimes referred to as the Angry Bee Noise) and
speedboats as they jump waves or the deep
reverberating noise of diesels as exhausts are uncovered
from the water. Current Rotax engines are
quieter than previously used Hirth engines, as they have
superior exhaust systems. It is
recommended that driver and passengers wear headsets, but
10 to 20 foot away from the craft, it is
okay to have a normal conversation.
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What gradient can the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft climb?
This is
dependent on run up to the slope, and passenger loading.
Short steep slopes are achievable with a run up. The
average long slope or slipway gradient is no problem for
the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft. Please look at our video
to see the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft in action.
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What comfort does the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft provide?
The
cushion of air on which the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
travels means that the ride is very smooth. Interest has
been shown in the Hov Pod as a moving marine photography
platform.
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Does a Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
need servicing?
The
engine is a simple 2 stroke and this means that it is easy
for a 2-stroke mechanic to maintain the engine.
Alternatively we can arrange servicing through a service
network. If the craft is bought from a dealer, servicing
is available from the dealer.
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Is there a guarantee?
Excluding
wear/tear/damage the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is
guaranteed for 12 months. The engine falls under the
engine supplier’s service agreement of 6 months.
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What type of engine does the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft use?
A
Microlight Rotax 503 50HP air-cooled 2-stroke, or Rotax
582 65HP water-cooled 2-stroke engine. On the
hovercraft
specification page you can find out more about the Hov Pod
Hovercraft engine.
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Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
stop on water?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft floats when stopped on water. We do
not recommended stopping for long periods in choppy
conditions.
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Does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
carry buoyancy?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft has full positive enclosed
polystyrene buoyancy.
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What distance does the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft need to stop on water?
From top
speed the hovercraft can be spun around and dropped or
lowered onto the waters surface to smoothly stop in a
distance of about 5m.
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Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
carry passengers?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft is weight dependent and the craft
has been tested to take up to 250Kg or 310Kg on water,
depending on the size of engine plus additional 25% weight
on land (hence 312Kg or 387Kg on land starts). We
recommend the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft as a 2+ model
where each owners individual circumstances will dictate
exactly how many people can be carried (it could vary from
2 large to 4 small people). Many small hovercraft have
difficulties starting on water, so please refer to our
Buyers Guide to understand "Getting over Hump" a
hovercraft term used to describe starting on water. Be
sure to check manufacturers payload specification for
starting on water - many can't, some even sink!
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What conditions can the Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft be used in?
The Hov
pod Leisure Hovercraft is for use in conditions up to
force 4, During testing to ensure its safety our
experienced drivers have used it worse conditions and
large swell and surf.
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How much are Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft skirts?
The
skirts are all individual replaceable Hypalon highly
durable segments. There are 65 in total and replacement
segments cost from £15.00 each. If skirt segments are
damaged only the damaged segments need replacing. If the
damage is slight they can be patched and mended.
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How long do Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft skirts last?
Under
normal occasional use a skirt can last up to two years.
However skirt wear can vary dramatically from user to user
and is dependent on how and where the Hov Pod is used. Use
on rough abrasive surfaces will wear the skirt faster than
a smooth or water based surface. Thicker skirts available
as an option.
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Are there other versions of the Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
We offer
two engine variants, the Hov Pod AXC 52 or Hov Pod ACX 65,
plus a Patrol, Rescue Commercial Version (Hov Pod PRC 65)
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Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
carry diving weights and bottles?
Yes if
stowed correctly and not exceeding the weight limit.
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Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
tow a skier?
The fun
thing about the Hov Pod is the Hov Pod. It is thrillingly
different to anything else and can be used over a wide
range of surfaces, however unfortunately it will not tow a
skier.
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Where can I use the Hov Pod Leisure
Hovercraft?
Generally
we recommend that you follow normal local marine
regulations, which should be checked. Certain local
byelaws may apply in some areas. Please use the Hov Pod
with respect and consideration for all those around you.
Please request a copy of our Code of Conduct document.
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Do I need Insurance to fly a Hov Pod
Leisure Hovercraft?
Marine
Insurance is available. Information can be provided.
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Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
be used for rescue or Police work?
The Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft is an ideal rescue, survey, and
patrol craft for use over many different tidal and
dangerous surfaces. Please contact us for further
information of the Hov Pod PRC 65.
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Is the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
available in kit form?
At
present a kit version is not available.
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Is there a diesel version of the Hov
Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
At
present a diesel version is not available.
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What colours are available for the
Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Standard
hull is white with either a Red and Yellow trim set or
Blue and Yellow trim set. Different colour hulls are
available at additional cost. Skirt colours are normally
Red, Blue or Black, other colours are available at
additional cost. Please visit our
Hov Pod
customer options
page where you can see colour photographs of Hov Pod's
colour options.
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Does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft
have stowage and winching fittings?
Lifting
eyes to suit your davits and winching gear can be added to
the craft by special arrangement and pricing.
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How can I get more information about
the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Please
visit the contact page of website to find out
details of
how to contact Hov Pod.
Or follow the link to
request information about Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft.
All
specifications are subject to change without notice. Hov
Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd.
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