(original post by Mark maek@entsurg.net on 21-AUG-2001)

I'm very interested in the recerational aspect of the hovercraft . We have been active in boating for about 5 years progressing up to a Sea ray sundancer approx 40ft and have a new sundeck chriscraft which we enjoy, but we are looking for something differrent and something less restrictive (depth wise). My question is 1) Can you build a model to carry a family of 5. two adults and 3 fairly small children? Youngest is 4. 2) Is this activity actually a great deal of fun and something that most people would enjoy for some time? We are nowhere near any ice, but have plenty of water. There tends to be some chop. 3) How does this craft handle a little lake/river wave action? I would like to potentially travel up the Tennesse river and by pass the dams (locks) by going up a boat ramp on one side and down the other on the other side. Does that sound reasonable? Also, I hae seen a picture a few years ago regarding a hovercraft called the Wing. Have you ever heard of this craft? soory for the many general questions, but your craft is the first I have seen pictures of that might fit my longterm search. Thank you in advance. Mark

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(original post by Neoteric on 21-AUG-2001)

The Hovertrek can carry 750 lb. It can be overloaded up to 1200 lb but it gets hard to accelerate over water.

Three children can easily fit across the rear seat or can squeeze onto the inline seat.

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(original post by terry.arnott@bigpond.com on 2-OCT-2001)

Hi,

Regarding the "wing", I have seen what is called a "WIG" for "Wing in Ground Effect". It was a hovercraft with a set of wings on it and could "fly" about 10'(i think) above the water. I know it wasn't really high but the write up said he had managed to clear another craft instead of smashing when the other craft cut across in front of him when he was on the skirt. The one I saw was from Universal Hovercraft (the competition) but it is the only one I have seen.

Hope this helps. T

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(original post by Neoteric on 4-OCT-2001)

Large WIGS have been developed in Russia, Germany also have worked on such devices for almost 70 years. Weber Hovercraft came out with a canard one, but has shelved it due to some stability concerns. Other companies in the US have come out with fabric covered WIGS, but Universal's WIG works extremely well. Chris at Neoteric has flown in it and we have seen more than 100 fly past with great safety. It is mostly for calm conditions. Universal offer the plans for $100 and a material kit for about $3,000. You supply your own engine.

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