Hovercraft on ice - Michigan

[kach22i]

FYI: If you ever wanted to check out a hovercraft operating over ice, water and snow, here are a couple of events for you to consider.

December 29th on Gunn Lake (near Kalamazoo).

Feburary 4th & 5th on Devil's lake (Adrian).

Link:
http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/index.php?showforum=18

The event on Devil's lake is supposed to have snowmobile drag races, motorcyles, hovercraft and perhaps an ultralite the weather permits.

http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/index.php?act=calendar&code=showevent&eventid=32

Not responsible for frostbite - be smart, dress for the activity.

[gassy]

My dad in law gave my son and me each an rc hovercraft for
Christmas--pretty sweet! I'd love to drive a real one.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by gassy
My dad in law gave my son and me each an rc hovercraft for
Christmas--pretty sweet! I'd love to drive a real one.

Check out the Chicago area activity.

http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/index.php?showforum=13

Or here:

http://www.chicagohovercraft.com/

[kach22i]

Originally posted by procon
kach22i,

I saw my outfitter friend a couple of weeks ago, give me a shout when your ready for the raft material.

The research and advice I've gotten about hovercraft skirt material is consistent in recommending the lighter weight fabrics for small craft like mine.

I personally like the idea of a heavier thicker more durable skirt material (raft material), but people with more experience than myself keep saying it will not respond to the flexing contours of the surface and will actually wear more rapidly because of this.

There has been permanently inflatable raft type hovercraft, which used the heavier material. However these types of craft have shortcomings that I've seen for myself, and I wish to avoid repeating history.

I'm still looking at skirt materials, which have no proven track record, and may end up failing spectacularly. This is the risk anyone experimenting takes.

I'll keep you posted on my progress procon, thanks once again for the offer.

[dhoward]

Originally posted by kach22i
SNIPPED.....

I'm still looking at skirt materials, which have no proven track record, and may end up failing spectacularly........

Make sure someone has a video camera when you're experimenting!!

[kach22i]

Originally posted by procon
Is anyone using PVC?
Much lighter than the hypalon.

PVC coated nylon is easy to glue and comes in many colors - it's a very popular bag skirt material.

[kach22i]

Originally posted by procon
Also quite popular for rafts as well. If PVC is a viable option for you, drop me a PM.

Cool, I'll do that - purple looks good next to red, right?

Two of the guys at the Gunn Lake event build their own hovercraft, and have won quality awards. There will be a tour of their shop after dinner as well. I hope to pick up some useful suggestions along the way.

If I don't manage to operate to the point of skirt failure (ice is known to be rough on skirts), I will attempt to fail spectacularly at Devils Lake next month.

[kach22i]

Pictures on ice.

http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/index.php?act=module&module=gallery&cmd=sc&cat=6

And more of just my craft:
http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/index.php?showtopic=412&st=45

No rainbow stickers.