Restoration of hovercraft and it's tow truck

[kach22i]

It took J. Geraint Roberts (in his mid-50's) 15 months to restore an old hovercraft and it's tow truck with crane. It was brought up to current ferry regulations in the process, not an easy task by any measure.

I love the yellow and gray color scheme, just needs the checkered stripe to make the water taxi look complete.

Thread first found this at:
New Hovercraft Passenger Service for North Wales
http://hovercraft.org.uk/FUDforum2/index.php?t=msg&th=946&start=0&S=60d47a8feaec23e71ffaafc5cfa06167

Hovercraft Rental homepage:
http://www.hovercraftrental.co.uk/


Some pictures that were sent to me to help tell the story.




EDIT: Important information....................
http://hovercraft.org.uk/FUDforum2/index.php?t=msg&th=946&start=0&S=60d47a8feaec23e71ffaafc5cfa06167

Just thought I would say hello ( as a new member ) and tell you about the new service we are going to be operating on the North Wales Coast.
Under M.C.A. Regulation and Certification, we are starting a tourist and corporate passenger service from 01.04.07.

Our craft is an AIR VEHICLES TIGER 12 recently refitted to 2007 specs. Its 28 feet long, 12.5 feet wide and has a payload of 998KG. Its powered by a 248BHP AMC V8.

Our intention is to provide an opportunity of a "hovercraft experience" to the general public.

We have several sites to operate from but the main operation will be based at Llandudno and extending as far as Rhyl and Penmaenmawr.

Our site is www.hovercraftrental.co.uk.

[kach22i]

More pics................

[fumanchu]

AMC motor? Interesting choice.

Very neat project. Definately outside the box thinking.

[kach22i]

Even more pictures........................I think it's only 180 HP in that old V-8. I'm thinking regulations wise it was easier to keep than to replace with a new 'marinized' unit - just guessing.


Looking like he had some fun.


Sketch I did trying to figure this design out.

[kach22i]

This is a nice webpage that you might want to check out sometime. A similar restoration effort for a personal use craft.

Sealand SH2 restoration; Mario's Hovercraft Homepage.

SH2K The Millenium Project
http://www.decastris.com/hover/

[kach22i]

Some recent pictures of the first test flight...............sometimes just getting out there and back without incident is a big deal - at least for the first time.

[kach22i]

UPDATE: 05/30/07

Its finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! , certificates, permits and licenced................. and in service carrying passengers on the North Wales Coast