10 HP Hovercraft

I was looking for a project that my Grandson and I could build. together. We decided on a hovercraft after watching a TV special. Knowing absolutely nothing about hovercraft we researched the web on the subject  and found the Universal Hovercraft website to be the best source.
We had an old 10 HP Briggs horizontal shaft electric start engine from an old riding mower that looked like it would fit the bill.  We bought the plans for their UH10F craft. We liked it because it only uses one motor. Most hovercraft use a separate motor for lift and thrust. This one directs approximately 1/3 of the thrust air to provide both lift and inflating the skirt. Most of the materials could be found at the local builders supply.
The only parts we needed to buy from Universal Hovercraft were the Plans, propeller, propeller hub, and the skirt material. Although it busted our $500 budget we decided to purchase their materials kit which included all the epoxy,fiberglass , screws, and glue. The skirt is the heart of this thing and we didn't want to save penny's  on something this critical. It was a fun project for the both of us. It would be a great Father and Son project.
 

Step 1: TOOLS AND MATERIALS LIST

Tools required

Table saw to cut 4 X 8 Foam and plywood
Keyhole saw or saws all to cut openings for air ducts
Scroll saw for plywood duct and body peices
Shop vac for vacuum blanket
Two to four saw horses
Several plastic squeegees
Basic hand tools

Materials list

From home depot cost about $80
For the hull
1 sheet 1" white Styrofoam
4 sheets 2" blue construction foam 4 x 8
4 sheets 1 /8" plywood (doesn't have to be marine)
2 12' lengths 1 x 2 lumber( pine is fine)

Hardware kit from Universal Hovercraft  $349
This kit contains every little thing you will need to complete this project including
Plans, fiberglass, skirt, glue , skrit screws,epoxy, and a 24' steering cable

DRIVE KIT from Universal Hovercraft $159
 Includes propeller, hub, and bushings

MISC. $20
Small roll plastic sheeting 2 to 4 mills
Paint

Total cost of the project was around $600 plus the cost of a new or used motor.

Comments

[SofiaM]

How big is this hovercraft? 4 by 8, or 5 by 10? Thank you

[mickydee]

The hovercraft is 5 x 10 overall. I bought it at a local builders supply in 4 x 8 sheets.. After it is covered with the 1x4 plywood and fiber glass the joints are all covered. Alternate the joints between the foam and plywood for strength.
Mickydee

[SofiaM]

How big should the sheet of 1" styrofoam be? Thank you!

[BoSkarr]

This is amazing. I plan to start one that want to hald more than one person. This is a great guide, as I can't become a member of universal hovercrafts because I am 14, don't have a job, and I don't have a phone. I have a couple friends who will help and I can't stress it enough how amazing your hovercraft looks.

[davtheman223]

you should enter the epilog challenge V if you can

[shull3]

Congratulations on a successful first build.
This is a great project for Father/Grandfather and Son/Grandson. Universal Hovercraft http://www.hovercraft.com/content/ is a great company for DIY hovercraft projects. I build a UH12T4 with my high school soon back in 2002 -2006. We have had a great time with it and now belong to the http://www.hoverclubofamerica.org/ Hoverclubofamerica. The club has great resources for recreational hovercrafting throughout the USA. Most of the members have either built or operate a homebuilt hovercraft. If you and your Grandson get into this hovering more be sure to check out the HCA. We sponsor over 20 events a year at many locations around the country. http://www.mapquest.com/?version=1.0&hk=7-HQDmHdt9#dd126f889ef3d31a8d5316c6  Here is a map of the locations for the 2013 season. Hope to see you at out hovering this year!

Scott Hull

[phynicfirebird]

I was wondering if I could use any type of epoxy or is there a certain type that would work a lot better? What would you recommend.

[mickydee]

I always use the cheapest I can find. Tru to use something that is easy to mix, like a 2 to 1 or a 3 to 1 ratio. Any epoxy you can get will work. You will need about a gallon.
mickydee

[fgarrett]

Mr. Dee, I'm stoked. I'm in the third world and this is the thing to have.
I can get most parts here
Can you tell me a ratio to increase the size to accommodate 2 people or 180 more pounds

[phynicfirebird]

Thank you....i am hoping to build my own from scratch this summer without any kits...the only problem i have is that since i am only 16 and do not currently have a job (wish i did) it is going to be hard to get the money but i am hoping to get a job real soon then start saving for the parts.

[The nerdling]

council cleanup days is your answer

[gear762]

Your project is pretty sweet! I plan on building a hovercraft for a science fair at my school, but as of yet, no one has any description of how to put on the skirt or what size/how many holes to cut out for a 4ft by 8ft hovercraft. If you could maybe send me a few pictures of the skirt, as well as some basic instructions on how to put the skirt on and cut out the holes, that would be great! Thanks!

[Xthinker]

I cant seem to find the website, can you post a link to it? I'm interested in making one

[dirt_hawker]

How much do you and your grandson weigh? How would you describe the diffrence in weight and perfermance?

[bnsfwarbonnet]

Does the skirt inflate when you start it or it stays inflated? Looks like fun!

[mickydee]

A portion of the prop air is diverted to the skirt port and inflates when the engine is started. The craft wont sink when the engine is off because the deck is made of enough foam to keep it buoyant
It is a lot of fun Mickydee .

[bnsfwarbonnet]

Neat.

[cod3hack3r]

When i grow up and have kids and hopefully grandkids, i hope i can do something like this with them, this is such a cool project, wonderful instructions too, and it came out great. This is great man, 10/10

[mickydee]

Thank you very much.
My grandson and I had a great summer working together.
We really got to know each other.
We both learned some new skills. That's what these instructables are all about.

Mickydee

[hover_crafter]

Very cool! How Much does it weigh?

[mickydee]

I am not absolutely sure. I would guess about 125 lbs., maybe 150.. The engine and prop are the determining factor. The bulk of the craft is made of very light weight foam and 1/8" plywood. If you go to larger motor with electric start, you could double up on the foam quite easily.
mickydee

[serice]

When type of epoxy die you use to coat the bottom of the hull with?

[mickydee]

I used an epoxy called "System Three" medium temp. I bought a gallon on line, It is available from several sites. I liked it because it comes with attached plungers for accurate measuring and it cures overnight. Be sure to use the vacuum bagging procedure as spelled pout in my ible. You can use just about any two part epoxy you want, it is not critical. I used half a gallon for the whole project
mickydee

[engineering wizard]

i rember the first one i built, aha that was a awsome day i spent a whole week with my uncle sketching and looking at the gaint hover crafts called LCAC-landing craft, air cushioned”" used by the marines and they are amphibious by the way

[Mr. walrus]

What kind of trailer did you use?

[mickydee]

My trailer is a 4 by 8 with removable side rails. It also has a dump feature with a pin in the front. I can literally drive it off the trailer, but it will not climb the incline by itself.
Two people can easily lift it onto the trailer. It could be easily winched on if the motor was left idling to provide a little lift.

[Football viking boy]

WOW I wish my grandpa was this cool

[garagegenius]

yeah right???

[Football viking boy]

???????

[arjun0520]

dude where did u u get the motor from

[Wahoo96]

hey, im thinking of making my own,what engine (make/model) would you recomend??

[Wahoo96]

is it amphibious? how fast is it? and can you put a more powerful engine on it?

[tdem]

Just a little warning. Not long ago, a man here in NZ was decapitated by his kit built hovercraft. Be careful!
article

[voyageur10]

Don't leave us hanging! What happened exactly?

[deobomb]

do you think it would work if i used a large inner tube and a small 110 atv motor to make a small one

[ctz]

I was wondering if you could tell me the time it took you to build this amazing contraption.

[avatar_i]

Forgive me if I missed this, and I am quite bad at math, but: How far and/or how long can you run this beauty on a gallon of gas? If you were to estimate the gallons per mile- as it were- what do you think it might come out to? My thinking here is to build one for one human and two 30~50 pound Dogs to
be traveling about.
Looks liks a blast to ride in, too! I only hope I can succcesfully built it!
Quite entertaining and instructive, and one of my top ten favourites!
Thanks!

[Eye Poker]

They aren't quiet, it would most likely scare the poop out of your dogs.

[hossweightlifter]

ewwwwww

[theexpert]

i dont know about your mileage for one gallon but i can tell you if you weigh oh say 130 then you will probably need a separate engine for the skirt so it can lift you and your dogs at the same time