• Plan your cruise: Make sure you are aware of your craft (and your own!) limitations and plan accordingly – carefully check weather forecasts and be aware of pull-out  locations and sheltered spots.  Make sure someone knows where you are going.
• Fuel: Pay close attention to fuel  management and re-fuel in a safe way and in a safe place.  Make sure you carry enough fuel for your journey (always include a 30% minimum reserve)
• Know your craft and your limits: Plan your route according to both.  Don't overload your craft! An overloaded craft will be operating near or at its limit – any minor weather change could push it over that limit!
• Keep within the law: Before operating ensure that your intended route will not infringe local byelaws, navigation restrictions or wildlife sanctuaries.

• Be Prepared: Full safety equipment must to be carried and checked - carry out a craft preflight check every time you stop!  Make sure you have suitable clothing for all forecast conditions (getting wet can be extremely dangerous – always carry spare clothing!).  Carry a basic first-aid kit, clean water and an emergency repair kit with you at all times.
• Communication: Make sure you have some way to summon help in an emergency (e.g. marine VHF radio – check reception, mobile phone – check it works where you are going, flares, etc).
• Don’t drink and drive: You know it makes sense.  Alcohol badly affects your responses and judgement

   

• Operate with consideration: Operate with due consideration for others at all times – watch your fan/prop blast and make sure bystanders are kept well clear when manoeuvring on land.
• Noise: Use minimum speed and throttle when close to populated areas, people or wildlife.
• Avoid beach buzzing: Try not to go past the same area more than once an hour.  Stay away from populated beaches, shorelines or public areas unless no other route is  available.
• Watch your speed: Adjust  your speed to suit the conditions or waterway regulations and take extra care when close to other water users.
• Take care of the Environment: Don't damage plants, vegetation or disturb wildlife.  Stay at least 100 metres away from feeding birds on water or mudflats and keep a safe distance from seals and cetaceans (dolphin, porpoise, etc.)

Hovercraft are unique vehicles that let you explore places that are inaccessible to anything else! If you're thinking of getting into Hovercraft we can help! Whether you want to build, restore or buy a hovercraft or simply want to take advantage of the many Club discounts on parts and equipment (that can save you more than your membership fee!) then we have something for you.

Come and join us!  Registration is FREE (click HERE)!  Join as a full member and you'll get access to our unique training courses, world-class technical resources, member discounts/offers,  guides and much, much more (full membership is just £15 ($22) pa, click HERE to register then login & click Join on the top menu).

As well as flying hovercraft, also known as ACV's (Air Cushioned Vehicles) or SEV's (Surface Effect Vehicles), our members can be found building hovercraft from plans and kits. Many even design them from scratch (not one for the novice!) and will gladly offer sound practical advice. Of course you don't need to build your own hovercraft, you can always get a production hovercraft from one of the many hovercraft manufacturers we have listed.

Before getting your first Hover craft please take time to get free advice from our members, they could save you more than just money! You’ll always find new and used Hovercraft For Sale on our site. Wherever you get your hovercraft, we are here to guide and help you enjoy this wonderful hobby.
 
Within our forums you will find advice on hovercraft buying, safety, building and maintenance. There are also guides and FREE hovercraft plans and links to projects. You can also benefit from HoverClub’s training programme and direct help from our friendly club members. Not from the UK? Don’t worry; HoverClub has members from all over the world!

The Hovercraft Cruising Club (HoverClub for short) is a fully independent body dedicated to encouraging and developing the safe, considerate and sustainable use of recreational hovercraft. We are recognised as the representative body for cruising hovercraft by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Natural England and many Local Authorities - we actively lobby to protect the rights of our members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azJLduafaZ4

Hovercraft Transport