A Hovercraft Journey
Why does any of us get into hovercrafting? Good question - for me, I love the outdoors, I love building things, and I love to be different... hovercrafting ticks all these boxes, so maybe its not surprising that I got into it.
My first craft was bought from some shadowy gentleman for the princely sum of £1000. I was pleased! It turned out to be in pretty poor condition though, with the bottom badly worn.
Still, with a little TLC and a lot of work it began to look more like something that might float!
In the meantime, I joined the hovercraft club, and my kids got their first taste of what hovercraft were really like. Nathan, the middle one of our lot, was taken by the whole thing and to this day (he's now 15!) is the one who jumps at the chance to get the craft out.
The day the craft actually made it to its natural environment was a joy! Just look at the grin! We had enormous fun, but it was really just the beginning.
Here's Nathan - he doesn't look so cute now! He has developed into a first-rate hover pilot, don't tell him, but he handles the craft better than me!
The Osprey was a great first craft, but I was soon hankering after something more capable. I spent a season looking around everything in the UK, but nothing really measured up to my needs. By chance, I had to go to Seattle, where I met Barry Palmer, of SevTec. He took me for a ride in "Fantastic" on the Skykomish river, and it was - well - fantastic! Importing one from the 'States was no practical, so I bought some plans... and the new craft was conceived.
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Parts begin to arrive, the garage is cleared, and the work begins. An integral garage is ideal in this respect, as I could spend and hour or two in the evening each day, and things begin to take shape. Here we can see the lower hull assembled and the engine frame taking shape (I knew I put that beam in for some purpose when I built the garage!), then fitting them together.
The feeling of satisfaction really starts to grow when it all comes together but is immense once the paint goes on and you know it really is getting there. The first time it hovers! Fantastic![/size]
With each passing milestone the excitement grows, and finally the day will come when you take it out for its maiden voyage. Just look at this; can you imagine a more perfect day?
Once the craft is finished, then the fun really starts.
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Loch Long
Loch Long and a flotilla
South of France - Ruth loved this!
Finished the Rhone Raid - 600km!
First light on "a major river estuary". I am sworn to secrecy, as we were on a hunt a downed WW2 aircraft which is believed to be submerged and preserved intact in the mud. We didn't find it - but we'll be back!
Sunrise through the prop
Malc the GeoPhys and Phil the man with the dusty records (the Boss). Unfortunately, what seemed clear and easy from an armchair was a bit harder on the ground. Still - there's always next time.
A sand bar... no beer here though!
Back to Scotland - this time Loch Fyne (and it was!)
Of course there's far more to say on this hovercraft journey - we've barely scratched the surface in reality. It is safe to say that my hovercraft has brought with it immense satisfaction, fun and pleasure. The only question really is:
When will you start yours?
Ian