Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
www.hovpod.com http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/
[email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
Hov Pod FAQ 090509 Questions Do I need to be trained to drive the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
What is the top speed of the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft? How environmentally friendly is the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
What sound does the Hov Pod make?
Where can I launch a Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
What gradient can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft climb?
What comfort does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft provide?
Does a Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft need servicing?
Is there a guarantee? What type of engine does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft use?
Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft stop on water?
Answers Although different to anything else around, the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is surprisingly easy to use. We have designed the Hov Pod to be controlled as simply as possible, using one set of handlebars and a throttle. Full instructions are supplied and the average user can usually learn the basics in just 15 minutes. Training packages are available through our dealer network. The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft has a top speed of up to 45mph depending on conditions, engine type/size. The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not produce a wake and does not exhaust fumes into the water, so will not affect marine animals in the same way that boats and Jet Skis can. It does not have any propeller to damage marine mammals such as manatees, dolphins and whales that swim near the surface. It has a very light footprint when hovering, weighing less grams per square centimeter than a seagull standing on one leg! Unlike other vehicles, it can travel over eggs without cracking them, See Hov Pod Videos. Contact us for an Environment Assessment Paper via www.hovpod.com or http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/ Some hovercraft can be very noisy, so our designers have minimised noise through consultation with local Universities and specialists, to ensure suitability of the Hov Pod for marine leisure use. We focused attention on strategies to reduce engine and fan blade generated noise. Technological advances has reduced sound emissions by between 50 and 70% so depending on conditions at normal cruise speed, making Hov Pods fall somewhere between vacuum cleaners and city traffic (70 to 80 decibels). Compared to other marine craft, the Hov Pod benefits from generating no water slap noise, typical of RIB boats and PWCs. Our engines are chosen and set up to minimize the high speed repetitive whine of fast revving engines associated with PWC'S (sometimes referred to as the Angry Bee Noise). We offer 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines to suit various applications. It is recommended that driver and passengers wear headsets, as they sit inline, but 20 to 30 foot away from the craft, it is okay to have a normal conversation. The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not need any prepared surface or slipway and it can be operated from any smooth surface. The optional trailer allows the user to access a wide variety of areas. The Hov Pod can operate over water, sand, mud, short grass, ice or packed snow. This is dependent on run up to the slope, and passenger loading. Short steep slopes are achievable with a run up. The average long slope or slipway gradient is no problem for the Hov Pod. Please look at our video to see the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft in action. See Hov Pod Videos The cushion of air on which the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft travels means that the ride is very smooth. Interest has been shown in the Hov Pod as a moving marine photography platform. You can move from land to water without discerning the difference in surface. All engines require some servicing from time to time, but preventative maintenance such as changing of spark plugs, fuel filters, and air filters, all of which are easily accessible, will help trouble free operation. If you are not confident to service your own car, you consult a mechanic, in much the same way you can service the Hov Pod, any qualified mechanic would have little problem servicing the Hov Pod by following our simple to follow technical help sheets and manuals available from
[email protected] or via www.hovpod.com & http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/ Excluding wear/tear/damage the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is guaranteed for 12 months. The various engines falls under the engine supplier’s service agreements. We offer 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines to suit various uses. If you will primarily use your Hov Pod on land, a smaller engine will suffice. More powerful engines are recommended for rescue and commercial use, or where you wish to start from an onwater position. Many small hovercraft experience problems starting from on water position, and manufacturers refer to this problem as “Getting Over Hump” which means having insufficient power to overcome the bow wave created from an onwater start. Hov Pod engines suit a wide variety of uses and applications, so depending on operating conditions, payloads range from 275 to 325 Kilos for on water starting. Many cheaper hovercraft, designed with smaller engines, do not generate sufficient power to regain height on the air cushion, thus trapping the craft on the water in situ. Best to take a paddle to get home, with hovercraft not designed for onwater starting. (Check on water payload ratings) The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft floats when stopped on water, and has been tested to hold over one ton in weight before water ingresses into the hull. (1027Kg) We do not recommended stopping for long periods in choppy conditions.
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Im ages are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Payment & deposit terms are nonrefundable deposits of 30% with order & 40% at engine order required and the balance payable before shipment. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Performance/specification/operational inform ation are estimates and will vary from craft to craft and with different operating conditions, surfaces, loading, trim and other factors outside our control. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customization/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
www.hovpod.com http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/
[email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
Questions What is the fuel consumption?
Does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft carry buoyancy?
What distance does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft need to stop on water? Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft carry passengers?
What conditions can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft be used in?
How much are Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft skirts?
How long do Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft skirts last?
Are there other versions of the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft carry diving weights and bottles?
Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft tow a skier? Where can I use the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Do I need Insurance to fly a Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft? Can the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft be used for Rescue or Police work?
Answers Commercial operators tell us to expect to use 100 litres per 8hour shift at normal cruise speed of 22 mph – with the Rotax 65HP engine. For leisure use, depending on conditions, allow 12 to 15 litres per hour at cruise speed. The Hov Pod SPX 65HP has a 25 Litre tank; the Hov Pod SPX 120HP Turbo has a 33 Litre tank. As hovercraft are weightdependent vehicles, we purposely do not fit really large fuel tanks, but there is plenty of space to the additional fuel cans to prolong the range of the craft. The 4stroke engine is generally thought to be more fuel efficient than the 2stroke engine, so with 33litre tank, you should enjoy a longerrange capability per tank of fuel. The Hov Pod SPX is designed from High Impact Polyethylene that incorporates a buoyancy layer composite throughout the hull, so the craft is very buoyant, superior and stronger than GRP type craft. Additional buoyancy can be added as an option as required. From top speed the hovercraft can be spun around and lowered onto the water surface to smoothly stop in a distance of about 5m. Hovercraft are weight dependent and the Hov Pod SPX has been tested to take up to 325 Kg on water, depending on the size of engine. Many small hovercraft have difficulties starting on water, so please refer to our Buyers Guide to understand "Getting over Hump" a hovercraft term used to describe starting on water. Be sure to check manufacturers payload specification for starting on water many can't, some even sink! The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is for use in conditions up to Force 4, which is a wind speed of about 22 mph. During testing to ensure its safety our experienced drivers have used it worse conditions and large swell and surf, but we caution users to be responsible, and consider their safety before attempting to use the craft in rough sea conditions. The skirts are all individual replaceable Polyester/Nylon highly durable segments. There are 65 in total and replacement segments cost from £15.00 each. If skirt segments are damaged only the damaged segments need replacing, not the complete skirt. If the damage is slight they can be patched and mended. We fix the skirts with cheap cable ties, designed to break before the skirt breaks to minimise damage to the skirts. Under normal occasional use a skirt can last up to two years. However skirt wear can vary dramatically from user to user and is dependent on how and where the Hov Pod is used. Use on rough abrasive surfaces will wear the skirt faster than a smooth or water based surface. Thicker skirts available as an option, recommended for constant use, i.e. rental, demonstration, rescue or commercial applications. Note: New thicker polyurethane/nylon skirt material was introduced 18 months ago, we haven’t replaced a single skirt section during that period – we cut the material first and invite customer to try rip the material; since introduction, noone has managed to tear this material. Our previous model the ACX version was constructed from Glass Fibre; the SPX version shipping from 2008 is constructed from High Impact PE and has superior strength and buoyancy characteristics. Sales success has enabled us to increase production, to meet customer delivery expectations. We currently offer 2 engine versions of the SPX, ranging from 65HP to 120HP (Turbo). Yes if stowed correctly and not exceeding the weight limit for on water starting. Larger engine versions of the Hov Pod are ideally suited to diving and commercial operations where heavier weights are carried. We haven’t tried this, and would caution customers to consider safety issues before attempting to tow a skier. Generally we recommend that you follow normal local marine regulations, which should be checked. Certain local byelaws may apply in some areas, so customers are advised to check to see whether any local restrictions apply. Please use the Hov Pod with respect and consideration for all those around you. Please request a copy of our Code of Conduct document. Marine Insurance is available. Information can be provided, please request via www.hovpod.com The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is an ideal rescue, survey, and patrol craft for use over many different tidal and dangerous surfaces, such as sand, mud, ice or fast flowing rivers and tidal streams. In flooded areas, rescue boats do not always know whether water is free from obstructions; i.e. wire fences that can snag propellers – the Hov Pod is clear of the water, so can quickly reach a victim. Clearly, boats are not ideal for mud rescue.
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Im ages are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Payment & deposit terms are nonrefundable deposits of 30% with order & 40% at engine order required and the balance payable before shipment. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Performance/specification/operational inform ation are estimates and will vary from craft to craft and with different operating conditions, surfaces, loading, trim and other factors outside our control. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customization/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578
Reaction International Ltd. PO Box 617 Southampton UK
www.hovpod.com http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/
[email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 7699 391 390
Questions Is the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft available in kit form?
Is there a diesel version of the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft? What colours are available for the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft? Does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft have stowage and winching fittings? How can I get more information about the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
Answers We offer the Hov Pod SPX LM that comprises fully finished Hov Pod without engine for local manufacture. This product was primarily introduced for companies wishes to complete local assembly to reduce import tax, and for companies who wish to configure craft for military, rescue or commercial applications. At present a diesel version is not available. Standard hull is Blue, Red with granite trim set, or Green. Different colour hulls are available at additional cost. Skirt colours are Black. Lifting eyes to suit your davits and winching gear can be added to the craft by special arrangement and pricing. Please contact us via the website www.hovpod.com or through our new site http://hovpodhome.blogspot.com/ or telephone 0044 (0) 7699 391 390
Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578 All specifications are subject to change without notice. All prices are excluding local taxes and are Ex Works. Prices are subject to change so please contact us for latest pricing. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd. All Text and Im ages are Copyright © Reaction International Ltd. Payment & deposit terms are nonrefundable deposits of 30% with order & 40% at engine order required and the balance payable before shipment. It is the purchaser and/or end users responsibility to ensure the craft meets all local and national regulations and compliance requirements. Reaction International Ltd reserves the right to make changes to the specifications of the products shown, in accordance with their product research and development programme. Performance/specification/operational inform ation are estimates and will vary from craft to craft and with different operating conditions, surfaces, loading, trim and other factors outside our control. Craft Warranty: The Hov Pod is guaranteed for 12 months. This excludes wear/tear/damage & parts not standard or due to installation/customization/modification of parts/systems used outside the design parameters &/or not designed &/or fitted by Reaction International Ltd. Engine Warranty: The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement. Full terms & conditions are available from Reaction International Ltd. Reg in: England & Wales Reg No. 4132578