Hov Pod Review
All products have their USPs or unique selling points, so how does the Hov Pod Hovercraft compare to other hovercraft?The original Hov Pod ACX model was introduced in 2002, constructed from Glass Fibre, but in 2005, the company introduced the first HDPE Hull (High Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is extremely buoyant and very durable, unlike glass fibre, which can crack on impact. Hulls are manufactured using rotational moulding, so this slashes the manufacturing time to help Hov Pod improve delivery times - glass fibre production will take longer as it is more labour intensive.
The Hov Pod Hovercraft Design focuses on safety - company founder Peter Ward set out to create a hovercraft that would appeal to leisure users for use in the marine environment. When he wanted to buy a hovercraft, Peter was dismayed and disappointed by what he found. He noticed exposed hot exhaust systems, fuel and electrics located in confined areas (sparks can ignite fuel vapours). He noticed unguarded fans, hovercraft fitted with cheap under powered modified lawn mower engines, sold with invalid warranty.
The Hov Pod Unique selling points
HDPE Hulls provide durability and high buoyancy.
Fans are safety guarded, front and rear.
Exhaust systems are shielded
Engines are covered
Hov Pod fit more powerful fully warrantied engines.
Hov Pod fit polyurethane coated anti plow, anti-rip, segmented skirts - other suppliers fit UV sensitive neoprene coated nylon or easily torn Hypalon.
Hov Pod offer either the 65HP or 120HP Turbo powered engines on our hovercraft to ensure that you have power in reserve - when starting from an on-water start, you need to ensure that you have sufficient power to get started and overcome the pressure wave that affects all hovercraft, known as The Hump. In the past, Hov Pod used and rejected Hirth and Moto Guzzi engines, in favour of Rotax and Weber Automotive engines.
Getting over Hump
If you plan to stop on water, and start from an on-water start, be sure that you ask manufacturers what the model's on-water payload is - all hovercraft carry 50% more weight on land, some manufacturers confuse and hide their on-water capability. The Hov Pod HP65 will lift 275 Kgs or 606 pounds, the Hov Pod 120HP Turbo will lift 325 Kgs or 717 pounds from on water - if you fail to get this detail right, you may not be able to get home ok, and have to rely on the rescue services to recover your hovercraft.
Hov Pod are introducing a new model which can seat up to 7, the Hov Pod Carbon Infinity 120HP Turbo will be constructed from carbon fibre. Since the size is bigger, it will lift more weight, either 450 Kgs 995 pounds when starting from water, or 675 Kgs 1491 pounds when starting on land.
In summary
Hov Pod HP65 will lift 275 Kgs or 606 pounds from on-water, 412 Kgs 910 pounds if starting your journey on land (flying over water but not stopping or re starting on water)
Hov Pod 120HP Turbo will lift 325 Kgs or 717 pounds from on-water, 487 Kgs 1077 pounds if starting your journey on land (flying over water but not stopping or re starting on water)
Hov Pod Carbon Infinity 120HP Turbo will lift 450 Kgs or 995 pounds from on-water, 675 Kgs 1491 pounds if starting your journey on land (flying over water but not stopping or re starting on water)
For further information and FREE Hovercraft Guide, please visit www.hovercraft.org
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