We receive many enquiries about our Personal Hovercraft.

This hovercraft FAQ has been compiled using questions asked by our customers about the Hov Pod along with other questions we thought you may ask. We hope that you will find an answer to your question about our Hovercraft on this page.

If you have a question about the Hov Pod which you cannot find the answer to then please complete the simple form on the request information page.

The Hov Pod Personal Hovercraft FAQ provides an easily navigable list of frequently asked questions about our Hovercraft, please click on a sentence below to be taken to the question and its answer.

• 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 environmently friendly is the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
• Where can I launch a Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?
• What sound does the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft make?
• 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?
• 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?
• 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?

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. The trick is to take it at your own pace. Hov Pod also offer training packages.
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The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft has a top speed of up to 45mph in good conditions, depending on engine size.
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The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not produce a wake and does not exhaust in to the water. It has a very light footprint, weighing less than a seagull standing on one leg! Unlike other vehicles, it can travel over eggs without cracking them, ask to see video demonstration. The Hov Pod has no propeller in the water to damage coral or plant life. The Hov Pod is an ideal craft to use in sensitive areas, for example bird santuaries etc. Contact us for an Environment Assessment Paper
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The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not need any prepared surface or slipway and it can be operated from any smooth surface (not necessary flat).
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Although early versions of hovercraft were noisy, (there exists a misconception that all hovercraft are noisy) we fit custom designed two stage silencers to quieten the engine exhaust, and continue to minimize noise pollution through consultation with local universities. Technological advances has reduced sound emissions by between 50 and 70% making Hov Pods fall somewhere between vacuum cleaners and city traffic (70 to 80 decibels). We offer a range of 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines that depending on conditions generates around the same noise levels as a small motorbike.Compared to other watercraft Hov Pod generates no water slap noise, and do not generate the high speed repetitive whine of fast revving engines associated with PWC'S (sometimes referred to as the Angry Bee Noise) and speedboats as they jump waves or the reverberating noise of diesels as exhausts are uncovered from the water.
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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 Leisure Hovercraft. Please look at our video to see the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft in action.
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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.
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We offer a range of 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines that are easy for motorcycle or car mechanics to maintain; full engine documentation is provided plus also a number of specific help sheets. If the craft is bought from a dealer, all dealers are required to attend our technical training courses, also available to customers should they wish to attend.
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Excluding wear/tear/damage the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is guaranteed for 12 months. The engine falls under the engine supplier’s service agreement of 6 months.
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We offer a choice of 2 or 4 stroke engines. We fit Microlight Rotax 582 65HP water-cooled 2-stroke engine, or the increasing popular Weber 4 stroke 120 Turbo powered engines.
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The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft floats when stopped on water. We do not recommended stopping for long periods in choppy conditions.
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The Hov Pod Hovercraft hull is manufactured from extremely buoyant HDPE, tested to take over one ton in weight.
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From top speed the hovercraft can be spun around and dropped or lowered onto the waters surface to smoothly stop in a distance of about 5m or 15 feet.
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The Hov Pod Hovercraft is weight dependent and the craft has been tested to take up to 225 Kg (495 pounds) or 325 Kg (716 pounds) on water, or up to 30% more weight from a land start. We recommend the Hov Pod Hovercraft as a 2+ model where each owners individual circumstances will dictate exactly how many people can be carried (it could vary from 2 large to 4 small people). 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!
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The Hov pod Leisure Hovercraft is for use in conditions up to force 4, During testing to ensure its safety our experienced drivers have used it worse conditions and large swell and surf.
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The skirts are all individual replaceable polyurethane / 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. If the damage is slight they can be patched and mended. Top of page
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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.
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We offer two engine variants, the 2-stroke model Hov Pod SPX 65 fitted with Rotax 582 engine, or the 4 stroke model with Weber 120 HP Turbo engine, the Hov Pod SPX 120HP. Top of page

Yes if stowed correctly and not exceeding the weight limit.
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The fun thing about the Hov Pod is the Hov Pod. It is thrillingly different to anything else and can be used over a wide range of surfaces, however unfortunately it will not tow a skier.
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Generally we recommend that you follow normal local marine regulations, which should be checked. Certain local byelaws may apply in some areas. Please use the Hov Pod with respect and consideration for all those around you. Please request a copy of our Code of Conduct document.
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Marine Insurance is available. Information can be provided.
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The Hov Pod Hovercraft is an ideal rescue, survey, and patrol craft for use over many different tidal and dangerous surfaces. Please contact us for further information.
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At present a kit version is not available.
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At present a diesel version is not available.
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Standard hull is either Blue Hull or Red Hull with Granite trim. Other colour hulls are available at additional cost. Skirt colours are currently Black, other colours are available at additional cost. Please visit our Hov Pod customer options page where you can see colour photographs of Hov Pod's colour options.
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Lifting eyes to suit your davits and winching gear can be added to the craft by special arrangement and pricing.
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How can I get more information about the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft?

Please visit the contact page of website to find out details of how to contact Hov Pod. Or follow the link to request information about Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft.

All specifications are subject to change without notice. Hov Pod is a trademark of Reaction International Ltd.
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