Quality
Components
To ensure the highest levels of quality, we have selected components
manufactured by long established companies. This ensures that the latest
manufacturing techniques and quality standards are adhered to in the
component production and design.
Hull Manufacture
The manufacture of the hull is sub-contracted to experts in GRP and
composite boat manufacture. Their 25+ years experience in boat manufacture
ensure that the Hov Pod hull construction is manufactured to the very
highest standards required for marine usage. The hull manufacture takes
place in a temperature controlled environment using logged batch Scott
Bader materials.
Assembly
Assembly of the Hov Pod takes place in using a controlled, repeatable
process production line system. Quality control is built into every stage
of production. Our objective, through attention to detail, is complete
customer satisfaction; and we achieve this by adhering to our company wide
ethos to create world class products that every member of our company can
be proud of.
Customer Satisfaction
Our commitment to quality at every stage of the Hov Pod design and
production ensures that customers do not experience long-term problems
such as improper curing, softness, poor mechanical properties, shrinkage,
and discoloration. Manufacture of any glass fibre object other than by
experts, or in a fast uncontrolled manner can lead to poor fibre/resin
ratio leading to poor impact strength, soft spots, cracks, and easy
surface chipping. Long-term problems with poor GRP construction can
include de-lamination that can lead to severe weakening of the moulding.
Other problems that can occur over time include surface bubbling and
blisters, crazing, cracks, hard points, voids and a general poor finish.
Time and energy invested at the design and manufacturing stage ensure that
the Hov Pod is built to last and give our customers complete satisfaction.
Operational parameters
Craft use and control
Historically, hovercraft have been difficult to operate and learn how
to use so Hov Pod’s designers have addressed these issues and resolved
them. Hov Pod has completed hundreds of hours trials and test ensuring
that the overall balance and set up of the craft make using it very
simple, natural and easy to use.
Our designers have worked closely on the interaction of the controls,
ergonomics, stability, performance, response and balance, ensuring that
first time users quickly become confident and comfortable with craft
operation. Most people find that after ten minutes they can control the
Hov Pod through long controlled graceful slides and manoeuvres.
The Hov Pod solution to "plough in" - the IAPSS System
Since their first introduction hovercraft have suffered from an
operational problem referred to as plough-in (or digging in). In certain
operating circumstances, the nose of a hovercraft will dip into the water
and if not corrected, cause the craft to rapidly stop. This can cause the
occupants to be suddenly thrown forward, and requires the driver to be on
guard to prevent this potential hazard. Some hovercraft manufacturers
accept this is an operational problem or try to overcome it by adding
elevators and additional counter-measure controls. Hov Pod recognised this
as a major problem and conducted a year long study to find a solution
hoping to eliminate user anxiety during operation. From this study emerged
the IAPSS system (Integrated Anti Plough Skirt
System) which is designed into the craft. We are proud to report
that, to-date, Hov Pod has never suffered plough-in.
Drive Belt
The engine and drive arrangement were carefully considered during the
design stage and a belt driven assembly was chosen. Our designers
eliminated the need for a gearbox driven fan as this necessitates the
engine being raised up to head height and makes the craft harder to
control due to decreased stability and increased roll characteristics.
One engine or two?
The Hov Pod uses one engine, which is controlled by a handlebar twist
grip throttle the same as a motorbike or personal watercraft giving users
immediate familiarity the controls. Increasing engine revs gently brings
the craft up and away in whichever direction the handlebars are operated.
This deliberate simplicity of use means that you do not have to worry
about controlling two engines at once or reducing revs on the wrong
engine. Problems with a two engine hovercraft lowering the wrong engine
revs at the wrong time can cause either:
-
The craft to lose its lift air and stop violently while still
traveling with maximum thrust and speed.
-
The craft to lose its thrust and steering air while still sliding
along possibly towards an object on a fully inflated skirt.
Additional Craft Controls
Many craft incorporate elevators and/or reversing mechanisms but our
design philosophy was to keep it as simple as possible to use. By paying
particular attention to the operation, feel and responsiveness of the Hov
Pod, these extra controls are not needed. In terms of manoeuvring the Hov
Pod it can be used to undertake long graceful turns or make tight turns in
confined waterways or marinas. The balance and set up of the Hov Pod means
that you can turn it on the spot on both land and water.
Inshore Saltwater Use
Hov Pod is designed for inshore salt-water environments using advanced
construction methods and materials. This greatly reduces corrosion,
increasing longevity and reliability, keeping the craft looking good after
use in these conditions.
Standard engine exhaust and engine mount brackets undergo an aluminising
process which coats the metal to prevent corrosion and withstand high heat
levels. The exhaust is also fitted with its own specially designed rust
resistant stainless steel two-stage silencer.
During production the Hov Pod’s engine is stripped down and coated with an
anti corrosion spray sealant developed by Boeing.
Hov Pod designers recommend its use in conditions not exceeding force 4.
For structural integrity and operational safety the craft has been
regularly tested in conditions exceeding this recommendation.
Reduced Noise Levels
From their introduction, hovercraft have been perceived as noisy, so a
major objective for the designers of the Hov Pod has been to find ways to
reduce noise levels to a minimum. In comparison to other hovercraft, you
will notice that Hov Pod incorporates a high efficiency one-metre duct.
Many craft use a small diameter duct that requires a high fan speed to
create the necessary performance, resulting in high noise levels. The
large duct works to maximise the effectiveness of the fan blades and
requires a slower turning fan to produce the same performance.
Another factor affecting noise level was whether to use one or two
engines. A two engine craft would have the second engine located at the
front of the craft giving additional noise directly in front of the
driver.
The Hirth Engine has been Specifically Selected Because it is a
Low
Revving Engine.
Engine configuration was also given a lot of consideration. It was felt
that the main problem with a gearbox driven fan is that it necessitates
the engine being raised to head height. Having an engine at head height
greatly affects the noise levels experienced by passengers and spectators.
The Hov Pod drive is via a belt so that engine noise can be encapsulated
behind close fitting engine covers and the double skin surfaces of the
hull.
The engine is placed low in the craft to minimise and reduce the
disturbance of air into the fan assembly. Any upstream disturbance greatly
increases noise at the fan, reducing the overall efficiency of the craft.
A reduction in efficiency necessitates a larger engine, thus more noise
for the same performance.
The Hov Pod exhaust is directed under the craft with the lift air and this
also helps dissipate noise emissions.
To further reduce noise levels the standard engine exhaust is also fitted
with its own specially designed rust resistant stainless steel two-stage
silencer.
Comfort
The balance and set-up of the Hov Pod are critical to its ease of use
and the engineering incorporated to create this ease of use ensures that
the Hov Pod ride experience is very stable and smooth.
65 individual tailored skirts give the Hov Pod its unique air suspension
system and cushion any impact as you ride off waves and choppy water. In
comparison to a boat or personal watercraft users comment that the Hov Pod
offers a very comfortable ride.
The upholstered Hov Pod seat is custom made with deep padded cushioning to
give the user even greater levels of comfort during every ride. The seat
is large enough to seat two adults and two children up to a total payload
of 250 kilos.
The ergonomics of the Hov Pod controls ensure that the simple handlebar
operation is instinctive to use. The Pro Grip® cushioned grips are
designed for comfort and ease of use.
Carefully balanced rudders make manoeuvring the craft simple as they allow
the user to turn the craft using almost fingertip control.
Stylish safety grab handles are conveniently situated for passengers
Set up for on water starts with three adults
A very important factor in the specifications for any hovercraft is the
maximum load it will carry and still retain the ability for a start when
stationary on water.
Hovercraft can carry a larger load on land than on water due to the fact
that displacement on water is less than on land. The Hov Pod load figure
of 250kg is a true figure for starting on water, the land-based figure is
much higher. During recent live tests with rescue organisations the Hov
Pod recovered a person from rest in water during force 4 to 5 conditions
increasing the combined payload to 280kg (39 stone) more than proving its
capabilities.
The craft is constructed from high strength quadraxial composite to give
maximum strength. A thinner hull construction was not considered because
even though this would reduce weight and allow greater loads to be carried
it would reduce the durability and quality of the craft. In fact our
designers had quite the reverse in mind, adding weight using a quadraxial
mat foam sandwich to strengthen impact areas and stiffen the craft in all
working areas.
Towing - The "RollOnRollOff" trailer
The Hov Pod is small enough to be towed easily behind a car, extending
customers to visit areas inaccessible to other craft. Hov Pod can be used
from any suitable beach, at any tide. The trailer option ensures that you
are not restricted to using public slipways. Take Hov Pod at weekends and
on vacations to explore rivers, lakes, inland grass areas. Use Hov Pod to
reach areas for photography, video filming, hunting, fishing and
exploring.
Hov Pod can be used with our fast "RollonRolloff" trailer so that
the craft can be readied for use in less than 5 minutes.
The trailer option also ensures that Hov Pod is the ideal size for rapid
response rescue - larger hovercraft are severely hindered by size and the
need for large expensive transport solutions. For mud, sand, ice and flood
rescue, Hov Pod can reach inaccessible areas quickly in situations where
speed and rapid response can make all the difference.
Excitement
Hov Pod has been designed with the emphasis on fun. Its
52hp engine has been selected for its high power to weight characteristics
so that you can be off and away for exploration, fun and excitement (from
an on water start if required) with 3 large adults or 2 adults and 2
children.
Hov Pod is the ideal size for handling, ease of use and performance
ensuring that you can undertake a whole range of thrilling manoeuvres. Our
designers particularly wanted to create a craft that is responsive and
easy to control. Also it was equally important that the craft was not too
small, slow or under-powered.
Hov Pod has been designed so that that the thrill can be shared with your
family and friends.
Styling
Hov Pod’s design attracts a great deal of complimentary attention. The
aesthetics of the craft were closely considered at every stage of
development and design. Hov Pod owners can expect to be the centre of
attention during every outing.
Moulded mirrors are fitted as standard. The mirrors are available in a
range of colours, for greater visibility during take-off and operation.
Although it would have been much easier to rivet and glue GRP parts
together leaving a rough visible edge, this would have greatly lessened
the appeal and look of the craft. Our design philosophy has been to
produce a craft free from any unsightly edges or rivets. All parts are
aesthetically made to marine standards. Hov Pod is an extremely good
looking craft and is much sought after for use a tender for the larger
quality super yachts.
The Hov Pod incorporates a removable under seat drop in tray for food,
drinks and spares. Plenty of storage is available for a picnic, or for
supplies for longer explorations. The handy drinks tray can be filled with
ice for a cooling drink on a remote beach far from the maddening crowd!
We have provided a sealed compartment directly in front of the driver for,
sunglasses, mobile phones, radios etc.
Customization
A range of standard coloured skirts, upholstery and graphics are
available. Hov Pod owners can select corporate colours and logos to
promote their business, and customise the graphics with domain names or
names of yachts when using Hov Pod as a tender. Whatever the application,
whether rescue, patrol, survey craft or leisure, the Hov Pod provides
terrific scope to personalise the final appearance through use of colour
combinations in GRP, skirt materials and graphic decals.