Hov Pod Hovercraft FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Hov Pod Hovercraft UK 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 contact Hov Pod Hovercraft by email or 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.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft has a top speed of up to 40mph in good conditions.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not produce a wake and does not exhaust in to the water.
Top of page

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).
Top of page

At top speed the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft has a maximum sound level of 80 dB at 25 metres. Due to the type of noise frequency the sound quickly dissipates as the craft moves off and away. For reference - travelling in a car at 60 mph has been equated to 70 dB, eating in a noisy restaurant - 80 dB. The unique way that the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft works means that no wave slap noise is generated. Unlike boats the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft does not exhaust directly into the water. A communication kit or headset as used on touring motorbikes and high power race boats should be used. These can be purchased from Hov Pod.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

The engine is a simple 2 stroke and this means that it is easy for a 2-stroke mechanic to maintain the engine. Alternatively we can arrange servicing through a service network. If the craft is bought from a dealer, servicing is available from the dealer.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

A Microlight Hirth 50HP 2-stroke. On the hovercraft specification page you can find out more about the Hov Pod Hovercraft engine.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft floats when stopped on water. We do not recommended stopping for long periods in choppy conditions.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft has full positive enclosed polystyrene buoyancy.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is weight dependent and the craft has been tested to take up to 250Kg on water or 500Kg on land. We recommend the Hov Pod Leisure 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).
Top of page

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.
Top of page

The skirts are all individual replaceable Hypalon 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

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.
Top of page

At present no other versions of the Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft are available.
Top of page

Yes if stowed correctly and not exceeding the weight limit.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

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.
Top of page

Marine Insurance is available. Information can be provided.
Top of page

The Hov Pod Leisure Hovercraft is an ideal rescue, survey, and patrol craft for use over many different tidal and dangerous surfaces. Please contact us for further information.
Top of page

At present a kit version is not available.
Top of page

At present a diesel version is not available.
Top of page

Lifting eyes to suit your davits and winching gear can be added to the craft by special arrangement and pricing.
Top of page

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.
Top of page