[MrB]

In HS my tech class built a couple of Hover Crafts. All were electric powered. We used the old ELECTROLUX vacuum cleaner motors. We mounted two motors piggy back on a plywood board that was glued (calked maybe) to an inner tube, from a HUGE tire.

It could hold 2-3 people and with a couple of extension cords you could glide down the entire hallway.

From what I’ve read in the past few years and scene while teaching I would model a hovercraft after the commercial models.

One motor in the back with a bug prop. From what I read it seems like the more blades on the prop the more air that is pushed, and the less air that can leak back through the prop, actually they are more like fan blades to a turbine engine.

As for a skirt, I agree with those that suggest using a heavy duty tarp. The ideas is to create a cushion of air beneath the vehicle, and that when the air leaks out under the skirt it does so in an even and balanced fashion. Balancing the hovercraft is critical, and building a skirt that only allows minimal air "leakage" is the main goal.

I saw a Web site a few years ago about a kid, probably 15, who built a hover craft with 2 engines. One was a leaf blower that provided lift, the other was a 5 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine attached to a 2 blade prop. HE said he could lift about 120 lbs and move at about 20 MPH.

It looked just like a junkyard war project :-)

Please make sure some Adults are around. You guys aren't building a toy, remember it is a vehicle, whether it is legal or not, it is still dangerous.

Good Luck and have fun. Just be careful, remember SAFTEY FIRST.