Click here for current Viper Cruiser Specials (PDF 46k)

VIPER CRUISER HOVERCRAFT
NEW Series 3 plans & kits now available
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The VIPER CRUISER  plan / kit hovercraft is a fully amphibious vehicle capable of carrying four adults and gear across a variety of surfaces including sand, snow, ice and water.

The kit is designed for the "do-it-yourselfer". It is simple and inexpensive to build. Using an epoxy/plywood/foam sandwich and "stitch and glue" construction, the VIPER CRUISER  hull is strong, lightweight and durable.

The VIPER CRUISER  hovercraft kit is constructed using marine plywood, timber battens, Rigid PVC foam, fibreglass cloth and epoxy resin. 

The VIPER CRUISER  hovercraft is ideal for cruising, fishing, exploring, farming and various industrial applications.

See the links on the left of this page for more information on the plans and kits available for the Viper Cruiser.

Right click here to download a short video of a Viper Cruiser in action (3.8 MB / 59 sec) Right click, and press "save target as" to download to your hard drive.
 

WHY PLYWOOD

For amateur home hovercraft builders, plywood is the material of choice. Plywood is affordable and easy to use. Plywood has a better "strength to weight" than steel and is much lighter than most fibreglass hovercraft. When encapsulated with epoxy resin, plywood is as durable and as low in maintenance as any other material. Plywood hovercraft can be built with basic hand and wood working tools.

The joining of the plywood is a "stitch and glue" method. Panels are cut to shape from plans and joined together at the seams. A hovercraft can be assembled quickly after all the panels are cut out.

Once the panels are stitched together with lengths of copper wire, an epoxy paste to used to create a fillet along each side of the join. The join is then covered with a layer of resin-coated fibreglass tape.

An important feature of the Viper Cruiser is the addition of "foam sandwich" panelling. This significantly increases the hull strength, eliminating the need for complex frames and structures. Hull strength and durability is further increased with additional layers of Kevlar cloth on all running surfaces.

Almost anyone can build a Viper Cruiser hovercraft hull using this method of construction. The end result is a light weight, strong and durable hovercraft.

VIPER CRUISER SPECIFICATIONS

Alternative engine installations that may be used:

• Hirth: All two cylinder and four engines.
• Rotax: 447, 493, 494, 503, 532,and 583.
• Yamaha: PE485, VMAX 500 & 600.
• Blue Thunder: 685cc Twin.
• Robin EC44.

Click here for current Viper Cruiser Specials (PDF 46k)

Viper Cruiser Features

Plans:
• Simple and easy to understand.

Includes:
• List of kit contents and materials.
• Technical information on bonding, fiberglassing and sealing plywood.
• Detailed plans.
• Assembly instructions.
• Cross-section drawings.
• Skirt templates.
• Wiring diagram.
• Operating and maintenance instructions.

Hull:
• Capacity to seat four adults in comfort.
• Simple to build.
• Strong, lightweight, Epoxy/Plywood/Foam sandwich construction.
• Significant positive buoyancy.
• Superior design for increased versatility.
• Enclosed electrical system.
• Enclosed and vented fuel system.

Skirt:
• Individually pressurized extended segment, neoprene-coated nylon skirting.

Power Module:
• Single engine and fan, providing integrated lift and thrust.
• Sealed engine air-intake filtration system).
• Remote choke control.
• Simple power module containing the engine, transmission, fan, duct and rudders as a single unit.
• Individually, adjustable, replaceable fan blades.
• Efficiency, lightweight, adjustable transmission system.
• Aerodynamic, one piece, lightweight fan duct.

Controls:
• In-line seating with simple handle bar controls.
• Durable push-pull cable steering.
• Fully aerodynamic Rudders.
• Excellent driving position with easy control of pitch and roll by weight shift.
• Optional elevator system.