Unless you live in an area where Hovercraft are popular it is almost impossible to find one. The only feasable source is here on Ebay but if you are like me then the cost of the craft and the additional shipping is out of reach. Well I guess you could give up eating for a month or two... The solution-Build Your Own!

Building and entry level Hovercraft is actualy very simple and does not require a lot of tools or skills. Engines and fans or propellers are readily available on Ebay or elsewhere online and the foam & plywood can be purchased at almost any building supply store. Add a hand saw, paint roller a shop vac & some epoxy and you are half way there allready.

There are many plans available for great hovercraft which will carry 250-400lbs at 25-40 miles per hour but most beginners tend to go for the fancy multi engine space ship style plans instead of the tried and true single engine square base design. The simple single engine designs can be built by almost anyone for about $350.00 (not including the engine and propeller) in about 30-45 hours.Thats from start till first flight.

Mine is 5' X 10' and uses a used 11hp brigsgs electric start riding mower engine and was built from 5 sheets of 1 1/2 inch and 1 sheet of 1/2 inch pink styrofoam, 4 sheets of 1/4 luan plywood, 1/2 gallon of 1 hour epoxy and a couple of scrap pieces of 2X4 pine and ended up costing $336.27 and goes 32mph on water and 43mph on ice or snow

The two biggest things to remember is shop for components to save money and take your time building. Get it right the first time & do not be afraid to ask questions from other hover nuts.

To give you an idea of the simplicity of construction here is the basics of the construction of my hovercraft:

Lay 1-4' X 8' X 1 1/2",  1- 2' X 4' X 1 1/2" & 1-1' X 8' X 1 1/2" pieces of styrofoam on a clean concrete floor. (any good flat surface will do but cover it with heavy plastic first ESPECIALY it it happens to be your wifes kitchen floor!) so that it comes out to 5' X 10'

Coat the side facing up with epoxy and add a second layer of identical pieces on top of the first making sure to stager the seams. Then build up the 2 long sides and one short side with 12" wide pieces of foam untill they are 6" thick. Cover with plastic & tape it down so there are no air leaks. Make a hole in the plastic & insert a shop vac hose. Tape around the hose & turn the vac on. Let it run for 8 hours. Shut the vack off I leave the whole thing alone for 16 more hours. You now have the Foam base for your hover craft.

The rest of the craft is just as easy to build. Happy hovering