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The 17T is a long range cruiser capable of operating on large bodies of water in rough water and rough weather conditions. 

It’s powered by two engines. The lift fan is powered by a vertical shaft 18 t 25 horsepower lawn tractor engine. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Honda, Kohler or Robin engines work well.  The thrust propeller is powered by a 4-stroke automotive type engine. Subaru and Toyota engines work well. 

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Construction is from wooden ribs and stringers covered in plywood. This construction technique is lightweight and allows the builder to install storage compartments in the hull between the ribs. The craft can be built with or without a thrust duct.

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Specifications

Length:                                  17’

Width:                                    7.5’     

Hover-height:                       12 inches                    

Weight:                                  1,300 lbs

Lifting capacity:                   1,200 lbs

Passengers:                         5 - 6

Speed:                                  55 mph

Lift engine :                         4-stroke, 18 - 25 hp vertical shaft

Lift duct:                              32 inch

Lift fan:                                4-blade axial

Thrust engine:                    1.8 or  2.2L Subaru

Thrust HP:                           85 - 95

Thrust duct:                        60 inch duct or 74 inch open prop

Thrust propeller:                60-54 or 74-56

Climb gradient:                  40%

Positive floatation:             2,500 lbs

How it works:

A single 18-15 hp+ vertical shaft lawnmower engine turns a four blade 30-inch ducted fan that provides lift . The 85-100 hp horizontal shaft thrust engine turns a 60 inch  or 74 inch two blade propeller for thrust. 

How it’s made:

It's built from a wood ribs connected by stringers and covered in 1/8 inch plywood. Seams ae fiberglassed together for strength. Positive floatation is from foam blocks or water tight containers such as 1 gallon jugs.

Joystick Steering:

Joystick steering controls two vertical rudders for precise control. Thrust throttle is on the joystick and lift throttle is typically on the dashboard. 

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Flying a hovercraft:

Driving the craft is easy as it has only three controls; steering, lift throttle and thrust throttle. Slowly advancing the lift throttle will bring the craft up on cushion. Adding thrust power accelerates the craft. Speed is easily controlled by increasing or decreasing thrust engine rpm. 

Where to fly:

The 17T will operate on land, water, snow, ice, mud, parking lots, football fields, ponds and rivers. Speed varies over each terrain. Basically, it will run on any relatively smooth surface. Smoother terrain will allow the craft to achieve higher speeds while rough terrain will slow the craft.

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Plan Set:

Plan set includes 3 “B” size sheets of detailed technical drawings, 1 "full size rib outline"  and our Hovercraft Construction and Operation manual. All of the components are detailed in the plan. Technical support is provided to all customers.

Builders Support:

We offer support by email, phone or WhatsApp both domestically and internationally. Email technical support is offered at no cost. Phone and WhatsApp support are available at no cost for your first call. A support plan is required for additional direct support. Builder support is also available through the Hoverclub of America and many hovercraft related Facebook groups.

UH-20C Plan Set  $ 79.00

Technical Support  $19.00

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