DIY Homebuilt Hovercraft

This video describes how I built my hovercraft. I did not use plans for this build. I adapted and improvised as I worked my way through the build. The build time for the craft was approximately 1800 hours over the course of a year. Every weekend and evening I worked on it. As the project came closer to completion, it pushed me harder to get it done. I could not wait! It performed really well. About 58 km/h on water with 3 people on board. It is able to climb a reasonable slope on land. If you like the content, please subscribe. Sincerely, Robert Tymofichuk

[@Polecat54941]

It is people like this that make a country great, not armies and governments.

[@roberttymofichuk1276]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope to see others take risks and innovate.

[@kurkijones]

What's sad is that there is thousands of people like this that ideas and inventions are being suppressed by our government

[@tyson9419]

Uh I think doctors who save lives do more fire us than some shade tree mechanic

[@anesthetized7053]

my favorite part: " my wife is awesome. she sewed all these parts." it made it seem like your wife is awesome independently of sewing the parts, which i admire. shes awesome, oh by the way she sewed stuff too :)

[@blockfifteen]

Im surprised this video doesnt have more views. The polish on this project is insane. props mate

[@pigseye2]

I agree. amazing project!

[@remka3650]

Sadly but people prefer to watch bullshit mate.

[@robertchristianson1187]

87k is actually quite respectful isnt it?

[@blockfifteen]

@@robertchristianson1187 I think it had less when I made my comment.

[@MrM6d]

My doppleganger! I still have my Popular Mechanics copy of how to build hovercraft from the '70s. I soooo wanted to build one. This probably drove me to learn auto, electrical and shop skills. I now redesign newspaper processing equipment instead...but retirement is 5 yrs away.

[@MrM6d]

1/5/16 Upper canada start...blowing snow around is soo northern! I grew up in US on the border south of Ottawa...weather looks so similar.....making me homesick.

[@atlantisdiving1]

Exactly! It planted a seed that really sparked my interest! Thanks for the comment!

[@thelonewrangler1008]

I thought the wooden pully was impressive, but then we got to the fiberglass work. Nice work👏

[@atlantisdiving1]

Thank you!

[@deejaytrizay]

I am so proud of you Robert. It's me, Bill Wellington Jr. Smith the 13th. We grew up together and I remember you as a child saying "I want to build a hovercraft one day." Well, you sure did. We could not be more proud here in Canada. I love and miss you.

[@atlantisdiving1]

Hi Bill. PM me, I would love to chat.

[@deejaytrizay]

@@atlantisdiving1 You are so nice! I was just kidding and making that up. We did not know each other and I am nowhere near Canada...but...what I will say, is this project turned out BEAUTIFULLY! You are a smart guy and an exceptional builder/engineer. Kudos and Happy New Year to you and all of your loved ones.

[@wamacgreg]

As an engineer, I have t9 say that was pretty cool.

[@epicgold6417]

I'm not lying this video was so happy and emotional I almost cried

[@zenmark42]

this is what youtube is all about. Taking your time to build something cool as hell and just explaining what you did so other people can get inspired and get building too. great work.

[@TK42138]

Now I really want to build a hovercraft.

[@aspopulvera9130]

having an aspiring dream as a kid is something I'd say the start of something great like wanting to make a spaceship even making a robot

[@copperhead2534]

Built a UH13T in AK. Used a 12hp Briggs as a lift motor, and a 3k mi. engine from a wrecked Suzuki Sprint. I had a similar scenario with a EFI and computer control, but the old guys talked me out of using it. They, and now I refused to allow EFI/Electronics for "Bush" craft. It had to be KISS repair capable in the remote. We liberated a carb, from one side of a duel carbed Corvair Van (140ci) which matched the 61ci requirements and flow volume of the more modern 1000cc Suziki fairly well. When I rebuilt the carb, the directions that came with the kit even had a float setting for marine applications. We made our own intake and carb adapter plate from tube and plate Al. The ignition worked out sweetly as they still had distributors with mechanical vacuume advance. Cool cap. The 2:1 reduction was multi V-Belt sheave drive. Ran her on the South Fork of the Koyukuk 40mi south of Coldfoot Alaska, above the Artic Circle.

[@stanleykachuik2589]

Fantastic! Nothing compares to the feeling of completing a project that takes a couple thousand hours to finish. Making ideas a reality is what life as a man is all about.

[@Aztesticals]

Sir. You are what every person dreams to be or should be. Motivated, commited, thankful, thinking, learning, and creating.

[@atlantisdiving1]

Thank-you for your kind words!

[@Alan_Hans__]

That's a thing of beauty. It looks like a commercial hovercraft rather than something made in a garage from old car bits and fibreglass.

[@peterhealey2668]

Amazing build in just 12 months, well done.

[@gamerboy-sh6cx]

I have to use this video for a science class a pretty good example

[@cicADA001]

woah this is amazing hope it gets more recognition..

[@anangramadhan5687]

This guys living lagend

[@dustinweatherby5518]

Fantastic project all around but wow the fit and finish of everything is superb

[@automan1223]

I would dream my school days away looking thru the Universal Hovercraft catalog. It was one of the few times I would go to the post office with money order in hand and order plans thru the mail and then study them. My goals for flight overtook my hovercrafting diversion but one day I may go back and revisit them. Popular mechanics also had a really neat single lawnmower engine hovercraft build that looked like a neat way to get into the sport. Circa 1985 if memory serves.

[@briananthony4044]

I think I remember that issue.

[@slavkodumec4727]

Finally I have a chance to see your project. For years I knew it that you made it but never chance to see it. Great finishing work. Proud of you. Fr. Slavko

[@cecilsabourin9462]

wow, such intelligence ,superior skills and only a year. bravo to you,and a joy stick,nice touch. What fun. this has been on my bucket list for some time ,at 75 i may still have time ,after finnishing my current project . really professional work.

[@1islam1]

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[@user-ui1ew3ws9z]

Just seen your build video.... GOOD JOB. 🎉

[@mewmew32]

hands down one of the most amazing projects I've seen. coop a canuck in a garage 4 or 5 months of the year and anything is possible...

[@hoffmanshaven]

I spent my youth salivating over the universal hovercraft catalogue. Never had the money to build one. This one is actually usable. Looks stable. You could use it for search and rescue it appears. Way cool job.

[@atlantisdiving1]

We will be training with search and rescue come Spring! Great vehicle for the river as current won’t affect it and debris in the water.

[@casper3130]

Great Self Accomplishment

[@cluelessbeekeeping1322]

Awesome!

[@realtalk5626]

wow. this is awesome why has it only 95 likes? this should have way mooore views and likes. Respect, very nice build. It looks awesome too. Stay healthy guys nd girls

[@LeonardoMichelsen-zi6qq]

Wonderful! Congratulations for this creativity machine

[@The-Mad-Taoist]

So cool good job

[@jhonkhan8153]

Well done SIR 💯👍😎

[@useitwice]

Wow. Very impressive

[@mrm6829]

I know this hovercraft. I was involved in testing it. It was originally a finger skirt but the performance was mediocre. The 2 owners then tried a bag type and it was not much better. I wanted to purchase the unit for a tour in Edmonton but unfortunately the 2 guys that designed and built it had a falling out. One kept the hull and the other kept the motor and drive. I have a few videos of it being tested at CFB Edmonton and Lake la Biche. Wonderful job of restoring this unit.

[@MrShrog]

This is amazing

[@juan.2438]

Amazing

[@edwardnorton7463]

I think this video would have a lot more views if you were to show how the skirt is attached and the theory on how this craft works. Really awesome machine. Thank you.

[@gafrers]

Great 👍 👏👏

[@odacreations4080]

Hard work pays sir well done

[@jlucasound]

Wow. Well Done. I Want One.

[@reddoggarage]

Incredible build. Nice work!

[@mulletman4600]

wow! beyond impressive!

[@aloe2454]

Very impressive

[@lumotroph]

Wow! Incredible project

[@RP6conrad]

This is what I call passion and commitment !! Enjoyed the video.

[@Ben-Dixey]

Great achievement, looks great.

[@peteranddorothybowles5428]

Hovercrafts are v cool My first job 40 yrs ago was on the maintenance on the big craft in Dover and Ramsgate UK Flat calm days are cool but sometimes we would be working in France We would have to bring the craft to Dover for the morning train from London The flight crew would push it some days No passengers onboard Force 9 one day Sat up top HEAVY and remember it to this day Keep it up, mate

[@efilteau]

amazing really interesting for me

[@carlhungus2521]

I have been obsessed with hovercrafts since i was a kid too.and this iss the coolesst thing i have ever seen. great job

[@sky173]

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing this. Very inspiring.

[@Toveral]

Awesome work! I hope you do some more projects like these!

[@SwedishRally]

Wow! Amazing build! Looks really well done. :D

[@paul756uk2]

I live in Portsmouth, uk of which the surrounding area is the home of the hovercraft. My mother took me on a trip on the srn2 which was going through various trials and they ran them for a while on Southsea beach. I was only about 5 or 6 but it got me hooked. Hovertravel have operated a service to the isle of wight since the 60's and are rhe oldest and only one in the world currently operating. I regularly go for a walk along the promenade and still stand and watch them come in and go out. The British hovercraft corporation used to build them on the Isle of Wight. Hovertravel actually used to build their own craft when they used the AP1-88. They also made open hull variations of which the Canadian coastguard bought to use as ice breakers. Their newest craft is made by griffon in nearby Southampton who now own hovertravel. These new craft use 2 diesel engines whereas the old AP1-88 used 4. 2 for lift and 2 for thrust. Also nearby in lee on Solent theres a hovercraft museum where some of the old bhc and other craft are kept. They have 2 of the enormous cross channel srn 4's, one of which i watched being brought in. Interestingly this is the same place where, in the 1970's a unit called the interservice hovercraft trials unit was set up for the sole purpose of evaluating them for the military. My father in law worked both for the British hovercraft corporation and mostly for vosper thorneycroft who built small military boats but built the VT1 and subsequently modified into the VT2 hovercraft. Theres plenty of videos on KZbin in the area but i imagine you must have seen some of them. Thats a fantastic project youve taken on and i must admit to being rather envious! A beautiful job!

[@justkelly6992]

Wow, Great project. I remember everyone in the neighborhood tried to build these things back in the 1960's when pictures came out in Popular Mechanics magazine. Kudos on a job well done.

[@mrlionel1965]

That turned out beautiful!

[@harmonicresonanceproject]

Outstanding!

[@metalmicky]

More please!! First class project .

[@demariosreefaquarium7475]

WoW, this is some serious boating engineering skills and huge milestone for anyone who started from scratch. 👍

[@okgo8315]

What an amazing accomplishment, fantastic and such a beautiful finish. Well done. Thanks from Rome✌️🇬🇧

[@chaosplan]

No wake! Haha surprised but it makes sense. Great work!

[@b0bjedump]

hovercraft are awesome.. building one yourself that looks and performs like this.. wow, just wow ! 😍

[@esra_erimez]

Absolutely amazing! Well done!

[@justinlowry8470]

top work mate well done

[@basicnpcc]

Well done man

[@atheistcomments]

That's fantastic!

[@akproductions4032]

Man he has mastered the craft

[@paulhughes3814]

great job

[@Superrandomz768]

Wow. Great job! Thanks for sharing. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💯💪🏽🙏🏽

[@-Fibreglass-]

Cool :)

[@tsviper]

Epic! nice work! looks fun on the water

[@JackClayton123]

Nice job!

[@josiewalberg2263]

I am very impressed ,you did a great job ,I am envious

[@barryp4700]

Well done! It’s a lot quieter than I expected.

[@pauldent3059]

I'd have thought you'd have used a motorbike engine to save weight, but great build it looks amazing

[@ShadowMind312]

You are a master innovator! I am impressed

[@skunkjobb]

Fantastic work! It looks better than many commercial hovercrafts. I too have dreamed about building a hovercraft but now I've got a big regular boat so I don't have the time or space for another toy.

[@craigbushby515]

Ahh, a ham radio on a hovercraft. That is awesome! Km4fxp, 73.

[@JonnyMudMower]

Man this deserves a million views , subbed from pei Canada 👍🏻🍻🇨🇦

[@TheDrakenZ]

Amazing work dude! so well done that I didn't feel compelled to skip through anything. Great video! I hope it skyrockets in views.

[@jasonl3445]

So cool keep it up!

[@Enzi_Meteori_902]

This is soooo awesome, seriously!

[@brodiewilkinson9738]

Well done! Amazing I have always been fascinated with hovercrafts. That was allot of work before the first test. Glad it works so well.

[@coolhand66]

SO COOL!

[@downunder5594]

Well done, that was a lot of work and must be satisfying to see it all work out.

[@Codoloco1]

This is awesome, reminds me of Rock and Roll Racings hovercraft.

[@cranegantry868]

Wow! Everything has come together beautifully.

[@jimmurphy7296]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@PhG1961]

Impressive ! Congratulations !

[@fredpinczuk7352]

Great work

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*_GOOD ON 'YA!_*

[@BabbittdaWabbitt]

I heard that starter grind at 1:43….Seriously - Good work !

[@roberttymofichuk1276]

You are correct. In my moment of glee I turn the key in the wrong direction! Startled me as well! : )

[@floris2872]

That’s insanely cool

[@alanwakefield2453]

Fantastic project! but what's next? I've made a variety of different projects from land yacht, rowboat canoes ,kayaks and kayak trimaran sailing rig. I have found that over the years the development and building is so much more fun than using the projects. I think the next project is what keeps me going😀

[@roberttymofichuk1276]

Alan, good question. I am not sure what is next! Usually the projects are based around a need or something that intrigues me. I hope in my lifetime to fly with a passenger drone!

[@Sol-En]

Unbelievable ! Realy very good hovercraft

[@scottsmith7191]

Brilliant

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Bravo!

[@mrmikerotch]

Well done sir!

[@BeeeHonest]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@eastoforion]

living the dream! lovely looking craft great work

[@compimagaol]

Nice build.

[@carlgreninger]

I know better, but you really made it look easy.... You are a master at innovation... Obviously!