Flying Fish Snapper Hovercraft

The Snapper is a lightweight but strong, feisty little craft with a multitude of roles. Customer’s craft are in use for both recreational usage and for corporate events and days-out (Flying Fish use a fleet of these craft at our own days-out company ‘Hovercraft Adventures’ in the UK & Australia) It can comfortably carry two people on land or for short periods of shallow/calm water, or one person in an uncontrolled environment where it has surprising ability for such a tiny craft. It’s fast enough to be fun, incredibly easy to drive and maintain. We truly believe we have developed the perfect craft for new owners who simply want to get out there and enjoy themselves.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SNAPPER

Flying Fish discontinued 2-stroke powered craft nearly ten years ago. The use of environmentally friendly, low emission 4-stroke power is becoming necessary in many sports previously dominated by 2-strokes – Microlighting and Snowmobiling being two obvious examples of how environmental pressure is changing the face of motorised sport. In fact two stroke engines are actually banned in many countries. Four stroke hovercraft are likely to welcomed at many more venues than 2-strokes, due to noise and pollution levels.

But environmental issues aside – do you really want the hassle and safety concerns of 2-stroke power? Do you want to be changing oiled plugs on your day out? Tracing a persistent mis-fire or replacing burned pistons? Floating a quarter mile off shore with a dead engine – hoping like crazy that your mobile phone has a signal? Do you really want to be measuring out 2 stroke oil and premixing endless jerry cans? Of course you don’t! Recreational Hovercrafting should be as easy as turning the key and enjoying the ride!

The key to the success of this fabulous machine is the brand-new, lightweight four-stroke, air-cooled Briggs & Stratton 23bhp Vanguard engine. At the turn of a key, this quiet 650cc engine produces fabulous performance and the craft can exceed 30mph. At extra cost, we can upgrade the power of the engine to 28bhp for extra performance. In either case, unlike our competitor’s noisy, unreliable and thirsty two strokes, the Snapper is extremely quiet, and it’s frugal too. Under normal operating conditions, it sips just 6 litres of fuel each hour. With Hirth or Rotax two stroke engines, most hovercraft will consume around 23 litres an hour - plus half a litre of expensive two-stroke oil!

To put that into real money, in typical operating conditions.

• Two stroke powered craft – typical 4 hour cruise - Approx $115.00
• Snapper, fuel costs for a 4 hour cruise - Approx £$25.00

It’s also likely that a two stroke craft of comparable size will need to be refuelled at least once during a four hour cruise.

Four strokes are inherently more reliable and less temperamental than a two-stroke engine, particularly in a harsh salt-water environment.

Hull, Design & Buoyancy

The Snapper is a single seat hovercraft designed for use in either a recreational environment or by events companies, depending on your choice of specification. The attractive but strong GRP hull weighs a featherweight 180kgs all up ready to go, meaning it’s particularly easy to drive and manoeuvrable, ideal for novice drivers. It’s protected from minor bumps by an aluminium bar around the outside and the double-skinned floor has two strong keel strips for protection. It can easily be loaded and unloaded from its trailer in a few minutes by two people.

This craft can be specified as either

1. An ‘events’ craft without buoyancy and not recommended for use in an uncontrolled environment.
2. A ‘recreational’ craft with buoyancy for use in coastal, river and estuary waters. In this spec, the craft is supplied with a substantial protective screen.

Controls

Control is via simple handlebar steering with throttle control. The driver is seated in a comfortable kneeling position for easy weight shifting and precise steering.
Fan Assembly & Skirt

The unique fan assembly is robust and well protected. It is CAD designed to be light and easily serviceable but is extremely strong. The 5 bladed fan gives phenomenal lift characteristics to allow the craft to operate over virtually any surface. The Snapper has a flexible, segmented skirt – so any damage is quickly and easily repaired. This skirt design is a closely guarded secret and offers a significant advantage over our competitor’s craft. The skirt and lift performance is excellent, giving amazing ‘return to base’ capacity, but in the event of a segment needing replacement, it is a really quick and simple job to change.

Options

Flying Fish craft can be specified with a variety of options. We offer an extensive range of standard colours include blue, red, green, black, yellow, orange – with contrasting white hull or detailing. Metallic finish and ‘special’ editions are available at extra cost. The craft can be specified to your own taste from a variety of options (see below)

We heavily recommend that you purchase additional safety equipment if you are planning to operate in an uncontrolled environment such as rivers or coastal use, in which case, ask for details of the ‘coastal kit’ which can be supplied with your new craft.

Specification

Hull construction - Glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass.)
Protection - Two keel strips, perimeter aluminium strip.
Fan protection - 50mm guard to front of duct.
Flow straighteners - 7 concentric, give extra thrust & fan protection.
Dry Weight - Approx 190kgs.
Payload - 130kgs or 1/2 persons depending on conditions.
Seating - GRP seat for one or two people.
Steering - Handlebars with throttle control.
Length - 2.65m
Width - 2.0m
Height 1.5m
Engine - Briggs & Stratton 22bhp V-Twin 4-Stroke.
Starting - Electric.
Max Revs - Static 3800rpm
Flotation - Floats and starts on water.
Bouyancy - Foam filled plenum, positively bouyant when swamped.
Noise - 70dbA at 25m at normal crusing speed.
Fuel Capacity - 18 litres.
Range - Approx 130kms, depending on conditions.
Maximum Speed - Approx 60km/h depending on surface/wind/load.
Cruising Speed - 40km/h depending on surface/wind/load.
Skirt - Neoprene coated nylon in 62 replaceable segments.
Fan - 6 Blades, 940mm duct, 120m/s tip speed.
Standard Fittings - Passenger grab handles, towing eye, three mooring cleats.
Water Ingress - Two drain plugs to void interior, bilge pump in plenum chamber.
Strengthened load points - handles, tow eyes, cleats, frame, steering etc.
Storage - Front pockets.
Engine/Fan frame - Stainless steel.
Recommended Operating Conditions - Preferably no more than a WMO Sea State 3.

Trailer - Simple A Frame trailer with two wooden runners, 50mm ball, dolly, safety chain.

Demonstrations

We hold regular demo days, please contact us to find out when the next session is.

2012 Pricing

Snapper craft are availble on minimum order of 5 craft @ £7155.00(ex VAT) per craft