1974 Windcraft Hurricane Hovercraft

Description

Vintage 1974 Windcraft Hurricane Hovercraft. Body in great shape, existing engine "as is" with additional separate engine included for parts or replacement. Has been in covered storage for the duration of our ownership. Could be a fixer upper restoration project, comes with new trailer. Best for small lakes and rivers. Great for cove fishing, has on-board paddle rests and floats without engine fired up, then fly back to shore!
The Hurricane was built in Toldedo, OH in the 1970s by a company called Windcraft M&M. It was the next generation design to the SkimAir, otherwise known as the flying bathtub. Designed by Make Clare, who went on to become one of the six founding directors of the Hovercraft Club of America, this particular craft is set apart from most typical hovercrafts in that the engine is placed in the front of the vehicle rather than the rear. The rider sits upon it much like a jetski or motorcycle.
This incarnation of the craft used a single Chaparral/Xenoah 484cc snowmobile engine generating 45.5HP @ 7,000 RMP. The engine drove a 4-blade wooden prop that generated both lift and thrust.
The craft itself is made of fiberglass with two wooden runners on the bottom. It has a traditional bag skirt that it floats on. The controls are like those on a motorcycle with a twist grip throttle and handlebars that move two fiberglass panels at the base of the tail to direct air flow. It was certified as a boat by the USCG and has the required lighting and moorings, so it can be ridden over water.