Is a hovercraft good for our environment?
Some points about environmental impact from hovercrafts:
no trace – environmental concerns
By applying the third generation hovercraft technology, in environmental sensitive regions, gain significant environmental benefits.
A conventional boat designed to carry 10-15 tons at 40 knots would require propulsion by diesel engines of 6000 to 10000 Hp.
- Depending on the application, some crafts achieve the same carrying capacity and speed by flying 1,5-2 meters above the surface of the sea, thus reducing surface friction that allows twin or four diesel engines propulsion of 3000 hp. The benefits can be summarized as following:
No Submarine Impact
Transference of propeller noise to marine life does not occur and does not have a negative impact on the submarine life.
Flora, fauna, seabed sediments and fish spawn are protected due to the total absence of any underwater turbulence or stern gear.
No Discharge
There is no discharge of diesel fuel, lubrication oil, gasoline or hot exhaust gases into the water.
No Wash
Some hovercrafts generate almost zero wash. Beach-, jetty-, harbor construction erosion is avoided. Erosion is a major problem caused by conventional ferries and pleasure boats
Reduction of Noise
Due to the past ten years development of propeller ducts with close propeller tip clearance, some Hovercrafts are not noisier than equivalent twin engine conventional high speed boats with inboard or outboard propulsions. Independent noise tests has been carried out both in England and in Sweden recording acceptable levels.
No toxic antifouling
The hovercraft does not need any toxic antifouling paint to keep the bottom clean from vegetation. Toxic bottom paint has become serious problems in the most sensitive areas.
December 26th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
I was at the Washington Sailing Marina when hovercraft were testing the waters over the summer. The noise was unbelievable and we had to move our outdoor race training seminar indoors to hear ourselves.
December 27th, 2007 at 10:17 am
[From the Moderator = "Unbelievable is the only accurate part of this statement. As far as I am aware, no large hovercraft have been operated on the Potomac River since 2004 and that was in the pouring rain so I doubt there was an outdoor class that day. Modern Passenger Hovercraft - of which none has been operated in the lower-48 states except in Seattle, WA., have the sound signature of a metro bus. It may have been one of the scores of buses that pass Daingerfield Island on the GW parkway that was heard or a passenger jet aircraft, but it wasn't a passenger hovercraft. Please refrain from false statements on this blog in the future."]
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
YAY!!!
June 5th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
I have worked mechanically with hovercraft in the past and can testify that they are not loud at all. No louder than a passing boat or bus if not quieter. They are more reliable than cars or trucks and they are also very stable and safe. This venture deserves all of your support to help ease congestion on our roads. Please get to know what hovercraft are and how they work before making an “empty judgement”.