“The Craft is the ultimate transportation for ones like myself that live on an island for the fact of being able to travel.”
Glenn from Port Severn, Ontario
The Air Rider Difference
Driver comfort and ease of use is a top priority in the design of our hovercraft. The vehicle is controlled with a steering wheel, unlike other hovercraft which are controlled with a joystick, which is not as intuitive as a wheel. Our driver’s seat is positioned so the driver can control the vehicle while seated or standing up, which many drivers like to do while traveling over rough terrain or for better visibility in inclement weather.
Most hovercraft have a rigid hull but ours is inflatable — made of the same durable material as Search and Rescue crafts. Our five-chamber hull inflates as soon as the hovercraft is in operation. It creates stability, makes it safer and more effective on the water and absorbs shock to lead to a gentler ride. As well, it won’t crack, chip or dent and overall withstands everyday wear and tear better. All Air Rider Hovercraft are Transport Canada Approved.
The hovercraft skirt is what contains and controls the downward-moving air that allows the vehicle to hover. Our hovercraft design for the skirt is a unique hybrid of two popular styles: the loop skirt and the segment skirt. No other manufacturer on the market combines these two styles to get maximum performance.
Air Rider’s hovercraft require a short training period to provide the proper skills required to maximize the potential of the hovercraft. This is due to a unique feature of the Air Rider’s propeller, which is a variable forward and reverse pitch propeller. It shifts easily from forward to reverse to full stop. Adjusting the pitch (angle) of the craft and the speed is also straightforward, even in high winds and while going over rough surfaces.
Our hovercrafts are powered by the ECH980 Kohler Command Pro 4-stroke Engine. It offers high torque at low rpm, it’s reliable and it’s easy to start. This popular engine is straightforward to service and you can get parts and expertise even in small communities.
“I’ve always received first class treatment from all Air Rider Hovercraft employees I came in contact with, always eager to help”
Milan, Healey Lake, Ontario
