How to Build a Hovercraft

How to Build a Hovercraft How to Build a Hovercraft While watching others riding hovercrafts, you might think that it’s a difficult task to build it yourself. But, after reading the directions of how to build a hovercraft, you will be surprised to find that it’s not that difficult as it seems. Rather you can build your hovercraft out of very ordinary and easy to find materials.

Things you need for the hovercraft
Plywood pieces (the pieces should be big enough to cut discs of desired diameter out of them), 6X6 square feet heavy plastic (available at hardware stores) or visqueen, two pieces of 3.4 wood 4″ x 4″, 5/8 round headed screws and metal washers to be used with the screws, nut and carriage bolts, metal washers for the bolts, a plastic coffee can lid (diameter approximately 5 inches), staple gun, duct tape, one shop vac.

Cut one disc out of each sheet of plywood using a saber saw. The bigger or the top disc should be cut with a 48-inch diameter and the other with a diameter of 47 inches. There is an advantage of making the top disc bigger. It will protect the rolled edge of plastic covering on the bottom disc while storing the craft on its edge.
Sand the edges, both top and bottom, of the smaller disc to create a smooth surface. If the edges of the plywood are smooth, it will help to protect the visqueen covering.
Drill a hole in the centre of each disc. The size of the hole should be according to the size of the outlet of the air source. Ideally, a hole of ¼ inch is perfect. Drill a hole of same size in one of the 4X4 wood blocks.
Bolt the discs together temporarily. Now drill a hole somewhere between the centre of the disc and the outer edge. The hole should go between the two discs. The reason of fastening the discs is to create the holes of same size and at equal distances from the centre. The holes should be large enough to insert the plastic hose end of the shop vac. However, you have to make sure that the hole should provide a tight fit for the hose. If required, you can use tape on the end of the shop vac hose for a tight hold. Drill a hole of the same size in one of the 4X4 wood blocks.
Cover the bottom surface of the smaller disc with the plastic or visqueen and tightly fold the plastic over the top surface. Staple the plastic properly for a tight hold. Make a hole on the plastic cover for the bolt. Use duct tape to reinforce the plastic so that no air can pass through it.
Place both the discs and one square wood block one above the other and bolt them at the centre. While inserting the bolt, first insert it through the coffee can lid at the bottom and then through the discs and the wood block. Use washers with the nuts for a farm hold.
Use the 5/8 inch round headed screws to attach the edges of the discs together. Place the screws near the inner edges of the discs and around 3 inches apart form each other. Tighten the screws to prevent air leakage.
Now, carefully cut holes into the plastic sheeting. Make sure that the holes are evenly spaced and are at least 2 inches away form the centre.
Place the source of air over the hole in the disk and duct tape it.
Your hovercraft is ready for a ride.