Gooney Bird Hovercraft, based on Peter's design

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

Just finished building 2nd hovercraft.
Used FT Foam and some elements of recent FT builds.
More durable and water resistant.

 

[planebreaker2000]

That really looks good!

 

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

Thank you

 

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

I found that I could re-apply the paper to the foam on the inside of curves.
Spray the removed paper with 3M Super-77.
Let it sit for a minute or so.
Then smooth it back on to the foam after the curve is set. Trim off the excess.

I did this on the inside of the lift prop and drive prop skirts.

Looks much better than bare foam.

 

[Blackbeltrrf]

That really looks like a cool Hovercraft. One of these days I need to build me one of those.

 

[SP0NZ]

Very cool. What size motors?

 

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

Using a pair of Emax 2204 - 2300KV motors with 3 blade 5 x 3 props.

BTW, great job with the plans Dan. The Sea Duck plans were excellent.
The way you are doing them is working great.

 

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

Video of first flite.

It does not like to turn left on the water at all. May need to play with differential.
Seems heavy??? Might need to loose the fancy red nylon skirt on go back to the garbage can bag skirt.

 

[localfiend]

Cool!

Are both motors hooked to the same throttle channel? It kinda sounds that way. I'd rig it up so that the inflation motor is it's own channel rigged to a switch, or just limit it's output power. You're probably fighting torque from it which is causing turning and handling issues.

I'd also consider a single vertical rudder with more area for greater stability.

 

[FoamyDM]

Great job. I have this on my radar of to do. I think local fiend is right about the torque and fin. A YouTuber, (flight test RC ) I think, built a skid foil and his controls increased dramatically when he added large fins beside his push prop. It acts like a keel on a boat if you will.

 

[rockyboy]

Very cool project! And I like your innovative method of sharing the plans - photo's of the parts on a grid style building board. Hadn't thought of that before.

 

[RC Sea Foam Guy]

Very cool project! And I like your innovative method of sharing the plans - photo's of the parts on a grid style building board. Hadn't thought of that before.

Putting the lift fan on a different channel/switch is a good idea. Per Peter a potential issue is stopping ... but I will try that.
The twin rudders, which I saw on SAAB's hovercraft, are both hinged on the right, starboard, side. Looks like this is making right rudder more effective than left.
I think I will add a bit more surface are to the rudders.

Not sure how helpful photo of parts on a grid are ... but it is sure a lot less work, at least until I learn how to use SketchUp.
I am more of a T-square and triangle kinda guy right now.