Well, not one of the best HoverIns we've had.  Rainy, cold, windy for most of the weekend.  Friday saw some sun, but it was pretty windy.  A few folks went out, but mostly we stayed around the launch.   Even with a two foot extension, my (now) 10 foot rear trailer ramp wasn't good enough.  My craft is tail heavy and would ground out.  It was a real bear getting it off the trailer.

After a few years of hovercrafting and working with experienced flyers I'm always mystified on how a new craft or build is chosen. Rarely is it the correct craft for what they're looking for or I should say are in need of. Over the next few years it's my goal to bring the hovering community together on a basic standard for building a hovercraft. Not so much in design but in materials, workmanship and components.

Well, I finished installing the new, revamped rudder system yesterday.  Before I head to Muscoda, I wanted to test it out in a "controlled" environment - chose the local elementary school parking lot. 

 Has any one had any expeience with 4x8 3/32" fiberglass panels use mainly for bathroom surrounds? The material I had examined at a local hardware store looked like an excellent material to be used for a skin or foam a duct. It was flexible enough to make either a thrust duct or lift duct. Also has a high impact resistance. Should save a lot of time. The sheets are smooth on one side and small dimples on the other. I would like to get some feed back before I start the new hull for the rajin cajin. Kim

Time for my usual spiel about safety at Muscoda:

The first Muscoda hover In of 2009 is only 3 weeks away!  If you are coming to this wonderful hover gathering, please take note of the following:

SAFETY FIRST!!!  Please GUARD ALL PROPS AND FANS.  We don't want gas cans, life jackets, wedding veils, cummerbunds, or body parts going through rotating propellers.  Messes up the grass.  There is a hardware store downtown, where you can get some wire mesh and bungee cords, should you need them.

Be courteous in parking your cars, hovers, and camping.  Please do not park cars on the grass.  Avoid operating your hover in the grassy areas, also.  And, to avoid issues, please do NOT park your hovercraft on the boat landing for more than 5 minutes or so.  And, please be aware of prop wash!  Accelerating off the ramp can throw sticks, stones, dust, etc.  Know who's behind you!    :  NOTE!!  THERE WILL BE WEDDING PARTIES AT BOTH EVENTS THIS YEAR, SO BE EXTRA MINDFUL!!!

I will have a decibel meter handy if anyone wants "real world" sound testing. Please be mindful of noise levels.

Watch out for fishermen, boaters, and ringbearers / flowerchildren.  They share the ramp too!

Always remember that onlookers are usually NOT aware of the handling characteristics of hovercraft, and have a tendency to stand too close or place their hands in the wrong place (ie, near props).     Note!  Due to the above mentioned guests, it is possible to meet some who have partaken in adult beverages to an unsafe level.  PLEASE watch out for them!!!

When the ramp gets crowded, please walk your craft down the hill. It's just too dangerous with adults and children milling around.

Questions can be directed to myself (site #1)

The PLAYGROUND side shelter is reserved for Saturday night, so we can have a potluck dinner.  Please let me know if you are bringing something.  I've got brats and dogs.  A second gas BBQ grill is always a bonus.  There will be a collection jar if you are a terrible cook... :)

Above all, HAVE FUN, but always remember to promote our sport in a SAFE and COURTEOUS MANNER.

And Thank You for Your Support

Doug
Muscoda Hover In Coordinator and All Around Nice Guy!