Base price: $92,000

Includes the VW Diesel TDI engine, 85hp

The Explorer 22 TDI is the most efficient, cost effective, saltwater capable hovercraft on the market today. Operating on a pressurized cushion of air the vehicle leaves virtually no wake at normal operating speed as it flies 16 1/2 inches above the surface. The craft is powered with a Volkswagen Turbo diesel engine producing 85 hp. Unlike other designs you might see, this craft is capable of more payload and speed for a given amount of horsepower. This means reduced fuel consumption, less noise, lower initial cost and reduced operating cost. In fact some craft use two even three times as much horsepower while carrying less payload. The noise levels are similar to most inboard jet boats but lower than that of outboard jet motors. The 1600 pound payload is based on a deep water plane out with an added margin for wind or other adverse conditions. For example, a maximum plane out test will show about 2000 pounds payload. Payload includes people, fuel and gear. The empty weight of the craft is approximately 1750 pounds and the standard trailer weighs about 650.

The craft as pictured shows an enclosed cabin with a Sunbrella type fabric and a 40,000 btu cabin heater. The heater directs air via steerable vents onto the windshield keeping it clear on cool humid days. The windshield is also equipped with a pair of heavy duty marine wipers and arm mounted sprayers. The standard seating arrangement calls for a three-person movable bench seat at the helm, to jump seat/steps mid-cabin and a four-person bench seat across the aft cabin. This provides seating for nine while still allowing a significant amount of interior cockpit space. Each seat is equipped with a durable fabric covered cushion matching the crafts enclosure and high-quality foam. The overall width of the cabin is 75 inches inside and 124 inches long including the rear seat. The cabin  however can be modified to fit your needs.

The craft can cruise at about 30 mph using 2.8 gallons per hour, top speed is 40 mph. The operating range with the stock 35 gallon tank  at this speed is approximately 350 miles while allowing for a reserve.

The craft is equipped standard with tinned marine grade wire, adhesive lined heat shrink connectors, waterproof electrical plugs, stainless fasteners, stainless turbo exhaust piping, stainless shafting, greaseable composite bearings, stainless steel guard and two-part linear polyurethane finish. The saltwater option upgrades the propeller and lift fan frames to stainless tubing, the muffler to stainless, engine is painted, aluminum components are hard anodized or powder coated and certain drive components are made in stainless.

The unique Amphibious Marine skirt system uses a minimum amount of fabric while maximizing hover height and durability. Maintenance on the 36 ounce urethane coated fabric is commonly done on a seasonal basis, unlike some craft that require work after each run. Thin layers of urethane film or urethane coated fabric can be bonded to be six different discrete wear areas on skirt, using a single part contact adhesive. Repairs are completed in a matter of minutes.

When the engine is started the automatic clutch gives a smooth start for the fan and propeller immediately inflating the skirt to its full operating width. The lift system is fully operational at a very low throttle setting allowing for exceptional control without the need to operate the fan and propeller separately. This multi-compartment skirt system is unique in its capability to handle waves and wakes that would leave most craft with their nose in the water struggling to get moving again. The skirt width as measured at the ground contact point is 11 feet and 13.8 inches from side to side. When the engine is shut down the skirt system automatically folds down to 8 1/2 feet for trailering.

The design has proven itself on trips as long as 1400 miles from Seattle to Juneau Alaska up the inside passage.

Detailed specifications are available in the form of a downloadable PDF for your viewing or printing. Please view the videos and photographs and feel free to e-mail or call with questions.

Options (add to base price)

Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge

$430

Saltwater series: includes all necessary upgrades for saltwater use

$5,500

Skirt colors (gray is stock)

$231

Urethan Skirt

$3,450

Camouflage paint scheme

$595

Galvanized boat trailer

$3,800

Cockpit and windshield can be designed to meet customer specifications.

Click here to read about our warranty.