DIY Skirt for a Hovercraft

No longer relegated to science fiction movies and books, hovercraft are now available for both commercial and recreational uses. In addition to factory-made models, hovercraft enthusiasts have the option of creating their own hovercraft at home. These hovercraft can be powered by electricity or gas and often have a range of a half-mile or more. The most important part of any homemade hovercraft is the skirt. The skirt focuses and directs the air, creating lift. You can make your own hovercraft skirt using inexpensive materials available at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon tarp
  • Scissors
  • Construction adhesive
  • Carpet staples
  • Duct tape
  • Coffee can lid
  • Craft knife blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a large heavy-duty nylon tarp. The material sold in most hardware stores as "pond liner" works especially well.

    • 2

      Unroll the tarp on a large, flat, clean surface. Place the base of your hovercraft on top of the center of the tarp.

    • 3

      Cut out the tarp around the hovercraft base with scissors, leaving a two-foot margin on each side.

    • 4

      Apply a bead of construction adhesive around the perimeter of the top of the hovercraft base.

    • 5

      Fold the edges of the tarp up and over, pressing them into the construction adhesive to seal. Do not attempt to pull the tarp tight across the base; it should be extremely loose, to allow a pocket of air to form in the skirt when the hovercraft is in use.

    • 6

      Add a row of carpet staples at 4 inch intervals around the perimeter of the tarp for structural support. Apply a layer of duct tape, overlapping across the edge of the tarp and the base of the hovercraft to complete the seal.

    • 7

      Flip the hovercraft base upside-down, exposing the skirt.

    • 8

      Trace four circles approximately 6 inches in diameter equidistant spaced from the center of the tarp. A coffee can lid works well as a template.

    • 9

      Cut the holes out of the tarp using a craft knife blade or scissors.

    • 10

      Add a strip of duct tape around the perimeter of each hole to reinforce the opening.