Marlin XL

The Marlin offers superb buoyancy and freeboard. The attractive, but strong GRP hull has been designed to reduce drag and lift at high speeds, yet remain lightweight and durable. The new Marlin floor features a composite sandwich, approximately one inch thick with Kevlar reinforcement on bottom for the best protection possible with very little weight. All fittings used in construction are of marine quality - designed for use in a saltwater environment. It can be supplied on a one-man, easy-load trailer and can be unloaded and on its way within a couple of minutes. It can also easily start from a dead stop in water up to the rated hump capacity (called 'Getting Over The Hump' in the world of hovercraft!).  Auxiliary flotation foam is found throughout the inner hull, providing exceptional buoyancy. This means the craft can be safely shut down on water at any time when loaded up to its operating capacity. To illustrate this, on the Rhone Raid, a week long cruise of the Rivers Rhone and Saone, craft need to float for up to an hour in 70-feet deep commercial locks, something that these craft achieve with no problems whatsoever, year after year!

Four-stroke hovercraft are the wave of the future! They always start right up. Using a fraction of the fuel, they're immensely quieter with far few emissions. We discontinued two-stroke powered craft long ago and became the first hovercraft manufacturer to use the 'Big Block' Vanguard motor. The use of environmentally friendly, low emission four-stroke power is becoming necessary in many sports previously dominated by two-strokes. Boats and snowmobiles being two obvious examples of how environmental pressure is changing the face of motorized sport. In fact, two-stroke engines are now actually banned in many areas. Quieter, cleaner, far more reliable and a fraction of the fuel consumption means a better hovercraft experience for everyone!

The unique fan assembly is robust and well protected. It is CAD designed to be light and easily serviceable, but it is extremely strong. The six-bladed fan gives phenomenal lift characteristics to allow the craft to operate over virtually any surface. Unlike a 'bag skirt', the Marlin's skirt is in separate individual segments - so any damage is quickly and easily repaired. Individual segments mean the skirt can seal more effectively on the land or water, so the hovercraft hovers correctly in all conditions. The skirt and lift performance is so good that the craft has been tested with eight segments missing, giving amazing 'return to base' capacity. You'll frequently spend entire days cruising without ever having to change a skirt, but in the event a segment needs replacement, it is a really quick and simple five-minute job to change!

The Marlin is designed with comfort in mind, made with padded and upholstered seating, and the driver's legs extended in front, which means no sitting on your knees! Control is by means of simple handlebar steering with throttle control. Most people are driving it easily within ten minutes! Steering is precise and because of its lightweight, small size and excellent thrust, it's much faster and more responsive than other craft in its class!

There is no legal requirement for a license or qualifications to drive either a small boat or hovercraft. However, like any other boat, it's crucial that you prepare properly for its use. Hovercraft aren't magic machines, and failure to respect your environment can land you in trouble, whatever you're driving. We strongly advise joining the Hovercraft Club of America and, initially at least, using your craft with others at organized events to gain more experience. We'll provide you with the support and service you need and teach you how to drive your new craft as part of the 'handover', but if you have no maritime experience, we recommend gaining some basic experience in a safe place before venturing out to remote areas. Always remember to equip yourself adequately with all necessary equipment. As with any boat, life jackets should be worn at ALL TIMES. Bring along proper clothing, register the craft with your state and carefully check the weather conditions before setting out on your journey. For any questions or concerns, Hoverstream is always available to provide expert advice and help you with any support assistance needed for reliable service that exceeds your expectations.