Friday, December 11, 2009

Purchasing a Hovercraft? Intro Series #4

Intro To Hovercraft Purchasing #4
If purchasing a hovercraft for the first time, there are quite a few items you need to be aware of in order to determine the right vehicle for your needs. This 4th and final issue of our Intro to Hovercraft series will guide you step by step through the important points to consider to ensure your safety, complete satisfaction and that the hovercraft you choose is durable & strong.

Many issues affect Hovercraft performance, just as they do a boat, aeroplane or helicopter. Since the Hovercraft is partly all three of these vehicles, it is important that you consider a range of factors from durability, performance and safety, to the type of hovercraft skirts and hull materials used in construction. In addition, operational considerations and terms such as "ploughing-in" and "getting over the hump" should be understood and the manufacturer questioned on these items, before choosing the model and brand that will best fit you.


OTHER HOVERCRAFT CONSIDERATIONS

Workmanship and Craft Quality

Check how the vehicle is made in general. Is the Hovercraft constructed of GRP (fibreglass), has GRP chop strand mat been used, or quadraxial mat? Quadraxial mat is much stronger and forgiving than chop strand fibreglass. A whack with a mallet shouldn’t offend. GRP when new nearly always looks great but if not made by experts in a controlled environment it will soon suffer from many hidden problems. Ask to see an older model to check the quality of the GRP, which can crack and delaminate after 6 months. An immaculate looking fibreglass craft on day one can, after 6 months, look very forlorn. GRP repairs are costly.

If not Fibreglass, what is the Hovercraft made of and what are the advantages or disadvantages of an alternative material. HDPE (High Denisty PolyEthylene) is the same material used in Kayaks and increasing runabouts. It is a wonderful option and upgrade to Fibreglass for a vehicle that is meant for use on land AND water.

-- The Hov Pod is made of HDPE - independantly buoyant, flexible, UV stabilised and extremely hardy, we invite customers to strike the Hov Pod hull with a baseball bat. I doubt many other manufacturers would encourage this practice. After many years of Fibreglass production and some costly personal experinces, no Hovercraft I own will ever be made out of Fibreglass again.


Bumper Protection System
Does the craft have a really solid bumper protection system? Can you give the impact areas on the side and bottom of the craft good hard whacks with a mallet? Can you sit on the side quite happily without breaking it?

-- The Hov Pod is re-inforced with aluminium and Rubber bumpers, Aluminium impact sheets, runners and wear bolts.


Ease of use
On Water:

  • Can the craft be used in the conditions you intend to use it? (On water, sit on the side, climb in, climb out)
  • Will it topple over?
  • Does it plough in?
  • Will it float?
  • What weight can it lift in on water-starts?
  • Has any government provided safety certification?
  • Can you perform an emergency stop?
  • Can you maintain control when doing this?
  • Does the craft travel in a straight line?
  • Do you have to throw your weight when cornering? (many craft will not turn unless you move your weight to the side of the craft).
Generally:
  • Is driving instinctive to use with handlebars and throttle? (or are complex joysticks and elevator controls needed to use the craft?)
  • Can the hovercraft be used safely on land or is it likely to disintegrate?

-- The Hov Pod design was deliberately focused on product quality, ease of use, ease of servicing, safe to operate, reliable, durable and most importantly - fun! To understand our marketing approach, I recommend you read the Hov Pod Design Philosophy Document. Stretching the dollar is important for everyone, but so too is value for money, no one wants to spend thousands on a vehicle that is unsafe or difficult to repair.

Hov Pods are extremely easy to drive, similar to a motorcycle, and fantastic fun. In demonstrations, we can usually hand over the controls to a person after 5 - 10 minutes tuition. Hov Pods were specifically designed for marine leisure and commercial use and have many features that you will not find on other hovercraft. Many Hovercraft owners choose other vehicles before the Hov Pod, only to return after months or years of frustration.


Thank You For Your Time!
Thank you for reading our Introduction to Hovercraft Series. We hope you will arrange a demo of the Hov Pod for yourself soon. Let one of our local Dealers show you the superior features of the Hov Pod so you may determine for yourself: why the Hov Pod remains arguably the best leisure hovercraft available anywhere in the world today.

To arrange your own personal demo today, email sales@hovpod.com.au in Australia or sales@myhovpod.com worldwide. For more information, please visit our website:

www.hovpod.com.au or www.myhovpod.com

Friday, December 4, 2009

Purchasing a Hovercraft? Intro Series #3

Intro To Hovercraft Purchasing #3
If purchasing a hovercraft for the first time, there are quite a few items you need to be aware of in order to determine the right vehicle for your needs. This four (4) part series will guide you step by step through the important points to consider to ensure your safety, complete satisfaction and to that the hovercraft you choose is durable & strong.

Many issues affect Hovercraft performance, just as they do a boat, aeroplane or helicopter. Since the Hovercraft is partly all three of these vehicles, it is important that you consider a range of factors from durability, performance and safety, to the type of hovercraft skirts and hull materials used in construction. In addition, operational considerations and terms such as "ploughing-in" and "getting over the hump" should be understood and the manufacturer questioned on these items, before choosing the model and brand that will best fit you.


PERFORMANCE Continued.

Skirts!
Occasionally, hovercraft skirts may get damaged so you need to know how to replace a skirt, how expensive and how difficult the job will be. There are generally two approaches to skirt design, a single skirt, that wraps the entire craft or a segmented skirt design. Single skirts tend to cost less for a complete craft-wide replacement, however replacing one single segment on a segmented skirt, is a lot less expensive than a whole wingle skirt. Additionally, damage to a single skirt may require replacing the entire skirt, while again, only the segment in question would need to be replaced on a segmented skirt. Replacing an entire skirt can be a big job and usually means recovering the whole vehicle back to a workshop or garage, while many segmented skirts can be replaced in the field.

-- The Hov Pod has 65 different segments for damage limitation, so rather than having to replace the whole skirt if damaged, at great cost, you simply replace the damaged segment. Naturally you will wish to go exploring with your hovercraft, but need to get home safely, so having a few spare skirt segments handy is a good idea and only takes a minute to change each segment.

Skirt Strength
Skirt strength is dependant on the material used and the way a skirt attaches to the Hovercraft. Rips and holes torn in a skirt, combined with UV degradation can quickly destroy a seemingly good skirt. Should this happen while touring the countryside, you will want to ensure your Hovercraft is capable of getting you home.

--The Hov Pod uses a Polyurethane / Nylon material for excellent wear, UV and salt-water protection. We invite customers to try tear this material during demonstrations - no one has managed in over one year - we even cut it with scissors to give them an easy start!! The Hov Pod in tests has operated with up to 25% of the skirts missing. The careful design of the skirts also means that in normal use the Hov Pod generates little to no spray and the drive and passenger can stay virtually dry.


Hull Material
We touched on the importance of a good quality hull in our last segment, with regard to stopping on land. However even in general use, the impact resistance of your Hovercraft Hull is vitally important to keeping you safe, dry and most importantly - afloat. Glass fibre hovercraft not fitted with bumper bars can disintegrate on impact with stationary objects; cracked GRP damage can be difficult and quite costly to repair. It is possible that Glass fibre hovercraft hull's can literally fall apart after hitting a wave, because of the difference in design form a standard boat hull to a Hovecrraft hull and skirt system.

-- The Hov Pod hull is unique, manufactured from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). HDPE has been used in the past to construct Formula 1 Race crash barriers and artificial joints; it is extremely strong, impact resistant and extremely buoyant. We invite customers to strike our hulls with a baseball bat to test their sturdiness. Try asking to do this with other brands of Hovercraft! Hov Pods are designed to withstand accidents when they occur, protected by an aluminium and rubber bumper strip which helps to further minimise damage to the craft. Just to make sure and because we really do like using Hov Pods on land, we also fit aluminium impact sheets, aluminium runners and wear bolts on the underside of the Hov Pod for durability and support whilst coming to rest on firm ground.


"Ploughing in"
This is a term used in the industry to describe a problem where a hovercraft suddenly stops, due to the nose of the craft dipping into water - as anyone knows, sudden stopping or deceleration will cause passengers and driver to part company with a vehicle. This can happen through excess speed, lack of appropriate lift or one of many possible scenario's usually linked to operator error.

-- The Hov Pod has been designed to overcome the problem of "plough in" - in fact, we recommend suddenly stopping in the Hov Pod should you need to, at which point the Hov Pod will operate more like a boat slowing in the water rather than a Hovercraft. The Hov Pod has never ploughed in, though we continue to hear of incidents where other hovercraft have suffered this problem, sometimes with quite serious consequences. It's simple controls avoid the opportunity for user error.


Transportation
Once you have a Hovercraft, you now need to get it to your place of recreation. Most standard trailers will not do, while cheaper, they require either two, three or four people to back breakingly lift the craft off and on the trailer. Fly-on Fly-off is sometimes offered as an option but in reality is not as simple as it sounds, since Hovercraft tend to drift downhill with gravity. If your trailer is not situated on a perfectly flat location, getting it on or off a trailer can become quite tedious.

-- The Hov Pod can be supplied with a fully galvanised custom designed trailer made by an approved trailer manufacturer. For safety this trailer is designed for single person operation - a big bonus for Search and Rescue (SAR) organisations. The Hov Pod trailer utilises 4 rubber coated rollers (to protect the hull and stop that annoying banging when trailering) and a simple winch mechanism to gently unload or reload the Hov Pod in about one (1) minute.


Safety
Good safety design is no accident. Safety is a very important aspect of design for the leisure and commercial market. Just as with any other quality vehicle (boat, car, plane), that you would consider putting your family into, your Hovercraft should have reasonable and sufficient safety mechanisms in place. Consider sealed batteries and ventilated fuel tanks for example. Properly waterproofed and marine standard electronics. Marinised engines, aluminium parts for marine use. Even something as simple as fan guards should be stock standard on a Hovercraft - the majority of hovercraft manufacturers do not fit these.

-- The Hov Pod has undergone extensive development wih safety as a key factor. We fit a front and rear guard to the fan assembly - who in their right mind wouldn’t? Sealed batteries, electronics, ventilated fuel tanks, marine grade wiring and operating parts. Designed to manage air-flow and avoid "ploughing in." Finally, one of the largest safety factors inherent in the Hov Pod is the Hov Pod's ease of use. Don't believe me? Please visit our website for pictures of children as young as Three (3) years of age driving the Hov Pod (with adult supervision of course). The Hov Pod only needs fingertip control, no need to shift your weight to turn corners! With CAD and CNC designed parts, the Hov Pod has gone through a full governmental certification.


So we come to the end of our 3rd part in the Introduction to Hovercraft Purchasing series! I hope it has been informative!! Keep an eye out for the next in this four part introduction to Hovercraft series.

For more information visit: http://www.hovpod.com.au/

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Maybe Santa Claus will Fly a Hov Pod in Australia this Year!

Yet another Hov Pod shipment of the new Hov Pod SPX hulls has left the UK bound for Australia just in time for Christmas. Selling faster than we can ship, the Hov Pod SPX is proving to be incredibly popular amongst both private and commercial clients. Already a huge improvement on even the older Hov Pod ACX models - the HDPE SPX hull leaves even our closest competitors breathless!


A Hov Pod Super Yacht Tender
From Hov Pod Australia Images

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Purchasing a Hovercraft? Intro Series #2

Intro To Hovercraft Purchasing #2
If purchasing a hovercraft for the first time, there are quite a few items you need to be aware of in order to determine the right vehicle for your needs. This 2nd issue of our four (4) part series will guide you step by step through the important points to consider to ensure your safety, complete satisfaction and that the hovercraft you choose is durable & strong.

Many issues affect Hovercraft performance, just as they do a boat, aeroplane or helicopter. Since the Hovercraft is partly all three of these vehicles, it is important that you consider a range of factors from durability, performance and safety, to the type of hovercraft skirts and hull materials used in construction. In addition, operational considerations and terms such as "ploughing-in" and "getting over the hump" should be understood and the manufacturer questioned on these items, before choosing the model and brand that will best fit you.

Lets Talk Engines!
Firstly, what sort of engine do I want in a Hovercraft? Remember in the first part of this series, we discussed that Hovercraft are part aeroplane, part boat, part helicopter? Well, when it comes to engines, just like in an aeroplane, weight matters! As you decrease the weight of an engine, without decreasing power, generally speaking price increases dramatically. Therefore many Hovercraft are built with pre-loved engines. 'Re-fitted', 'reconditioned', ‘used’ automobile engines or small commercial engines that need to be re-tuned and upgraded to generate sufficient power and therefore are prone to long term failure and overstressing of components. Either that, or your Hovercraft has to be built especially large to allow for a smaller engine to provide an equivalent lift (by spreading the downward airflow over a larger distance, less power is possible). This approach however does make for cumbersome and hard to trailer Hovercraft. Another concern is how effectively you can marinise and protect an engine that was not built for water use such as a car engine.

-- The Hov Pod uses highly reliable, brand new, high power-to-weight, marinised Weber & Rotax engines proven by many years use in the snowmobile, ATV, Jetboat and microlight industries. Hov Pod locates these engines under a uniquely designed engine cover system that offers excellent protection from the elements yet is very quick and easy to remove (approx 15 seconds). The Hov Pod engines have been put through their paces for hundreds of hours in very harsh marine conditions in climates such as Africa, Australia, The Caribbean, and the Middle East.

One Engine or Two?
Many hovercraft use two engines, one for thrust, one for lift. Lift engines are generally placed in front of the driver - This means that all the fumes and noise comes straight at the driver and the first wave that hits your Hovercraft may simply swamp the engine, thereby causing lift failure or the Hovercraft to 'plough in' - I hope that Hovercraft Floats! (don't be fooled, many don't).

But lets pretend that the Lift engine doesn't cause fume, or safety issues, now I'm back to my Helicopter flying days as I navigate a myriad of controls adjusting my lift engine speed and my thrust engine speed in order to drive the Hovercraft. Not only is it not simple, it's potentially expensive as I have to maintain two separate engines, fans and associated drive mechanism's.

-- The Hov Pod has only one engine for lift and thrust - since it is far easier and safer to coordinate one set of controls, more cost effective to service one engine, plus the noise footprint is lowered with only one engine. With only one engine to stow, the Hov Pod was deliberately designed without a gearbox assembly, allowing the engine to sit much lower in the craft, thereby lowering the centre of gravity, reducing the tendency to roll (I have seen other craft literally roll over in a simple low speed turn), and providing much greater ease of control. A lower engine also minimises airflow disturbance to the fan - clear airflow results in greater efficiency.

PERFORMANCE

Stopping on Land
Hovercraft should be considered as much a land-based vehicles as it is a water-based vehicle; stopping on a small rock shouldn’t cause the floor to crack, since cracks let in water. Most hovercraft have a single thin skin floor, made from glass fibre. It's important to find out just how durable your hovercraft is going to be, or you risk purchasing a complicated airboat and not a Hovercraft.

-- The Hov Pod hull is unique, manufactured from HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene). HDPE has been used to construct Formula 1 Race crash barriers and artificial joints; it is extremely strong, impact resistant and extremely buoyant. (One day, all hovercraft manufacturers will use this material). We add aluminium runners, impact sheets and wear bolts to protect the craft from the inevitable knocks that occasionally occur. There have even been Hov Pods in multiple car accidents where all cars and trailer have been written off, but the Hov Pod has been able to fly away.

Stopping on Water?
Apparently, many manufacturers tell their clients to avoid doing this. Believe it or not, some Hovercraft are not built to float!!! That aside, many hovercraft also have a problem with "starting on water" - this simply means coming to a stop (engine still running or not) and then trying to start moving forward again. You may sometimes hear the expression "getting over the hump", which is an industry term that describes the problem for Hovercraft to get back up onto the cushion of air so the Hovercraft can start moving again. If your Hovercraft cannot "get over the hump", you have once again purchased a complicated Airboat and not a true Hovercraft as you will now have to slowly chug back to shore before your vehicle will be able to fly again. In addition, many craft have a very severe tendency to spin and throw occupants when stopped quickly on water - not a safe day in the sun.

-- During demonstrations, I have seen a number of customers panick when we stop the Hov Pod on water, because of this reason. In response, I recommend fishing from the Hov Pod. The Hov Pod is designed to lift a payload of 290 kilos or 640 pounds (HP65) to 325 Kilos or 716 pounds (HP120 Turbo) for "on water" starts. The Hov Pod has been designed to quickly yet safely and smoothly stop in a controlled straight line - in fact safe, controlled stops on water are part of our demo and training manuals.

Buoyancy
Many hovercraft have poor buoyancy characteristics and can actually sink if swamped - remember that confusion about stopping on water! First engine trouble, then safety issues and finally, your Hovercraft starts to sink!

--The Hov Pod not only stops quite happily on water, but it has also been independently tested for flooded buoyancy approval. The difference in purchasing a professionally designed and manufactured craft is that it helps to overcome regulatory restrictions, where they apply. With an extremely buoyant hull, the Hov Pod is tested to take over one ton in weight before water regression is possible - at which point it still floats!


Sadly, we are at the end of our introduction to Hovercraft purchasing today! I hope it has been informative!! Keep an eye out for the next in this four part introduction to Hovercraft series. For more information visit: http://www.hovpod.com.au/

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Purchasing a Hovercraft? Intro Series #1

Intro To Hovercraft Purchasing #1
If purchasing a hovercraft for the first time, there are quite a few items you need to be aware of in order to determine the right vehicle for your needs. This four (4) part series will guide you step by step through the important points to consider to ensure your safety, complete satisfaction and to that the hovercraft you choose is durable & strong.

Many issues affect Hovercraft performance, just as they do a boat, aeroplane or helicopter. Since the Hovercraft is partly all three of these vehicles, it is important that you consider a range of factors from durability, performance and safety, to the type of hovercraft skirts and hull materials used in construction. In addition, operational considerations and terms such as "ploughing-in" and "getting over the hump" should be understood and the manufacturer questioned on these items, before choosing the model and brand that will best fit you.

Introduction to Hovecraft Types
Small hovercraft can be classified as race craft, kit-build or leisure marine vessels. Depending on your needs, most buyers will fit neatly into one of these three categories, which can be delineated fairly neatly:

1. Race craft focus on speed
2. Self-build focus on low cost
3. Leisure craft focus on safety and reliability

Buyers should consider the Cost versus Performance, Safety and Reliability, when choosing the vehicle to best suit their requirements.

Race Craft
For Race craft, speed is the key objective, so weight is reduced wherever possible. For example, to reduce weight, craft have very thin GRP thereby compromising safety. Race craft are often designed for land use rather than on water. Due to the lack of durability, any impact causes expensive damage. Safety features such as the fan cage may restrict airflow and increase weight, so safety is usually compromised by speed.
-- The Hov Pod is designed for safety rather than speed.

Self-build Kits are usually favoured by folk who prefer the low cost approach and have the mechanical know-how to build their own. The backyard job often results in a lowering of quality, safety and performance. People spend considerable hours building hovercraft (200 to 400 hours) only to experience major disappointment on the first outing. That said, some people love a challenge, and are happy to spend hundreds of hours creating their own craft. But at what cost? Too much work and not enough play can make Jack a dull boy!
-- The Hov Pod has taken years of development to eliminate the pitfalls associated with Hovercraft design and manufacture.

Leisure Marine And Commercial Craft
The third type of craft appeals to people who just want to have fun. Leisure Hovercraft demand safety, reliability, and ease of use. Not all leisure craft are built the same. Some manufacturers sell new hovercraft with second-hand engines, purchased from a local salvage yard. Or produce craft that dig the nose into water and stop suddenly with dire consequences (see our 3rd blog in this series, for "Ploughing In"). Craft that do not contain enough buoyancy and sink! Craft that don’t restart on water (a paddle could be useful). Single-piece skirts that cost megabucks to repair. Hulls that crack and let in water, craft you can’t steer without throwing your weight violently into the corners.
-- The Hov Pod may not be the fastest craft in town, but we do like our customers to have fun in safety and 45 knots is enough for most. We don’t scrimp on quality either. Check out the build quality and many benefits such as stainless steel fittings to combat salt-water use, or the high spec electrical components, for trouble free operation.

Well that's all for now folks. Keep an eye out for the next in this four part introduction to Hovercraft series. For more information visit:

www.hovpod.com.au

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Friday, September 4, 2009

Hov Pod Promoter Program now available in the USA

The Hov Pod Hovercraft Promoter & Dealership opportunity is now available in the USA. The Hov Pod Promoter program is based on purchase levels and training. Training is the same for all levels and involves 3 days of Operator and Technical Training.

Promoters can enter the program at the lowest level and work their way up, allowing them to "test the water" before committing to a larger financial investment. We are able to provide this structure due to our confidence that Promoters will find the Hov Pod quickly generates large amounts of interest everywhere it goes.

The following is an overview of the available Hov Pod Promoter levels and the minimum requirements to become a Hov Pod Promoter in the USA.

Our Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealer network has four types of representatives


Hov Pod Affiliate:
  • A Hov Pod Affiliate is typically an Internet marketer who wishes to sell Hov Pods to potential customers, but lacking the facility to provide demonstrations or support.
  • Promotion to Hov Pod Promoter requires purchase of one demo unit and to undergo operator and technical training directly with Hov Pod USA (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Affiliates provide a vital and valuable role in raising public awareness about the Hov Pod and generating sales leads for other Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealers.
  • Hov Pod Affiliates generate sales leads that are sent directly to Hov Pod USA for initial contact, or forwarding onto the assigned Promoter, Reseller and Dealer in the respective area, for sales qualification and follow-up. Sales leads are generated automatically by an auto-responder form supplied by Hov Pod USA. Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealers who benefit from sales generated from Hov Pod Affiliates pay an Affiliate fee via Hov Pod USA at time of final payment and delivery. For more information please see the Hov Pod Affiliate & Customer Referral Rewards page on our website: www.myhovpod.com.au.


Hov Pod Promoter:

  • A Hov Pod Promoter covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Promoter is responsible for a small city, Small Island or a small/low-populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Promoter provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod USA (3 days).
  • Promotion to Reseller requires purchase of an additional craft for stock, assuming that a Reseller does not already exist in the area. If a Reseller does exist, then the Promoter continues to work at Promoter level, until such time as the area Reseller relinquishes control of that area.
  • Initial order to be one Hov Pod unit for demo purposes.


Hov Pod Reseller:

  • A Hov Pod Reseller covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Reseller is responsible for a regional city, a larger island or a populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Reseller provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod USA (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Resellers may add additional margin as determined by the Reseller to cover their overheads such as shipping and marketing.
  • Promotion to Dealer level requires purchase of one additional craft, assuming that no dealer exists in their area. If a Dealer does exist, then the Promoter continues to work at Promoter level, until such time as the area Dealer relinquishes control of that area.
  • Initial order to be two Hov Pod units, one for demo and one for showroom or stock.
  • To maintain agreement ongoing sales of 5 Hov Pod per year is required.


Hov Pod Dealer:

  • A Hov Pod Dealer covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Dealer is responsible for a large city or a well-populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Dealer provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod USA (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Dealers may add additional margin as determined by the Dealer to cover their overheads such as shipping and marketing.
  • Initial order to be three Hov Pod units, one for demo and two for showroom or stock.
  • Hov Pod Dealers are able to assign Sub-Dealers (Resellers/Promoters), subject to approval from Hov Pod USA, providing that proper training is provided, provision is made for spare parts and adequate support is assured.
  • To maintain agreement ongoing sales of 10 units per year is required.

Should the Hov Pod Promoter program look like a good fit for you, we require the signing of a non-disclosure agreement prior to forwarding any further specifics regarding the Hov Pod Promoter Agreement and pricing structure. Please contact our sales department on sales@myhovpod.com.au for further information. Please provide address details, along with the individuals name and company/business the non-disclosure document should be made out to.

Thank you for your interest.

Hov Pod Promoter Program
Hov Pod USA & WildNative Inc.

www.MyHovPod.com

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

April 2009 Newsletter - Australia















The Hov Pod under the Story Bridge, Brisbane - Australia Day 2009.

Welcome to our Hov Pod Hovercraft April update. The Hov Pod is the worlds No. 1 selling Hovercraft for commercial and leisure use and below are just some of the reasons why. Included this month are several exciting new announcements at Hov Pod Australia as well as some great specials now available.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal:

Warren Secker, our National Manager, ran a Victorian Bushfire Appeal fundraiser several weeks back on the Brisbane river and raised $600 for the victims of the
tragic fires over the course of several hours. Over 100 lucky riders got the chance to enjoy the fun of Hov Podding and I'd like to thank Warren and his family for their efforts in making the day a success.

Picture At Right -
Warren with some happy customers, Raby Bay, Qld, Australia.

Hov Pod Diesel:
The first is the impending implementation of the Hov Pod Diesel. We have received many enquiries regarding commercial use of the Hov Pod, which in Australia requires a diesel engine to gain commercial survey. As a result the Hov Pod Diesel will soon be making it's debut with commercial operators. Initial deposits are now being taken for those interested parties who would like a Hov Pod Diesel ready for next summer. To get in the queue or for more information, please contact our National Manager, Warren Secker on 07 3101 2802 or email
warren@myhovpod.com.au
.

New Web Interactivity:
That's right, it's finally arrived, our new and updated website is now live at http://www.myhovpod.com.au/. With streaming Hov Pod Blog and linked into our Facebook group - "
Friends of Hovercraft Australia", this updated website will continue to improve and provide ongoing information regarding the Hov Pod. If your on Facebook and your not already a fan/ friend with Hov Pod, please sign up for great member only Hov Pod days around the country and regular picture / video updates. Or follow our blog for the latest updates.

FINANCE NOW AVAILABLE!
Don't think you can afford a Hov Pod?? Base models now available from only $32 per week. Raise your own finance or have us organise it for you!

March/April Specials
Caesar was warned - Beware the Ides of March - but not even an emperor can beat these deals! Due to the strength of the Aussie dollar, the Hov Pod is available at a unique discount to standard retail if ordered and deposit paid prior to May 1st (all prices incl. GST):

Hov Pod SPX LM (engine ready) $23,990
Hov Pod SPX 65 (65hp 2 -stroke) $31,990
Hov Pod SPX 120 (120hp 4-stroke turbo) $38,990
Hov Pod Diesel $49,990

Hov Pod for Commercial and Personal use!
Thinking of using a Hovercraft for Commercial or Rescue Work. The Hov Pod SPX Diesel or SPX 120 is just what you are looking for. Hov Pods are sold for a variety of leisure and commercial applications. We have delivered to many happy leisure users, as well as oil exploration companies, super-yacht captains, the United Nations, the Red Cross, rescue organisations worldwide, the military, research institutions, fishermen and film crews. Combined with a multitude of colours, designs and options to choose from, there is little the Hov Pod can't be used for! Fishing, Hunting, Rentals, Research, Rescue, Patrol, Education, Training, Corporate Team Building, on land and water - absolutely
"anywhere you want to go"
The Hov Pod!

Hov Pod 720 video



Just Plain Fun!


Aside from their commercial uses, Hov Pod's are just plain fun. Please click on the picture above to view a recent video of a Hov Pod on the Brisbane River on Australia Day!


The link below will take you to our website, where there is the above video, along with many other video's and photo's of the Hov Pod, both in Australia and around the world: http://www.myhovpod.com.au/

Contact Hov Pod Today!

For more information, the latest prices, specifications and a Buyers Guide, please contact our Sales department by Clicking HERE or visit our website: http://www.myhovpod.com.au/

See more Videos: www.youtube.com/group/wildnative
Visit our Blog: http://www.hovpodaustralia.blogspot.com/
Join our Facebook: Hovercraft Fans of Australia

I hope you enjoyed the read. We look forward to flying with you soon!


Yours Faithfully,

Kristian Aboud
Imagineer
HovPod Hovercraft Pty. Ltd.

A WildNative Company

Monday, March 23, 2009

Hov Pod Promoter Program - Dealership Opportunity!

The Hov Pod Hovercraft Promoter & Dealership opportunity is now available in Australia. The Hov Pod Promoter program is based on purchase levels and training. Training is the same for all levels and involves 3 days of Operator and Technical Training.

Promoters can enter the program at the lowest level and work their way up, allowing them to "test the water" before committing to a larger financial investment. We are able to provide this structure due to our confidence that Promoters will find the Hov Pod quickly generates large amounts of interest everywhere it goes.

The following is an overview of the available Hov Pod Promoter levels and the minimum requirements to become a Hov Pod Promoter in Australia.

Our Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealer network has four types of representatives


Hov Pod Affiliate:
  • A Hov Pod Affiliate is typically an Internet marketer who wishes to sell Hov Pods to potential customers, but lacking the facility to provide demonstrations or support.
  • Promotion to Hov Pod Promoter requires purchase of one demo unit and to undergo operator and technical training directly with Hov Pod Australia (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Affiliates provide a vital and valuable role in raising public awareness about the Hov Pod and generating sales leads for other Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealers.
  • Hov Pod Affiliates generate sales leads that are sent directly to Hov Pod Australia for initial contact, or forwarding onto the assigned Promoter, Reseller and Dealer in the respective area, for sales qualification and follow-up. Sales leads are generated automatically by an auto-responder form supplied by Hov Pod Australia. Hov Pod Promoter, Reseller and Dealers who benefit from sales generated from Hov Pod Affiliates pay an Affiliate fee via Hov Pod Australia at time of final payment and delivery. For more information please see the Hov Pod Affiliate & Customer Referral Rewards page on our website: www.myhovpod.com.au.


Hov Pod Promoter:

  • A Hov Pod Promoter covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Promoter is responsible for a small city, Small Island or a small/low-populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Promoter provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod Australia (3 days).
  • Promotion to Reseller requires purchase of an additional craft for stock, assuming that a Reseller does not already exist in the area. If a Reseller does exist, then the Promoter continues to work at Promoter level, until such time as the area Reseller relinquishes control of that area.
  • Initial order to be one Hov Pod unit for demo purposes.


Hov Pod Reseller:

  • A Hov Pod Reseller covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Reseller is responsible for a regional city, a larger island or a populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Reseller provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod Australia (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Resellers may add additional margin as determined by the Reseller to cover their overheads such as shipping and marketing.
  • Promotion to Dealer level requires purchase of one additional craft, assuming that no dealer exists in their area. If a Dealer does exist, then the Promoter continues to work at Promoter level, until such time as the area Dealer relinquishes control of that area.
  • Initial order to be two Hov Pod units, one for demo and one for showroom or stock.
  • To maintain agreement ongoing sales of 5 Hov Pod per year is required.


Hov Pod Dealer:

  • A Hov Pod Dealer covers all market sectors.
  • Typically a Hov Pod Dealer is responsible for a large city or a well-populated region.
  • The Hov Pod Dealer provides full service and support in their area and must have undergone Operator and Technical training directly from Hov Pod Australia (3 days).
  • Hov Pod Dealers may add additional margin as determined by the Dealer to cover their overheads such as shipping and marketing.
  • Initial order to be three Hov Pod units, one for demo and two for showroom or stock.
  • Hov Pod Dealers are able to assign Sub-Dealers (Resellers/Promoters), subject to approval from Hov Pod Australia, providing that proper training is provided, provision is made for spare parts and adequate support is assured.
  • To maintain agreement ongoing sales of 10 units per year is required.

Should the Hov Pod Promoter program look like a good fit for you, we require the signing of a non-disclosure agreement prior to forwarding any further specifics regarding the Hov Pod Promoter Agreement and pricing structure. Please contact our sales department on sales@myhovpod.com.au for further information. Please provide address details, along with the individuals name and company/business the non-disclosure document should be made out to.

Thank you for your interest.

Hov Pod Promoter Program
Hov Pod Australia

www.MyHovPod.com.au

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Great Hov Pod Hovercraft Overview

Contact Hov Pod Australia for more info: http://www.MyHovpPod.com.au

Loading Hov Pod on Trailer

Hov Pod loaded on trailer in 30 seconds by one man.

Hovering over eggs

The Hov Pod Hovercraft driving over eggs withought breaking any!

Hovercraft in Desert

For more info, visit: www.MyHovPod.com.au

Hovercraft Surfing

For more info, visit: www.MyHovPod.com.au

Hov Pod Promo Video

Hov Pod Promotion Video from the UK

Hov Pod Hovercraft Pulling a 720!

WildNative's Hov Pod Hovercraft pulling a 720 degree spin in a canal with passenger on back!

Kristian Aboud Interview

Kristian Aboud Channel Five Interview, regarding National Geographic Article, Mobile, AL and the Hov Pod

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Hov Pod Australia


The Hov Pod Hovercraft hit Australian Shores 12 months ago and now has Demo locations in Port Macquarie and Brisbane. Soon to follow is Sydney, with a new Warehouse complex in the works.

Interested in Hovercraft?

The Hov Pod is the worlds Number 1 selling Hovercraft for Commercial and Leisure use. Find out why by joining Hov Pod Australia for a Demo day in Brisbane during the month of February.

Visit our website http://www.hovpodhovercraft.com.au/, the facebook group "Hovercraft Fans of Australia" or call Warren Secker on 0466 521 674 for more info.

Click Here to see recent video of the Hov Pod on the Brisbane River on Australia Day.


Hov Pod Australia