New Neoteric Hovercraft Powered by Briggs & Stratton Marine Engine

The newest Neoteric Hovercraft – the Hovertrek II – will be exclusively powered by Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40.0 Gross HP EFI – marine engine.

The Hovertrek II was designed with affordability, controllability and sustainability in mind as Neoteric continues to provide rescue agencies worldwide, as well as recreational and commercial customers, with the only hovercraft available that can brake and fly in reverse.  

The craft's design features many of the advantages and innovations brought to market by Neoteric over the years, including side-by-side seating, increased thrust and low weight. 

Neoteric turned to Vanguard’s electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology to optimize fuel injection and spark timing to deliver significant fuel savings, greater efficiency and higher productivity. Those who purchase a Hovertrek II will also have access to the expansive Briggs & Stratton service dealer network.

“The Vanguard BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI marine engine is an ideal power source for this craft because it allows us to expand into markets with more stringent environmental regulations,” said Chris Fitzgerald, president of Neoteric Hovercraft Inc. “Briggs & Stratton also has a robust global network of dealers that guarantees technical support pretty much anywhere in the world. That level of access is a real feather in our cap when it comes to supporting our hoverpilots and addressing their customer service needs promptly.”

The durable 40HP EFI engine delivers optimized performance for marine applications and utilizes V-Twin OHV Technology for better fuel economy and higher horsepower without adding excess weight. The Hovertrek II is used for transportation on a variety of surfaces, including water, sand, mud, grass, swamp, marsh, flat desert, ice and snow, and the 40HP EFI marine engine delivers fuel more efficiently to ensure a smooth performance at all elevations and in all temperatures. The engine is also equipped with features to minimize noise and vibrations while maximizing productivity to ensure quick, reliable starts in all weather conditions.

“We are excited to partner with Neoteric on the Hovertrek II with the BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI engine providing the proven power, durability and efficiency needed to help Neoteric break into new markets,” Amy West, Marketing Manager for Briggs & Stratton, said. “As a power solutions provider, Vanguard is committed to working closely with OEMs to achieve their equipment goals through cutting-edge technology advancements and versatile product offerings to meet a wide variety of application needs.” 

The enhanced controllability, storage capacity and low weight of the two-passenger vessel make it an ideal training vehicle for first responders and rescue units as they teach individuals how to operate a hovercraft for rescue missions. All the unique features of the Hovertrek II and low cost combined with the power of the BIG BLOCK 40HP EFI marine engine offers hovercraft pilots a safe and reliable ride no matter what surface they encounter.

ATTN: FIRST RESPONDERS:

 See the Neoteric Hovertrek II and its new engine

April 28-30 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference

(FDIC International) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Neoteric will hold live hovercraft demos at Outdoor Demo Booth 19403.

Considering a hovercraft? Fly before you buy!

Whether you’re interested in a rescue, recreational, commercial or military hovercraft, Neoteric gives you the perfect way to find out if a hovercraft is right for you before you buy one: Take a Test Flight or Flight Training & Maintenance Course. Check out this gallery of photos & comments from people who’ve done just that …

Mark Sidell, Washington USA: Recreational hovercraft

Marc’s Training Course left him even more interested in owning a recreational hovercraft.  “It was the best day, and very eye opening. And I loved the safety of being trained by someone so experienced and qualified. The Neoteric craft is versatile and you can go just about anyplace – like you can fly up a steep boat ramp. I think a hovercraft gives you a lot of independence and freedom to do things you wouldn’t dare do otherwise.”

Walt Sitz, Oregon USA: Rescue hovercraft

Walt belongs to Crisis Response International, a non-profit organization that provides rescue and relief support to humanitarian missions worldwide. Before he bought his craft, he took Neoteric’s Training Course. He said, “Hovercraft intrigued me because boats can’t get everywhere … I've been watching hovercraft for quite awhile and Neoteric kept coming up as the best one. Your reverse thrust system – you need to have that kind of control … That’s what brought us here – and we get to try it out before we buy … Training should be the first step in any vehicle. You don’t just jump in a plane and say, ‘I think I can figure it out.’”

David Olson, Minnesota USA: Commercial hovercraft

David's company, D & T Landscaping, Inc., wanted to see if a hovercraft could help his company manage environmental hazards such as blowing dust, at a major taconite mining region in Minnesota. After his Training Course, he bought two custom hovercraft designed to carry 100 gallons of dust suppression agent and a spraying system. He said, “Even if we can cover 80% of what’s not being covered today, that’s a significant improvement. It’s pretty exhilarating. It’s fun! I could see myself personally wanting one. And it’s much more stable than I anticipated.”

Alberto Torruella, Puerto Rico: Recreational & Commercial hovercraft

Alberto, in his 80s, lives on a beach, and also owns a hotel and golf course. He wanted a hovercraft to fly him over the beach and sea, but he wanted it to be a Neoteric hovercraft golf cart so he could attract business to his hotel. Before he bought his HoverGolf Cart, he took a Training Course “to see how it works out, whether I can handle it … “It was very enjoyable – and different. I used to drive motorcycles so I’m used to speed and crazy things – but not this crazy! I mean, you’re going 30 mph and all of a sudden you can spin and go backwards! Being able to fly backwards, etc. – it adds to the fun!”

Council Bluffs Fire Department, Iowa USA: Rescue hovercraft

When Council Bluffs Fire Department decided to purchase a Neoteric rescue hovercraft, their first responders immediately completed a Training Course, which included flood rescue techniques. After their training, Fire Chief Justin James reported, “It was awesome being able to operate in deep and shallow flood water without having to worry about destroying a motor or a boat. We also got to train rescuing victims that may be stranded in trees or roofs of homes due to rising waters. We simply used the craft to hover into and hold position near these real obstacles.”

Cory Lingelbach, Utah USA: Military hovercraft

Cory is a U.S. Air Force Firefighter at Hill Air Force Base. Soon after his Training Course and the purchase of two hovercraft, an Air Force F-16 jet crashed on nearby mudflats at 300 mph. The pilot, who safely ejected before the impact, was rescued via hovercraft. Cory reported, "We launched from land then hit the water then land, water, and land again. This just goes to show you the hovercraft are very versatile. We use our hovercraft on and off our base. Without the level of training sophistication that Neoteric’s Training Course provided, we would never be able to perform our missions the way we do.”

David Kallman, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, added, "This is the first time our hovercraft were used in a real-world situation. We wouldn't have been able to get out to the crash site and rescue the pilot without them. They are state of the art. The Salt Flats are full of crevices and holes filled with water … but the hovercraft glide right over the uneven terrain and go where no other vehicles could go."

Paul Thrift, Indiana USA: Recreational hovercraft

When Paul thought about a hovercraft as a family recreational vehicle, he didn’t just call and place an order, even though he lives in the city where Neoteric is located. Instead, he signed up for a Test Flight and Training Course.  “I wouldn’t even consider getting one without this training; it’s an absolute must. And Chris was impressive beyond words, given his history and passion for it, which shines through … The day here was well worth it. Even if I didn’t go on to purchase a hovercraft, I would count the day a success and worth the money and time, just for the experience. I’d do it again just for the enjoyment! … It gives you the freedom to go wherever you want and experience the elements and spin around and not have the limitations of a wheeled or grounded vehicle. It looks like my family and I will be able to enjoy it recreationally, to access rivers and lakes, cruising, pleasure riding. My 16-year old son is especially excited about it – he thinks it’s pretty cool!”

Cory Wendt, Alaska USA: Commercial hovercraft

Cory Wendt owns a trout fishing lodge in Alaska. He and his father came to Neoteric for Test Flights to determine whether to buy a 4-passenger or 6-passenger hovercraft. After their flights, he said, “It was smoother than I expected. I didn’t expect it to be able to go through all the mud and sticks. I figured all those sticks would break up the air flow, but they didn’t … I didn’t fully have an appreciation until I drove it; it started to feel more like an aircraft. I could understand why training is important – I’d read it and heard it but didn’t really appreciate it until I was at the controls.”

Is a hovercraft right for you?

Find out with a Test Flight or Training Course ...

#TBT: Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action at #FDIC

Firefighters and first responders: Kick off this #ThrowbackThursday with a video of a Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft in action at last April’s Fire Department Instructors Conference. Watch how the only hovercraft with reverse thrust for braking and backing up can be critical in rescue operations. First responders, this lets you easily reach the victim without having to submerge yourself in water, ice, snow, mud, etc. …

On to the future ... Mark your calendars now so you can get off to a flying start at FDIC 2019. Come to Neoteric Demo Booth 19403 to experience a rescue hovercraft flight every half hour. This is your chance to see why your fellow #firefighters and first responders in more than 50 nations rely on Neoteric hovercraft to keep them safe and take them where no other apparatus can go.

This is an ideal opportunity for you to see firsthand why Neoteric hovercraft are recognized worldwide as the fastest, safest, easiest way to rescue water, ice, swift water, mud and flood victims. Don't miss out!

Hovercraft: The Safest Flood Rescue Vehicle

Flooding has been a serious problem in the United States this year. The current threat is focused on the central states; hopefully it won’t reach the catastrophic proportions suffered by Texas and Oklahoma a few weeks ago. In May, Texas was deluged with 35 trillion gallons of rain, creating the deadliest national disaster in the U.S. this year.

This newscast describes the disaster and the role of Neoteric hovercraft in the massive rescue efforts …

As the Dallas police officer discovered when his patrol car was trapped by flood waters, vehicle drivers are the most common victims in flood emergencies. During the Texas floods, more than 500 water rescues were performed, and the majority of them were stranded motorists. At least 2,500 vehicles were abandoned when drivers had to seek higher ground.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard, and that more than half of all flood-related drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into hazardous water. It warns, “People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream … A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.”

That’s why hovercraft are a critical rescue vehicle in flood and swiftwater rescue operations. And the Neoteric Rescue Hovertrek with its exclusive reverse thrust tops the maneuverability of other models. Flying 9 inches above the surface, the HoverTrek performs in shallow, debris-filled, fast-flowing water and allows rapid, up-close access to victims without forcing first responders to enter the water. In dangerous flood waters, there’s no better way to save lives – or to keep rescuers from becoming the rescued.

First responders: Now is the time for a demo. 

See what the HoverTrek can do for you, with a Text Flight or Training Course.

Hovercraft video: Lake Havasu HoverFest

Neoteric customer Gary Meyers created this great video of the 2015 Lake Havasu, AZ HoverFest, a part of the Lake Havasu Boat Show, one of the premiere boat shows in the Southwest USA. As you can see, Neoteric recreational hovercraft were well-represented! Watch them in action ...



There's just no better way to enjoy the outdoors than a Neoteric hovercraft - but don't take our word for it - check out what our customers say ...

A hovercraft will replace most of your other recreational vehicles - boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, snowmobiles and more - giving you an all-in-one, all-season vehicle that will take you places all these others can't reach.

And there's no easier way to experience for yourself what a hovercraft can do than to take a Test Flight or Training Course on a Neoteric hovercraft. Sign up today and get ready for the ride of your life!

Why do first responders prefer hovercraft to rescue boats?

With warmer weather ahead, first responders will soon be occupied with water and flood rescues. Unfortunately, too many fire departments and other rescue agencies are still relying on boats rather than hovercraft for water rescue operations.

Why would they need a hovercraft if they already have rescue boats? Here’s a quick video that helps answer that question. The Napoleon, Ohio Fire Department’s Neoteric hovercraft rescues not only a family stuck in a boat on the Maumee River – they also rescue the first responders whose boats became stuck or damaged in the shallow water!

The river was too shallow for the first rescue boat and it became stuck; the rocks clipped the propellers of the second rescue boat - turning this simple rescue into a three-hour ordeal.

Flat bottom Jon boats and other propeller-driven watercraft are of little use in shallow water or in flood water; debris and obstructions can not only damage rescue boats, but can pose a serious danger to first responders and to those whose lives they are tasked to save.

But don't just take our word for it. Read what just a few of our customers have to say about hovercraft versus rescue boats ...

Norman Township Fire Department, Michigan: "We perform water and ice rescues on the rapidly running, narrow, difficult to access Pine River, with rocks, downed trees and steep banks. We considered purchasing a jet boat, but its problems were quickly apparent when, during the company demo, rocks in the river caused the jet boat to break down."

Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue Society, Canada: "The hovercraft gets us into areas that before we weren't able to reach, areas that our jet boat can't get into because we ingest debris into the impeller. And the hovercraft saves us a lot of time."

Mansfield Fire Department, Texas: "The benefit of having these hovercraft is we do not have to send our personnel into the water to retrieve victims. They're also able to hover over logs, car tires and any other debris, unlike boats, that could be a hazard in the water."

Roswell Fire Department, Georgia: "On low water, our aluminum boat can only go so far. With the hovercraft, we can travel over rocks, shallow water, sandbars."

Snohomish County Fire District 19, Washington: "At the bridge collapse, there was a lot of debris in the water. Boats weren't able to get into the wreckage, but we were able to hover back and forth through the debris and search for victims. We don't have to worry about what's underneath us."

First responders, come experience for yourself how a hovercraft can operate in conditions that prohibit the use of rescue boats - keeping you above the danger, not in it ...

Take a Test Flight or Training Course 

and

Learn more about Neoteric Rescue Hovercraft

Hovercraft: Fly Before You Buy

How many people buy a car before they learn how to drive? Even as a licensed driver, would you buy a car without taking it out for a demo? Of course you wouldn’t. 

That’s why Neoteric has a “Fly Before You Buy” policy: We highly recommend that anyone considering purchasing a hovercraft first enroll in a flight training course on a Neoteric craft at Hovercraft Training Centers. Here’s an example of the benefits of this approach …

Rusty Roush, a CPA from Amarillo, Texas, was considering a career change. He was familiar with hovercraft, but the Bubba’s Hover video piqued his interest, so he contacted Neoteric, explaining, “I’m trying to see if it’s something that’s fun and easy to learn, and what business applications it might have.” Roush took advantage of Neoteric’s “Fly Before You Buy” policy and enrolled in Hovercraft Training Centers’ Standard Training Course: 

After a morning of classroom instruction, instructor Chris Fitzgerald trains Roush to conduct a thorough preflight inspection.

Fitzgerald, in the pilot seat, shows Roush how easily the Neoteric Hovertrek™ transitions from land to water.

Roush, now at the controls, learns how to operate the patented reverse thrust buckets that give the Hovertrek™ its incomparable maneuverability.

Back at headquarters, Roush (center), accompanied by his wife Debbie, accepts his hovercraft pilot certification.

Even though Roush was impressed by the Neoteric hovercraft and by his training course, he and his wife were uncertain that a hovercraft was right for them. For one reason, “We don’t have a lot of water in Amarillo,” he said. “It’s not like here, where you can just bop over to the river. I guess I’m just exploring …”

And that’s exactly the right reason to enroll in hovercraft training: to explore – and to save money, as well. If you decide a hovercraft is right for you, Neoteric will deduct the cost of your HTC training course from the purchase price. If not, you’ve invested very little for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that enables you to make an informed decision!

Learn more at Hovercraft Training Centers