Flying Fish hovercraft heads for Harrods
Launched at the London Boat Show in January, the Flying Fish Hovercraft has made its way west to make a debut appearance at Harrods.
Known as the Volantis Junior, this British-built vessel is designed to introduce children to the exciting sport of hovercrafting. It has a single jockey-seat with handlebars for easy, single-handed operation. And while the modest 170cc four-stroke engine is no fire-breathing monster, it’s enough to generate 35 kg of lift, which will transport the average 11 to 13-year-old at speeds of up to 17 knots.
It may be small but it works according to the same principles as the company’s larger craft. The engine spins an enclosed fan (in this case a three-bladed 60cm unit), which pushes air beneath the hull into skirts (creating the lift) and pushes the rest of the air aft through the rudders (creating forward motion and steerage). But unlike the larger versions, the Junior model includes a remote engine cut-off system, enabling the supervising adult to retain proper control over their children.
At just two metres long, 1.2 metres wide, 92 cm high and 60kg in weight, it’s small enough to tow with ease and store in the back of your garage. But this first craft in the Junior range will also be joined by a 2/3 seater with a more powerful 52 hp four-stroke engine, delivering up to 50mph.
In any case, if the price tag of £9,950 doesn’t put you off (and you honestly reckon your offspring are worth it), you can see the Volantis Junior up close at the Spymaster Shops on Harrods third floor and at Selfridges in Spymaster’s basement concession area.
Specification
Maximum Speed: 20mph
Engine: Villiers four-stroke 170cc
Noise: 75dbA at 25 m
Weight: 60 kg
Fan: three-bladed 0.6 m
Hull: GRP
Skirt: Neoprene coated nylon (25 segments)
If you are seriously looking for a hovercraft, read 5 of the best hovercraft. Contact: Flying Fish Hovercraft, also see our review of the adult-sized hovercraft Flying Fish Marlin II: an affordable hovercraft.
