Commercial

Hovercraft for commercial applications.

The ‘Freestyle XL’ is the larger upgrade to the standard Freestyle hovercraft model, lengthened for larger payloads and ideal as a no-frills commercial support craft.

This versatile hovercraft can be flown easily, it is extremely nimble and cost effective being light-weight and economical. It can be used by activity centres to give passenger rides, or as a long-distance cruiser.

Boasting a padded upholstered jockey-style seat, this hovercraft is a simpler form of our upgraded Beast XL model, which has all the performance benefits of our higher specification models.

To show its durability and reliability we have taken 2 Freestyle hovercraft across the English Channel and back, twice! So we are proud to introduce this upgraded ‘XL version.

TIDAL-PRO HOVERCRAFT.

This versatile craft is essentially an upgrade to its predecessor, the Coastal-Pro XL. Incorporating a larger front fan duct to accommodate the larger, more powerful Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 627cc lift engine, we have also designed a convenient flip-front bonnet for easy access to the larger lift engine for servicing & inspection. This new bonnet also has a redesigned air intake system, for increased induction capability.

The BHC Tidal-Pro is well equipped, whether you want a cruising, recreational hovercraft with extra lift capacity, a practical, light commercial hovercraft for survey/crew transfer/emergency standby cover; marine studies, mud/emergency response or rescue & recovery craft – then the Tidal-Pro is the hovercraft you’ve been waiting for!

 The ability to fly over land, water, mud, snow & ice without causing ground disturbance, water wake or exhausting poisonous gases into the water, gives our hovercraft unique and ecologically favourable access to otherwise inaccessible or protected areas.

This upgraded craft will incorporate all the best elements of the Coastal-Pro and Coastal-Pro XL, ensuring The British Hovercraft Company continues to manufacture the most versatile & efficient 4-seater hovercraft in its class.

Also due to high demand, for icy cold environments we have now included the long-awaited option of an interchangeable cabin cuddy, this functional & practical addition is purely for pilot protection from inclement weather, with function over form.

The Coastal Pro XL MACV is our top of the range hovercraft and has proved its value in a variety of demanding applications & conditions. With uses ranging from rescue craft on frozen Finnish rivers to UXO (munitions) detection in Kuwaiti oil pits - It’s provided an invaluable platform for commercial and utility work such as accessing island homes, intertidal crew transfer on civil engineering projects, geotechnical survey platform and regular TV and media work.

In intertidal areas, there is simply no easier way to travel. It is safe, environmentally friendly (no surface damage or exhaust gases into the water),  and it's economical and reliable.

MACV specification craft include the following upgrades as standard:

• Stronger hull with additional Kevlar/Diolen for the impacts of commercial operations. 
• Fire retardant resin in engine bay areas and covers                             
• Steering lock to enable emergency amid ships steering lock                         
• Additional electric bilge pump                                                         
• Navigation lights, All round white light, LED Light Bar                               
• Seats modified for mud escape                                               
• Manufacturers Build Certificate                                                       
• Additional Fire Extinguisher                                                                         
• Twin 12v Batteries with changeover & isolator switch                         
• Lifelines mounted to the side of the craft                                             
• Compass                                                                                 
• VHF Flushmounted with VHF Antenna Kit fitted                         
• Anchor & Rope                                                                         
• Lifebuoy mounted on fan duct                                         
• Paddle oar with hook
• USB Port
• Chrome Kit

Following Publication and adoption of the MCA 'Hovercraft Code of Practice CoP-23, small hovercraft are able to operate in limited commercial roles without a requirement for coding (see the Code for details of operating areas and crew requirements). This saves a considerable cost and of coiurse, whilst there is a specification which must be met, the MCA designation will be applied to BHC craft whaich are built and certified to HCoP commercial standards

Various colours available on request.

 

 

The Coastal-Pro MACV has proved its value in a variety of demanding conditions. With uses ranging from rescue craft on frozen Finnish rivers to UXO detection in Kuwaiti oil pits, it’s provided a platform for commercial and utility work such as accessing island homes, intertidal crew transfer on civil engineering projects, geotechnical survey platform and regular TV and media work. In an intertidal area, there is simply no better way to travel. It is safe, fast and cost-effective. When built to MACV specification, it includes the following upgrades as standard.

Hull - Hull layup stronger and strengthened in accordance with specific customer requirements. Top deck edging reinforcement, Kevlar reinforced floor. Fireproof engine cover. Non-slip flooring.
Steering - Modified to allow rudders to be locked amidships.
Bilge Pump - Upgraded bilge pump and manual pumping system.
Electrics - Twin 12v batteries with change over/isolator switch. Modified electrical system to comply with HCoP. IP66 Switching.
Lighting - Navigation Lights, All-Round White Light, flashing yellow beacon, and forward facing lightbar.
Comms - Fixed DSC VHF Radio.
Certification - Manufacturers Build Certificate.
Equipment - Extra fire extinguisher, compass, anchor & scope, towline, paddle/boat hook, Signal table, radar reflector, thermal blankets, flare kit, first aid kit. Mud escape mat.
Lifelines - Twin loop lifeline fitted to either side of hovercraft.
Engines - V-Twin 23bhp lift engine. Upgraded 50bhp ‘Rampage’ thrust engine.
Lifebuoy - Mounted on duct with danbuoy.

The Hovercraft Code of Practice (HCoP) includes an ‘Ultralight’ category which allows hovercraft limited commercial operations without a requirement for ‘coding.’ This requires some additional equipment and hull modifications to the basic Coastal-Pro XL. Once certified by us, and subject to relevant permissions, permits and crewing, you can then operate commercially in restricted UK waters for roles such as crew transfer, geotechnics, survey, safety & standby, wildlife protection, water sampling etc.

The Coastal Pro XL is the largest hovercraft (at present) manufactured by BHC and we are proud of its abilities. Able to carry every piece of kit needed in a commercial working environment, this is the hovercraft of choice for many marine staff transport companies, environment agencies and search and rescue teams alike. At home in demanding commercial roles The Coastal Pro XL can withstand conditions that far exceed any other commercial hovercraft of its size.