RESOURCES
About HovercraftNeoteric is the original light hovercraft manufacturer and THE GATOR™ is the culmination of Neoteric's 50+ years of experience in light hovercraft design, development and engineering. Its design embodies all of the advantages and advances Neoteric has innovated-side-by-side seating, fully enclosed cabin, highly developed reverse thrust for braking and maneuverability, more cockpit room, increased thrust and low weight. Great efforts have been taken to ensure the Gator's aesthetically appealing military looking profile and camouflage design. Engineered to satisfy expectations and to give long life and value , The Gator™ is the industry standard for Rescue and Military light hovercraft. This hovercraft is the only vehicle able to perform fast, safe operations on swift water, thin or broken ice, snow, mud, swampland, and flood waters. Because it safely hovers 9 inches above the terrain, a hovercraft keeps military personnel above the danger - not in it - and allows them access to areas that helicopters or boats cannot reach.
PATENT
Neoteric's innovative reverse thrust system, patented worldwide, makes THE GATOR™ by Neoteric Hovercraft, the only hovercraft in the world with effective brakes and the unique ability to brake, hover in place, and back up at more than 25 mph. Neoteric hovercraft are also the lightest and quietest production hovercraft in the industry.
EXCELLENCE IN HOVERCRAFT TECHNOLOGY
Neoteric has a level of experience and professionalism superior to any other light hovercraft manufacturer. When the U. S. Coast Guard surveyed marine craft manufacturers, they discovered that most of them had no engineers at all, while Neoteric has been founded by a team of Engineers. This is why they consistently produce hovercraft that are innovative and a standard in the industry.
100HP ENGINE
THE GATOR™ is a custom-built lightweight and rugged, all-terrain hovercraft designed specifically to meet military standards. Powered by a heavily-modified 100HP engine to provide extra durability, weight-saving, lift, speed and reliability.
THE GATOR™ model is also custom-built with advanced parts and materials such as:
These light-saving parts and materials not only make the hovercraft lighter and more efficient, they also provide increased strength, improved performance, aerodynamics, durability and safety.
Also included in THE GATOR™ Model:
NEOTERIC PATENTED REVERSE THRUST SYSTEM
Patented worldwide, this system provides all Neoteric hovercraft models with superb maneuverability for reversing, yaw, spinning, braking, maintaining lift cushion downwind at speed, and is absolutely essential over ice and rapidly flowing water. Delivering 60% thrust when reversing, the Neoteric reverse thrust system is well ahead of jet aircraft in efficiency, in that they typically deliver a mere 18%. THE GATOR™ is so efficient that it can achieve a speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) in reverse.
LOWEST THRUST LINE
Having a smaller fan than any other hovercraft manufacturer's, the thrust is nearer to the traveling surface. This enables Neoteric hovercraft to remain level (trimmed) even as thrust and engine speed change. It also provides improved banking for turns, ameliorates fan torque, which causes other hovercraft to roll to one side during acceleration, and renders the machine more stable than those with larger fans.
DUAL DIRECTION RUDDERS
Stationary blades behind the fan straighten the turbulent air flow so that it crosses the rudders evenly. Neoteric's one-of-a-kind stator system makes rudders 100% effective, left or right. They improve the efficiency of the lift system, the reverse thrust system when fitted, and cause an increase in the amount of thrust.
LOWEST PROFILE AND CENTER OF MASS
Five main benefits result from Neoteric's minimum overall height: a significant reduction of air drag, less crosswind impairment of maneuverability, increased ability to clear overhanging obstructions, increased stability through virtually eliminating the danger of turning over, and a sleek, sporty appearance.
HAND-LAID FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION
Each Neoteric hovercraft is individually crafted from carefully chosen materials and components to ensure a high degree of quality and performance. The use of fiberglass composite urethane and PVC foam core construction rather than thermoplastic, results in a lightweight, rigid and durable craft that can easily be repaired.
BROAD BAND EXHAUST
THE GATOR™ has an exhaust system that defies extremes in air temperature and air density. This improves engine performance in hot or cold climates and at varied altitudes.
SUPERIOR STEERING SYSTEM
It's simple logic. A lighter craft moves more easily and allows increased payload capacity. Neoteric makes the lightest production hovercraft on the market, requiring minimal cruising power and resultant ease of handling.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL SKIDS
Wide, smooth skids run the full length of THE GATOR™, providing it with the capacity to land safely in any direction at any speed. It also keeps the hull from digging into the terrain. Constructed of thick and renewable composite fiberglass, the skids are extremely strong, have a long life expectancy, and are designed to match the rollers of the ingenious Neoteric trailering system.
LEVEL FLIGHT
With a normal load, Neoteric hovercraft are properly trimmed, maintaining an even hoverheight. Inferior designs have nose-up trim, which causes uneven skirt wear and increased drag and spray.
CONTROLLED CRUISING THROTTLE
Instead of requiring constant manual pressure on the throttle, Neoteric hovercraft allow the pilot to relax by setting the proper tension in the adjustable BMW cruise throttle.
UP-FRONT, REMOTE ENGINE CHOKING
Rather than having to manipulate the choke on the engine module, Neoteric has adapted a BMW choke control which operates easily from the handle bar.
FULL ANALOG INSTRUMENTATION
THE GATOR™ features analog gas gauge, cylinder head temperature gauge, exhaust gas temperature gauge, hour meter and tachometer so the pilot can see the needle positions and note changes at a glance; something impossible to do with digital instrumentation, especially in bright sunlight, where all one sees is a series of dimly flashing numbers. The rate of change is readily apparent too. As another convenience, for night use, most instruments are illuminated.
POLYCARBONATE WINDSHIELD
All hovercraft generate a fine mist or spray that can be blown back on the passengers. THE GATOR™ windshield deflects spray around the front of the passenger compartment, keeping everyone drier.
LOWEST NOISE LEVEL
Due to Neoteric's engineering expertise, THE GATOR™ is the quietest production hovercraft in the industry. This is the result of the adoption of a slow fan tip speed and minimal clearance between fan and intake ducting.
LARGEST INNER HULL DRAIN
One 114 mm diameter drain plug is effective when draining the hovercraft while cleaning or for a fast remedy after taking on water.
EASIEST SKIRT ATTACHMENT
In the event that a skirt needs replacement, simply slide the new skirt into the slot along the craft's edge. No mechanical fasteners are needed, which also results in a smooth, sleek, uncomplicated appearance.
ANTIPLOW/ANTIDIVE HULL
Occasionally, hovercraft will plow into the water, sometimes ejecting passengers. Neoteric has developed an antidive, antiplow hull to minimize the chance of this occurring. The hull merely kisses the water and bounces back up.
HOVERING AND FLOATING STABILITY
When floating in water, the buoyancy of a raft-like, solid urethane hull provides a high degree of stability, enabling passengers to move about on a level surface. Its actually possible for two or more people to stand securely on the side of the craft without tipping.
FULLY ENCLOSED ENGINE MODULE
To prevent the ingestion of foreign objects that could damage the engine, fan, transmission and stator blades, the entire machinery module is covered with a wire mesh that can easily be opened for maintenance by lifting one, over-center, stainless steel latch.
SKIRT PROTECTION SYSTEM
When skirts become damaged, there is a loss of cushion air and therefore, hoverheight. This reduces the craft's performance and maneuverability. Neoteric's patent pending design minimizes air loss, which helps maintain the hovercraft hoverheight and ease of operation, even if extensive skirt damage has occurred.
ONE PERSON STATIC LOADING AND UNLOADING SYSTEM
With Neoteric's trailer system, one person can load and unload the hovercraft. Simply winch the craft on to load, or lift the trailer hitch to roll the hovercraft off. Static loading produces less noise and dust...a real benefit at crowded launching ramp or parking lot.
UNDERHULL INSPECTION ABILITY
Unlike other trailers that have a flat, solid deck, the winch-on Neoteric trailer is completely open, allowing convenient skirt and underhull inspections and maintenance.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Weighing less than 190 lb (86 kg), Neoteric winch-on trailers are easily stored on their side to save space, and require less energy to tow than other trailers.
SPARE INCLUDED
A spare tire is situated on the front of the trailer for easy access when needed.
PATENTED SWING ARMS
Two, rear-mounted pivoting arms simplify the trailering process by providing an easy, light weight way to attach the tail light and license plate, while also creating a three point lock-down for securing the craft.
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