West Coast Hovercraft Inc.(WCHi), is a manufacturer and operator of high quality SEV style aluminum hovercrafts. We currently build 3 styles with passenger payloads of 4, 25, and 80 respectively. A cargo model is also available.
WCHi sells primarily to government agencies for scientific use in estuary environments and to commercial ventures operating tourist or transport businesses.
WCHi hovercrafts travel over water, land, mud flats, inter-tidal areas, swamps, rivers, rapids, snow, ice, and many other difficult terrains. Hovercrafts manufactured by West Coast Hovercraft Inc. are corrosion resistant for salt water applications. WCHi's hovercrafts are distinctive from other manufacturers' models with superior maneuverability, reliable performance, and improved safety.
Hulls are made of all aluminum construction consisting of structural beams and watertight skin. Built into every hull are compartments of closed cell foam which give the craft 200% positive flotation at gross loading. The hull design has a curving bow which prevents "plow-in", a major cause of hovercraft accidents.
The hovercraft skirt is a "bag" and "drape" design which prevents snagging and keeps spray to a minimum. WCHi reinforces the ground contact surface with Kevlar, eliminating daily maintenance from slash, tear, and abrasion. Some year end patching may be required in high wear environments.
Engines are simple and reliable. The smaller Seal craft uses a 4 cycle 35HP Briggs and Stratton and the large craft use “Hummer” diesels.
No other Hovercrafts on the market have done as much work, so continuously, with such reliability and maneuverability, as the WCHi marine hovercrafts.
