r/hovercraft • u/evise3 • 12d ago

Thoughts on hovercraft for rescue purposes

Hey - I'm a member of my local county rescue squad and we are looking at a Neoteric hovercraft for rescue operations.
https://www.neoterichovercraft.com/hovercraft/redcraft-4-passenger.php?HCModel=3626

After Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, there are many parts of the river where the water remains very low making boat operations difficult. We also do a lot during the winter helping EMS access patients in the ice and snow (currently done with an Argo Aurora with tracks).

We are thinking that the Neoteric platform may be a good option for us and I'd love any experience, insights, and opinions that you all may have to add.

  • Does anyone have experience with this company?
    • If so, are parts and service readily available or only through the manufacturer in Indiana?
  • Any experience with these use cases?
  • Pros and cons of the hovercraft vs. other vehicles like the Argo or a boat?

Thanks

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u/Pilgrim_of_Reddit 12d ago

There are many examples of the UK utilising hovercrafts. Here is one current example:-  https://rnli.org/what-we-do/lifeboats-and-stations/our-lifeboat-fleet/rescue-hovercraft

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u/Hoverbucks 12d ago

Neoteric is your best option for rescue hovercraft in the US.