If you've followed me this far, you know I have an affliction for hybrids. If this is your first time, know that I have an affliction for hybrids. Perhaps this is because I'm a Sagittarius (half-man, half-horse). Perhaps it's yin-yang. Maybe it's just because, for whatever reason, I like seeing the result of two random things being thrown together. In this instance, I present you: The Bathtub.
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Having moved out of Columbus for some place a bit more hovercraft friendly (read: no pesky neighbours living on top of you), I can across this gem while perusing Craigslist one day a few months ago (Fall 2017). I had garned a few questions and other strange comments about the Hurricane at our new abode and couldn't resist the temptation to add to the mind-bending. This little craft was brought to me by...by.... I can't honestly recall their names (I'm sorry!). The price was a little higher than I was wanting to spend (somewhere around $500, IIRC) but they would consider a lawn tractor in trade. Knowing said affliction, my friend / co-worker (co-friend?) generously donated an older Cub Cadet he'd had sitting around and *BOOM* - the Bathtub was actually delivered to me from its previous home about three hours west. |
Once the dust settled after the seller left (both seemingly satisfied with our exchange and thinking the other got the worse end) it was time to get to work. Well, other things needed to be taken care of first but a decent inspection was performed in short order. One of the cool things about this particular unit is also the most noticable - it has a canopy. No, this wasn't factory installed (this isn't a factory hovercraft, best I can tell) but whoever assembled it didn't do a half-ass job. The only thing is it's in obvious need of repair.
| In fact, like all projects, there are always repairs. Base inspection showed there to be fiberglass damage, mostly on the front and along the right side and repairs had been attempted at some point. There appears to be a piece of fiberglass missing in the seat area, though the break is clean. The engine turned over but, of course, did not start. More worrying, however, were the amount of leaves and water in the Bathtub itself. There is no drain, like the Hurricane, and pointed to its life stored outside and uncovered. Still, the price was right and there was something to work with. Why not dig in? | 
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The first place to start was...was...to pick something. First thing to come off was the canopy. It was cool but definitely in the way. Removal was straight-forward until I got to the black plywood back. It had started to rot but the problem lay with the fuel tank a previous owner had installed. I would hesitate to call what was in the tank as fuel and, as it was being fed by gravity and there was no filter, you can guess what was in the carburetor when it was removed. Regardless, everything was disassembled in sections and finally the true form of the Bathtub was realized.
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With it sitting naked, it was easier to see the potential of the hovercraft. The engine, unlike the Hurricane but like other conventional hovercraft, was in the rear. Unlike them all, it's tilted back about 45 degrees. Part of the air is ducted to feed the skirt and provide lift while the rest is used for thrust. The whole thing is mounted at three points on rubber buffers. Did it run? With syrup in the carb, of course not. But, having the experience the Hurricane, I already know it's going to be loud and vibrate the heck out of me, rubber mounts be damned. |
At this point, life intervened and I was pulled away before I could do much of anything else. I did setup a primitive siphon to remove the water and let it sit all night. Did that a second night, too, and an unexpected rain shower nixed my efforts. The third time worked beautifully with the help of a tarp and finally the Bathtub was on its way to something better. I have to admit, I like the space-age design of the Hurricane, and it fits that craft. This, however, is a beautiful amalgamation of a 1960's bumper car and claw foot tub. I wouldn't have it any other way.
