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[hoverboy]

I operate a large model hovercraft sailing/flying at two club ponds.  At one club there have never been a problem. However at the other club there appears to be objections from some members as they think hovercraft are to noisy.

Can I ask Mayhemers for their opinion on model hovercraft operating on club ponds. I genuinely would like to hear the views of others, good or bad.

Obviously there will people against hovercraft which is their right.  I  therefore am not going to reply to individuals as I am not trying to get into arguments.

Hoverboy.

[Weeds]

some always say noise disturbs wildlife such as geese and ducks...

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

It's called Bird flu, not Hovercraft flu...
Hovercraft don't leave droppings everywhere either.  ::)

I always think it's neat to see different types of models.
Hovercraft are fairly rare. So I would enjoy having one make
a go around the pond.

 

Geese and ducks can be found anywhere...

[Rex Hunt]

 

Sure they are noisier than most boats....but not much more so than fast electrics (definitely quieter than ic's!


Live and let live!


Rex

[DickyD]

I operate a large model hovercraft sailing/flying at two club ponds.  At one club there have never been a problem. However at the other club there appears to be objections from some members as they think hovercraft are to noisy.

Can I ask Mayhemers for their opinion on model hovercraft operating on club ponds. I genuinely would like to hear the views of others, good or bad.

Obviously there will people against hovercraft which is their right.  I  therefore am not going to reply to individuals as I am not trying to get into arguments.

Hoverboy.

Pete its not the members who are complaining its the neighbours (who live a fair way away) that have got the New Forest rangers to carry out random checks.

[tobyker]

I'm quite sure that with modern aircraft brushless motors, Lipo batteries etc you could build a quiet hovercraft - and possibly even re-engine a glo one with electrics for virtually the same performance.

[Stavros]

Dicky may I ask how far away is the nearest house etc,as I may well be able to help you here



Stavros

[grasshopper]

There are a few places - especially council owned, that may not allow open propellor driven craft - especially without substantial guards fitted.
Bear in mind that the blades themselves create quite a lot of noise, so even electric hovercraft can be relatively loud

On a personal note, I find one of the most annoying noises in public places is screaming children and doting mothers, but we can't ban them can we?

[DickyD]

Dicky may I ask how far away is the nearest house etc,as I may well be able to help you here



Stavros

Couple of hundred yards Stavros.

[J.beazley]

Heres a overhead map thingy of lake

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=50.790738,-1.571673&spn=0.002326,0.006185&t=h&z=18

Ive used my old hovercraft at basingstoke lake and the houses are much closer to the lake but have never had any problems with noisy craft of any description apart from IC which like most lakes is not aloud.

Its not like they can stop you floating as its a public place.

[DickyD]

The pond is leased by the club from the Forestry Commision so we have to do their bidding Jay.

[Stavros]

DickyD if the neighbours are complaining at those kind of distances then I would suggest to them to start complaining to the highways agency as there is more chance of a motorbike making more noise than a hovercraft.I would ask the Rangers next time someone complains how they are measuring the noise and if the ears of the complainants have been calibrated,and if so can you see the calibrating cert!!!!   I am being deadly serious here,as the only way to measure sound is with a noise meter that is of course calibrated.You can buy one of these from maplins and other sources.Any problems then pm me and I will lend you mine just to prove to them that it is quiet.By the way 98dba is deemed to be a noise factor and at over those kind of distance you would hardly hear a hovercraft anyway.



Stavros

[hoverboy]

Hi chaps,

Thank you all for your replies.

This matter has now been resolved satisfactory.

Pete

[andyn]

Next topic :

Banning the *(%£&$$(&%(£^*£ DUCKS!!!!

 

[Philipsparker]

I think you may have to be pragmatic and accept that you can only sail on the lake where there are no complaints. The alternative is to lose everyone access to the water. Like it or not (and I don't), the general public hate anyone who has a hobby if it isn't football, shopping or getting p****d.

They know they can't get anything done about a local road but then they use it so don't want to see it closed either. Strange blokes playing with model boats (Why don't they all grow up and do something sensible like sitting in front of the telly all day...) are an easy target. You can argue the toss with the Rangers about calibration certificates etc. but that just get THIER backs up too. And since they are stuck in the middle and not paid enough to take all the grief, future assistance isn't likely to be forthcoming even if you are correct.

Sorry to be glum about this but I've seen it before. A local model car club had complaints about noise when they put in planning permission for hardstanding in the field where they race. Complains from people living nearly a mile away on the other side of a busy road ! In the end the planning enquiry found in their favour but it was a hell of a job.

Phil