OK, I have not posted here for some days now, as I have had to work a lot at the boat shop. People are coming in after the big weekend and all want their boats fixed at the same time and they don't seem to grasp the concept of a waiting line

Usualy I have about six hours to work on the hovercraft after work. These few days I have been so tired that I am only getting in about two a day.
Now for the update: I have made a removeable top for the craft out of plywood and 1/4" square pine rods (they were a pain to cut from the original 2x4). I have made the top removeable because I like to have access to the lift fans and r/c equipment when I am finished. On the removeable top section, I have also made a smaller hatch which is much easier to take off and provides quick access to the battery. The front console will feature a windsheild (plexiglass so it is bullet-proof ) and a steering wheel and guages. As of now, they still need to be made, allong with the rear console and thrust motor mount.

The duct for the thrust fan is made out of two peices of 1/32" birch ply sandwhiching 1/8" balsa strips. The ring is very sturdy so I have no worries about it being damaged. The 550 motor I am using for forward thrust may look familiar to some of you out there - It is the very same one I had in my first and second airboats, and is still running nicely. It will be spinning a 7x4 prop.

Hopefully I can get some more done on this project, I want to have a working hovercraft by Sunday, and a painted one by the end of next week.