- Airboats are also sometimes referred to as “fanboats.”
- Airboats are propelled with either aircraft or automotive engines.
- Automative engines are preferred for airboats, as automative gas is much less expensive than aviation gas.
- Airboat hulls are made out of aluminum or fiberglass.
- Airboat propellers can produce prop wash behind them of around 150mph.
- Propellers must be enclosed within protective cages to prevent injury to riders and operators.
- Operators of airboats must have extensive operational safety knowledge.
- Airboats do not have brakes and cannot move in reverse.
- Airboats are steered by passing forced air across vertical rudders.
- Airboats have no operating parts below waterline.
- Airboats have elevated seats for operators and passengers that allow for better views.
- Modern airboats are equipped with mufflers to reduce the loud noise given off from engines and propellers.
- The first airboat was built in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1905 and was nicknamed the “Ugly Duckling.”
- The first airboat registered in Florida was brought to the area in 1920.
- The first commercial airboat in Florida appeared in the early 1930′s.
- Many modern airboats are homemade and the few manufacturers that do exist tend to be small and family-operated.
- Modern airboats are used for eco-tourism, fishing, hunting, and rescue.
- During Hurricane Katrina, airboats were used to save thousands of New Orleans residents and flood victims.
- Airboats are currently used by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Military, and U.S. Special Forces.
- Airboats are currently being used in Iraq for border patrol.
To experience the thrill and excitement of an Everglades airboat ride in person, visit Captain Mitch today. As a member of the original airboat tour family in Everglades City, Captain Mitch grew up on airboats and is truly the best and most experienced guide in the area.