| The state of Florida is filled with lakes, swamps | | | | before you start. And remember, you get what |
| and unchartered territory that can only be | | | | you pay for, so from the safety perspective, |
| reached by airboat. Airboat popularity continues to | | | | going cheap probably isn't the best idea. |
| rise in Florida and boating enthusiasts are making | | | | Airboat safety is important. The general population |
| new airboat purchases everyday. Choosing the | | | | can't explore the type of territories that an |
| right airboat is important and can be something | | | | airboat owner can. Airboats have the versatility |
| like choosing a car or truck, it is a major purchase. | | | | that other boats don't. So in many cases and |
| There are a few things that you may want to | | | | situations, when air boating in the back areas of |
| consider as you shop for the right airboat. | | | | the rivers, eddies and swamps, you are normally |
| The following is a general outline of the topics that | | | | on your own. |
| can help you decide what you really want. | | | | It is great to have a craft that goes so many |
| You have to ask yourself many questions when | | | | places but sometimes this can also be somewhat |
| determining what airboat is best for you. Including | | | | dangerous. Travel in two or more craft if possible |
| topics such as the cost factor, whether to | | | | and have reliable communications onboard such as |
| purchase a new or used airboat. Your stability | | | | a cellular or satellite phone or a two-way radio. |
| needs to include the size of hull that you will | | | | Once you categorize your needs, it will often |
| require will help determine the size of engine. Also, | | | | determine what design is required to suit that |
| what is the main purpose of the use of the | | | | need. This will get you into the right ballpark. |
| airboat? In addition, you need to determine the | | | | Airboats hulls come in a variety of sizes of |
| performance expectancy meaning, what do you | | | | airboats. Sizes range from 10x7 ft to the large |
| want your boat to be capable of? | | | | 25x8 ft airboat. Each foot-length of boat comes in |
| Next is choosing your power drive and propeller | | | | three available widths: the 7, 7.5 or 8 ft. The most |
| design. Reliability of all welded aluminum hulls are | | | | popular sized boats are the 12-14 ft boats. There |
| other items of consideration. New or used, it is | | | | are also companies that specialize in making large |
| important to know your craft and the tolerance | | | | sized tour boats. Once you decide what hull is |
| of the hull. In reference to the boat's warranty, | | | | needed the rest of the boat comes easier. |
| materials and construction, use quality airboat | | | | It is very rewarding to step into the right airboat |
| industry standard parts. And finally, what options | | | | and enjoy the endless acres of fun and water |
| would you like on your airboat. | | | | forgotten and unused by conventional craft. Be |
| Whichever options you decide to choose, consider | | | | safe, know your limitations and let it happen. |
| what you are doing and what you are getting into | | | | |