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 Ed Note: 5/29/02 - I just received an email from the public relations people who represented the hover craft company and they are no longer in business.
The first of two (in an eventual fleet) of futuristic hovercrafts has started service at Dock 2 in Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor, right next door to the Long Beach Aquarium.
The hovercrafts have sleek contours and a rounded nose. The crafts weigh less than most family cars at only 3,400 lbs. and stand just under six feet high. The craft are powered by twin Honda Aircraft engines and two multi-wing fans.
The Rainbow Hovercraft experience includes a ride on a six-passenger craft that begins as a boat, hovers similarly to a helicopter, and eventually flies like an airplane.
Hovercraft passengers are treated to a one-of-a-kind 30-minute "flight" across Long Beach coastal waters. Each cruise includes a unique, narrated look at numerous points of interest as passengers leave Rainbow Harbor and glide up the Los Angeles River.
HKS-700E Engine
 The ride also features thrilling maneuvers, including 360-degree spins, take-offs and landings, and "slip-slides". No two hovercraft rides are exactly the same, since water and wind conditions are constantly changing.
"Our Rainbow Hovercraft is the only one of its type in the continental United States that is U.S. Coast Guard approved for passenger transport," says Paul Buckley, Rainbow Hovercraft vice president.
"Several different types of hovercrafts are used around the world, primarily by the military and search-and-rescue teams, but few are designed specifically for passenger enjoyment. Now we're bringing the excitement of flying above the water to locals and tourists."
Rainbow Hovercrafts are flown by two U.S. Coast Guard licensed hovercraft captains. Fred Snow is the first Captain to be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate hovercraft of this type in the world. Fred is extremely knowledgeable about hovercraft theory and history. Even though Fred enjoys flying hovercrafts, he also enjoys flying helicopters, small aircraft and operating other large boats.
Dennis Buchanan is the second Captain to be licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate and fly hovercraft of this type in the world. Dennis is also extremely knowledgeable in hovercraft theory and flight. Together Dennis and Fred have perfected hovercraft maneuvers they guarantee you will enjoy.
The second hovercraft is in final production and due in Long Beach in July. Both crafts will be departing the harbor every half hour on the hour, with tickets priced at $25 per person (discounts apply to groups and children). Operating hours for Rainbow Hovercraft are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Rainbow Hovercraft offers the only uniqe and thrilling hovercraft flight of its type in the continental United States. You will fly 18 inches above the water and experience the famous 360 degree spin, slip & slide, splash down and lift off maneuvers perfected by our experienced pilots.
Rainbow Hovercraft's has only two customer service policies:
1. Passenger Safety
2. Passenger Satisfaction
Any passenger not fully satisfied will get another flight at no charge. |
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Emerson Web
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