SCOTT SODERVICK, WABASH, IN
Buying a Hovercraft - On Line!
A
side benefit of my job as a Quality Engineer in the automotive
industry is exposure to the Internet. I've discovered the ease of
using the Internet to find all sorts of products and get the best
prices - both business related and personal products. Items that
I used to spend time driving to larger cities to find are now
available from my house or my office.
I've found that the Internet can save money by comparison pricing
products that I would have normally bought in a retail store. I
can use my computer to jump from "store to store" and
quickly find the exact same product offered by several retailers,
often at different prices. One particular piece of hunting
equipment I wanted was offered on three different web sites at
prices ranging from $288.00 to $350.00. This was a $62.00 price
difference for the exact same product! I bought it at the lowest
price and it was delivered to my door in less than a week.
Last summer my wife convinced me that at age 41, I needed a
recreational vehicle. The Internet became my first shopping stop.
At this point, I wasn't sure exactly what type of
"recreational vehicle" I was after. I just knew I
wanted to find a "boat" that was capable of exploring
one of the unused natural resource in my area - Indiana's 500
mile long Wabash River. I also wanted something that could
navigate the two flood control reservoirs that are just minutes
from my house.
Browsing the Internet for "boats", I stumbled on a link
to manufacturers of Hovercraft. I was shocked! I had no idea that
affordable recreational hovercrafts were available. Hovercrafts
seemed to be the proverbial well-kept secret. I started on-line
researching and comparison-shopped for a Hovercraft. Since I
would need a source of Hovercraft information and support, I
joined the Hoverclub of America.
Like a sponge, I reviewed web site information available from
manufacturers and enthusiasts. I started researching the various
Hovercraft stores that are "on-line". I determined that
my ideal craft would be a ready-made craft, 3 person minimum
capacity, 4 cycle engine(s), low dB noise rating, reasonably
close-by manufacturer's location and a strong manufacturer's
reputation.
My research led me to the Weber's web site and their SC4
StarCruiser. Emails to several current StarCuriser owners
confirmed my choice of an SC4. I contacted the Better Business
Bureau and found no complaints. I found out that they have a
solid customer orientation. I sent them many questions by email.
They always replied. I saw evidence that they were still
supporting owners and even 2nd owners of their StarCruisers.
I placed an order by email in August and was assured of a
December delivery date.
There were two big benefits that came out of my becoming a
"Hovernaut". One is the addition of a hobby that can be
shared with my 13-year-old stepson Bill. He is almost as
fascinated by these strange flying machines as I am. He is even
more interested in WIG's. (I also recall the fascination I had as
a teenager with the "Flymo" hovering lawn mowers).
The second benefit was finding an interesting community of
hovercraft hobbyists though Internet news groups
www.egroups.com/group/hoverlovers/ and alt.rec.hovercraft at
Deja.com. Through these groups, I've met people that share many
of my similar interests - the outdoors, water, hovercrafts etc.
As I stated before, recreational Hovercrafts are a well-kept
secret. Spread the word! I am.
Pictures
and story of Scott picking up his StarCruiser at SC4 PickUp Day!
Contact Scott Sodervick
Hoverclub Member #5557
Wabash, Indiana
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