PLEDGE $45 OR MORE - A Longer Ride
You'll get a 15min ride on a Mercier-Jones hovercraft with at least one advanced maneuver like a 360 spin! You will also receive a print, T-shirt, and your name on the website.
PLEDGE $65 OR MORE - Hovercraft Developer
Become a part of the development team by receiving your own plans for building the MML1 "Red Bench" hovercraft. The MML1 is a proof of concept prototype for a simplified hovercraft lift system, so there is no thrust or controls. The design is not refined, but with these plans, you can build the version we made, and work with us on refining it! We've included formulas and tips to help you advance. ($45 level rewards included)
PLEDGE $80 OR MORE - Hovercraft Pilot
Pilot the Mercier-Jones hovercraft for 30 minutes. This is not just a ride, you get to fly it! An instructor will ride along with you and give you training and tips on controlling the vehicle. This is what it’s all about, piloting the future! Of course, you'll also get a t-shirt, print, and your name on the website.
PLEDGE $100 OR MORE - Hovercraft Pilot and Developer
Become a pilot and developer! You'll get the MML1 plans, the 30 minute pilot session, the t-shirt, print, and your name on the website under "Top Backers".
PLEDGE $150 OR MORE - Facility Tour
You get to peek behind the curtain and look under the skirt of the hovercraft during a hands-on facility tour. Come see the research and development center, and learn how to work with carbon fiber! ($100 level rewards included)
PLEDGE $250 OR MORE - A Piece of History
Keep a part of hovercraft and transportation history forever. You’ll get a carbon fiber piece of a Mercier-Jones hovercraft body panel mounted and identified on a 5x7" plaque. Hang this on your wall and show it off to all your friends! ($100 level rewards included)
PLEDGE $350 OR MORE - Inner Circle
Become a part of the Mercier-Jones Inner Circle. You’ll get updates on new vehicle models and types in development, before anyone else. Experience an inside scoop on the design and build process. You’ll get priority access and position on waiting lists for this and any future Mercier-Jones vehicles. And to top it off, you’ll get 2 piloting sessions on this hovercraft and every Mercier-Jones vehicle to come! ($150 level rewards included)
PLEDGE $15,000 OR MORE (3 available) - Take Home the Future
You get a pre-production Mercier-Jones hovercraft and amazement in the eyes of everyone who sees you piloting it. We will deliver it to you personally within the USA. Celebration and VIP treatment are guaranteed. ($350 level rewards included)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I use the Mercier-Jones hovercraft? What are the laws for them?
Hovercraft can be used in water such as lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans and on land such as fields, beaches, dirt and gravel. Hovercraft can also be used in areas such as swamps, frozen waterways, dry riverbeds and a large variety of other locations.
When operating a hovercraft over water, the hovercraft should be registered and insured as a boat. When operating a hovercraft on land, it should be registered and insured as an all-terrain vehicle.
Can they survive rough waters?
This first Mercier-Jones hovercraft model is about the size of a small speed boat, so it will be able to handle about the same water conditions. Generally, if its not safe for you to be out in a small boat, you would want to hover on land for that day.
Are hovercraft street legal? Can I drive this on the road?
Hovercraft are not currently street legal, but Mercier-Jones has plans in the pipeline for that.
What safety considerations went into the design?
Four of the top safety considerations are number one, protecting the pilot and passengers from the lift and thrust fans. The cockpit is not exposed to any of the fans and the intakes and exhausts are protected by guards to keep the fans out of accidental reach. Second, the cockpit and windshield serve to protect passengers from debris. Third, the hovercraft will have inherent flotation and emergency power to get the hovercraft to shore if something unexpected happens while out on the water. Fourthly, the ability to reverse thrust and maneuver with ease gives the pilot more control and ability to avoid a collision.
When can I buy a Mercier-Jones hovercraft?
At the end of the indiegogo campaign, Mercier-Jones will offer the opportunity to get on the waiting list for the first production ready hovercrafts. The first production versions are estimated to be ready by September 2013. Contribute at the $15,000 level to get one sooner and at a great price!
![Cruising in the Ice White Hovercraft Cruising in the Ice White Hovercraft]()