'Solent Express' Hovercraft Exclusive.

20/3/2013

Solent Express Hovercraft

Some may of been wondering what's happened to Hovertravel's largest craft, Solent Express since we last reported that it was taken out of service in November 2011 following a propeller failure. Well Solent Express (pictured left) has been undergoing trials off Ryde beach over the last 2 days alongside a new Griffon 8000 hovercraft which is the first of 6 ordered from sister company, Griffon Hoverwork by the Indian Coast Guard.

But we had noticed that all the 'Hovertravel' lettering and logos have been removed from her exterior so we contacted Hovertravel's managing director, Neil Chapman who exclusively revealed to Island Explorer today, that "Solent Express is currently undergoing trials following the problem with one of her thrust propellers and is currently also being used as a demonstrator craft by our sister company, Griffon Hoverwork. She is being demonstrated alongside a new Griffin 8000 hovercraft and a smaller military version to potential international clients who are on the Isle of Wight at the moment. So at the moment, we are having to squeeze 5 hovercrafts onto our Ryde pad! "

Mr Chapman went on to say, "The future of Solent Express as far as Hovertravel is concerned, remains uncertain. There are no immediate plans for her to return as part of the cross Solent service along side the two AP-188 Crafts; 'Freedom 90' and 'Island Express'. We feel that although she is a wonderful craft, she is too large for the route. At present, there are still tests being carried out to the thrust propeller and once she obtains her sea-worthiness certificate from the MCA again, we will then decide on her future."

3 Comments

Michael

15/4/2013 08:25:12 am

I think that if you sell this hovercraft it will be a huge waste of the £6 million pounds that it cost to build.... why not sell one of the dated AP188's and use Solent Express alongside either Freedom 90 or Island Express and lower the ticket prices. Also.... there were no signs of this craft being too large for the route before the propeller snapped off so is this a sign of other things wrong with the craft or is there a concern that this will happen again?

Also remember that Double 'o' Seven was sold so this craft could enter service!

In my opinion there has been so much money put into this Hovercraft and therefore it would be a waste of money to sell it.

Darren Anderson

2/8/2015 01:55:41 am

OK. The last update was over 2 years ago! What's the latest?

Neil

26/8/2015 08:55:03 am

Hi Darren. Sorry it's took so long in replying but things have been a bit hectic behind the scenes! We have contacted Hovertravel for an update on Solent Express and they tell us that she's currently 'moth balled' at Griffon Hoverworks in Southampton. Apparently there has been interest in buying her from parties from other countries but no deal has been done so far. Hovertravel have also considered various options in operating her in the UK but nothing has been decided as yet. With two new craft currently being built to replace the Freedom 90 and Island Express, it dosn't seem like Solent Express (which has undergone a complete refurbishment) features in Hovertravel's plans for the future and consequently remains available to buy (if your piggy bank has enough money in it of course!).

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'Solent Express' Hovercraft Exclusive.

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