The SKIMMER 2 started as a joint project between Universal Hovercraft, K-designs and the Spanish government. The aim was to develop a fast craft to help prevent drug smuggling from Morocco.
At that time, the PP* was in government. Later, the PSOE won the election and stopped the project and its funding. By then, however, the prototype had already been finished, so we continued with the work.
The result was the SKIMMER 2.
The craft was designed to be registered as an IMO Type B WIG craft. This means that it is legally treated as a boat, so no pilot license is necessary.
In simple terms, Type B means the craft can briefly leave the surface to clear obstacles by converting kinetic energy into potential energy and height. However, it cannot maintain sustained flight without the support of ground effect.
*PP: Partido Popular.
**PSOE: Partido Socialista Obrero Español.
Copyright © 2026 by B. Kohler
All rights reserved
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The SKIMMER 2 can be built by any handy person. Some woodworking skills will be helpful. In general, the craft is made from foam, plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass. It is a composite construction. See the pictures.
The engine and propeller installation is also not difficult. However, the ability to read technical drawings is absolutely necessary. For a dedicated person, building the Skimmer 2 will be a fun and satisfying project.
Material costs will be around $4,000, plus the cost of the engine and propellers. Construction time will vary. We built the prototype in two months.
The craft can be operated over snow, ice, and water. It can also start from a ramp or a beach. This is one of the beauties of the Skimmer 2.
Here are the specifications of the craft.
Interested? I revived the plans for the SKIMMER2 again. See at the end
Capacity 2 Persons
load total 230 kg
Empty weight 320 kg
Cruising start mode 620 kg
Flotation 1100 kg
Engine Alfa Romeo boxer, or Subaru 105 Hp
Lift fan drive electric drive system
Drive prop. IVO variable pitch prop.
Diameter 1.5 m
Lift fan 8 blade diameter 850 mm
Fuel capacity 50 L
Fuel consumption DEPENDING ON ENGINE
Action radius projected 450 km
load total 230 kg
Empty weight 320 kg
Cruising start mode 620 kg
Flotation 1100 kg
Engine Alfa Romeo boxer, or Subaru 105 Hp
Lift fan drive electric drive system
Drive prop. IVO variable pitch prop.
Diameter 1.5 m
Lift fan 8 blade diameter 850 mm
Fuel capacity 50 L
Fuel consumption DEPENDING ON ENGINE
Action radius projected 450 km
Speed at different modes
Hover mode 70 km/h
Ground effect mode
Cruise 130 km/h
Max. speed 160 km/h
Cruising heights
Hover mode 0.2 m
Ground effect
cruise mode 0.6 to 1.5 m
jump mode 3.5 m
Wave height max 1.0 m
Hover mode 70 km/h
Ground effect mode
Cruise 130 km/h
Max. speed 160 km/h
Cruising heights
Hover mode 0.2 m
Ground effect
cruise mode 0.6 to 1.5 m
jump mode 3.5 m
Wave height max 1.0 m
TECHNICAL DATA
Skimmer 2 Norway
SKIMMER2 CONSTRUCTION PROTOTYPE
As build in Norway
Only picture form a test in the Mare Menor, Spain
SKIMMER 2 plans
If you are interested, you can order the plan for US$180. The plan consists of 13 drawings. The drawings are PDF files. On the right is a reduced-scale drawing of Figure 8, aft beam drawing.
The lift drive is changed to an electric drive. An 8 kW engine has to be used. Because of the many E-engines available, no explicit drawing is provided; only the schematics.
The craft has to be built as a plywood-glass-epoxy composite. The ducts are foam sandwich constructions. If you have never worked with these materials, my K-design forum has a lot of information on how to use them. It is a very active forum with more than 860 members. It is a restricted forum to avoid spammers. You have to be registered. With a plan in place, you are eligible to join.
LIST OF DRAWINGS
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Plans set as mentioned
US $ 180
US $ 180