SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
A hovercraft is set to make its debut at the Long John Jamboree this weekend, but it will only be to look at, not ride.

Peter Basko shows off the hovercraft he just bought in a tent on Great Slave Lake earlier this week. Although he hoped to debut it at the Long John Jamboree and offer rides, it will now be a stationary display at the weekend event. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo

Peter Basko was working around the clock to get his Ryan-Logan Express hovercraft ready for the show but confirmed yesterday he will not be providing rides in the 12-seat vehicle, despite advertising by event organizers that stated otherwise.

"We're really pressed for time," said Basko earlier this week while trying to get the machine set for passengers.

He bought the hovercraft and shipped it up from Iowa just before New Year's. Previously, the 1999-built machine has seen time in Manitoba and Australia. It rides 45 centimetres above the ground and once in flight is light enough for a person to push around.

Two Honda Civic engines propel it to maximum speeds of 110 kilometres per hour over the ice and 90 kilometres per hour over water. Cruising speed over the ice is about 90 kilometres per hour.

"I've lived here 25 years," said Basko. "This is the only real vehicle that will do the job."

The hovercraft will be useful all year in the North, no matter the ground conditions.

"In May when the ice is breaking up, nobody can go, but I can," said Basko. "In fall when the ice is building, nobody can walk on it. Won't matter."

New hovercrafts similar to Basko's go for $641,000 but he wouldn't disclose what he paid for his.

"It has to make some money, because it's not cheap," said Basko, who hopes to use it as a taxi and novelty service for tourists in place of seaplanes and other vehicles.

By press time Basko was still working out the details on licensing the vehicle.

Asked why he bought it, Basko just replied,

"Look at it!"

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.