An airboat is an iconic site in the Everglades – being on one is an experience you’ll never forget. Airboats can glide along in shallow, marshy waters due to their flat-bottom design and their above-water propeller; they are also known as fan boats.
Years ago, airboats were the primary mode of transportation in the Everglades, but now they are used for recreational purposes.
In 1942, Barrel Head House built one of the first commercial airboats. After that, Everglades visitors enjoyed viewing the Park on these boats where they could see alligators, plants, birds, and other wildlife. Airboats are still one of the most popular tourist attractions in south Florida and the Everglades.
Below, we have detailed some parts that make up an airboat.
- Engine: Airboats have an aircraft or automotive V8 engine ranging from 500 to 600+ horsepower.
- Propeller: Airboats have an aircraft propeller operates out-of-water to power the airboat.
- Propeller cage: This sits inside a metal cage, which protects the boat and its inhabitants from injury from the propeller’s blades.
- Rudder panels: Steering an airboat relies heavily on rudder panels, which help direct air.
- Rudder stick: The rudder stick is located on the airboat driver’s left side; the rudder stick directs the boat through the swamp.
- Accelerator: The airboat captain uses the accelerator to pick up speed during airboat rides.
Explore the Everglades on a Private Airboat Tour
Captain Mitch’s Private Everglades airboat tours is based in Everglades City and is one of the oldest airboat tours in the Everglades. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours has been running safe, fun and family-friendly excursions throughout Everglades’ wilderness for decades.
To schedule an airboat trip when you’re visiting the Everglades, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377 or visit the Everglades Airboat Tours page.
