Hovercraft

Building a Hovercraft: The Ultimate Problem of Trial and Error
Hovercraft are interesting techs to build and drive. You have to really think about what it's job is going to be. Is it a combat vehicle? Is it a passive exploration vehicle? The main thing to remember when building a hovercraft is proper ground clearance for it's job. If you're going to be using it on a Salt Flat then you might not need that much ground clearance, but if you plan to use it in a Mountain biome you may need way more. The Better Future Hover Power Controller is a great way to set a specific hover height above the ground.

Step One:
Chose your hover pads.

Different hover pads have different powers, altitudes and health. Experiment with them and see which ones you like!

Step Two:
Build the chassis.

If possible, try to keep a reasonable center-of-gravity (unless you plan to use gyroscopes or anti-gravity, or the famous hover-bug). This will make it easier to keep your hovercraft stationary when you want it to.

Some hover pads have build in steering thrusters, such as the Better Future Hover Flippers. These can be nice when trying to make a compact design.

If you want to remain perfectly stationary when not moving (aka, not sliding around), use a Better Future Stabilising Computer to correct for drifting.

If the hovercraft tilts in an undesired way, consider using some active gyroscopes to correct the tilt. Better Future Pitch Trim Gyro s can also add a custom amount of tilt to a hovercraft when you want it.

If the hovercraft is fast enough to take advantage of them, try using rudders to control turning. They can really help when you need some extra turning speed.

Step Three:
Body and Control.

What good is a hovercraft if it doesn't hover and look good doing it? Make sure you like the way the hovercraft looks, or you won't even want to use it, trust me. Also, make sure the body doesn't interfere with its main purpose. Don't block weapons that you need to use!

As for control, think of how it needs to move. Does it need to move fast in one direction? Use more forward facing thrusters/propellers in that direction. Make sure you balance the thrust vertically so you don't pitch up or down more than you want.

Step Four:
TEST TEST TEST!

Always make sure your hovercraft works as intended. Test it across all types of landscapes, you never know if it might flip going over a small hill or not because the hovers overcompensated and the thrusters took over from there, sending you into the ground faster than you would like to.