Having done extensive research on both before going into an airboat I think that airboats are the way to go for a number of reasons.
1. very quick learning curve to run one efficiently
2. greater payloads and more passengers are possible
3. no bags to rip
4. brakes are possible
5. many run standard automobile motors- easy to maintain
6. no problem on inclines
7. easy to transition between surfaces
I could go on and on. I loved my 1000 Islands Airboat. It is mentioned and pictured on the forums numerous times and was featured in Airboating Magazine.
As far as price, you can obtain a small hovercraft new in the $20-30k range but that wont allow you to haul much or carry many passengers. For a winter equipped airboat you are going to be looking in the $30-40k range for your standard "Florida style" boat and they go up from there. Today's equivalent of mine is about $60-65k. This gets you a loaded boat that will go anywhere and get you there safely. Fast too!
