Hi Nitrocharger: Well you asked a lot of questiuons and should get a lot of answers here. The following is only my opinion and is not endorsed by the management of this site or any one else with good sense. 1.) airboats will sink fast 2.) they handle as good as you can drive em. 3.) wakes are a big problem if you don't know how to drive one. 4.) Airboats are not inherently dangerous if driven with respect, however they are not forgiving at all, so I would say if you drive with some sense and expand your driving as your ability grows you will be fine.
I say don't be scared but be respectful and know your limitations but always expand your horizons. As for fast .. some boats barely plane out and others do a 100 or more. I would suggest you dont get either of those type boats they both will get you in trouble.
Stay with a high side, wide hull, probably a 220 ground power (gpu) motor on at least a 12' hull. Dont turn fast in deep water and always try to meet the wakes head on and not too fast, the landing can be rough.
always make sure the mags are turned off if you feel the need to reach in and turn the propellor while the boat is not running failure to do this can result in serious injury or death. always know where any people are when they are near your boat and you decide to start it up. always consider where your prop wash is going as it can be quite strong and very annoying as well as dangerous. don't park in peoles yards unless it is an emergency without an invitation, they typically do not share your entusiasm for airboats. always keep the noise in mind when near houses especially at night if the shoreline lights up behind you after you go by chances are you were too noisy.
final thing ... have fun
