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Old 03-06-2019, 03:00 AM
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Tidnab
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Originally Posted by Got RPM
About 25 years ago I built a 48” airboat using a 4-cycle lawnmower engine in the flat bottom hull with a chain drive to a prop in an elevated pod. The prop was about a 24”x10”, can’t remember for certain. It worked, but was too heavy for any good speed. Too much weight and excessive drag from the large flat hull. I wouldn’t do it again.


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A lawnmower engine would be a lot of weight. A 4 cycle trimmer engine would be a lot lighter,but still heavier than a 2 cycle engine. I drew up a plan to use a 2 cycle engine down on the deck and use a belt and pulley to transfer power to the prop hub above. I was also considering doing it with an electronic ignition to cut down on a lot of weight on the engine.I was going to use a full crank engine so it would have the pull start on the back of the engine.I wish I hadn't lost the plan as I now have a 25cc Toro trimmer engine with a full crank.