jetG23

Hello,
I have been on another airbout forum for sometime now and decided to come on over here.

This is a build thred that I'm starting on my 2nd airboat. Its a 61cc poulan that I converted from a chainsaw.. I have started the hull and built the engine mount so far.
I plan to get a 20 x 10 three blade prop to start off with and go from there. The hull is 38x24x4...might be too short but we will see...lol still have to get a 10mmx1.o LH tap for my adapter

well here is my progress. I hope yall like its1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb448/mrjet1982/

dadkins

I see no picture... but I want to.... sounds like a fun project - I like chainsaw motors they seem to put out more than weedeater per/ displacement.
Never mind -now I see pictures.

jetG23

Having trouble uploading all the pics ! trying to get it all wirked out....lol

jetG23

never built a step hull, so I hope it works well....I got like 3 more patterns that I have desighned so I'll get it sooner or later...lol. so any coments or ideas welome !

oldfrog

My Feedback: (1)

jetG23, you can get the Left hand tap that you need from Grainger, Fastenal and Reid tool...these are stores
that are located all over the U.S.A., I order all my L.H. taps from Mc Master, but you need to have a commercial account
with them.
I hope this helps you.

1QwkSport2.5r

Step hulls are supposed to be a good bit faster than regular flat bottom hulls since there's less wetted surface on the water to cause drag. I'm building a step boat right now too...

I have a 30cc homelite sitting here, and a few other small 2-stroke gas engines but I just dont have any mojo to strip it down and use it for an airboat. Props are too expensive and the hulls have to be way bigger (and heavier) than I want to have to transport. Besides, I like the sound of Glow engines better, especially if a tuned pipe is involved.

Make sure your step is in about the middle of the hull. Most if not all of the step boats I've seen (that were successful) had the step close to the middle. Also, make sure none of the bottom of the boat is flat anywhere. Like a hydro, the whole keel (bottom) should have a curve/taper to it.

Looks pretty good so far.

dadkins

My step is in the wrong spot. I need to move it back about 1" and cut about 2" out of the hull in front of the step - the flat part ...I think. Toying with taking a section out with a skillsaw throw some super size biscuits in there and glue er back together. CERTAINLY easier than building a new hull and not knowing if you have it right. After seeing if it performs build a new "pretty one". Good luck Jett it looks like you have it right with the step not far behinf the rake.

jetG23

thats a cool lookin boat....is it made from ply ?

dadkins

foam covered with cedar strips on the bottom and birch or maple veneer on the topsides. in the third picture you can see where my step is too far back -

jetG23

you got any vids of you boat running ?

jetG23

@ thanks Oldfrog for the info, The last one I ordered was from victory machinery. but its always good to have other options ! @ 1qwksport if you dont want that 30cc homelite I will give you my address and you can send it to me!!....lol I wont mind