flipstart

I have my ST 90 mounted on the horizontal right now to lower the center of mass, but wondered if having one side of boat heavier than other might offset this advantage. Looks like inverted is best, but 2 strokes don't like being upside down, it can be done but not as user friendly. In addition the ST has that garbage can muffler that sticks out on the same side. Not sure what to do other than run the boat and see what happens. In the bathtub, there is no noticable lean or tip tendency towards the heavy side, which was kinda surprising. I can easily change the engine mounting position to about any angle that would be an advantage at this point.

That is only thing I don't like about air boats so far-having to take baths instead of showers to test float the model.

Just wondered if any of you airboat gurus have any experience with engines mounted on the horizontal. Model is a round nose hydro 18.5 X 38 modeled after the Miss Take plans but with an adjustable engine stand (since I am new at this air boat building)

luckytempo93

well if weight is not an issue for the size and power you have you could always add lead stick weights found at an auto store to the lighter side out as far as you can. the farther away from the center the less weight you have to add. but you could first run it and see how it acts. it might not show too much jush siting in the tub but when prop torque is added it might act weird.

flipstart

I have mounted a lot of my airplane engines with engine on horizontal tilted to right, supposedly to help offset engine torque, but not sure how well this will work on air boat. Theorically this position should offset some of the engine torque and be less quirky on water with engine running. Just have not seen any engines mounted horizonally on air boats, thought maybe I was missing something.

asmithnc

Here you go. This is just one of many with a horizonal engine.

asmithnc

Found another!!!

flipstart

Thanks for the pics-makes me feel mo better-plan on running the boat next week after I maiden my scratch built TA-152C-its tough to be retired and have to make all these decisions-airplanes or boats.

jasperrc

I've seen vids of both of those boats and they run great, although not having driven either one, I can't say whether there were balance issues.

flipstart

Jasper-how big are these boats and what size engines, mine is overpowered and STs are heavy anyway-thats mainly why I was a little concerned.

jasperrc

Asmithnc owns the first one and both were built by Tammo. I believe both boats run OS .46s. Not sure of the hull dimensions.

asmithnc

I'll check on the dems. Kids need to go to bed now. I will edit this post with dims. RTR weight in under 4lbs and yes I run a OS.46AX

Selph-Inflicted

I have seen several boats mounted on the horizon and also inverted. 2 strokes will run in any position, sometimes inverted engines can get flooded easier. But all in all, mount it how ever your comfortable with.

If your running a puller set-up, your torque will be to the left side of the boat. In a pusher, it'll be the right side.

Here are a few more pice for you.