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Thread: thought exercise
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04-10-2021, 10:14 AM #16000 RPM
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thought exercise
Recently moved to the Coosa River in Alabama. Turns out there are a lot of shallows in this area, so the idea of a direct drive 40's style "gentleman's racer" style boat may not be feasible. Rather than switching to an outdrive, I was thinking of a jet. I don't see any major obstacles to doing that. Looking for opinions on such a swap and also any possible source for a drive or maybe a complete neglected jet boat with a usable drive to pirate from.
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04-10-2021, 04:45 PM #26000 RPM
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How much power are you looking for?
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04-10-2021, 05:44 PM #3Team Member
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I don’t think the big jet rooster tail would be appropriate for a gentlenan’s racer. An aluminum river racer jet boat would be fun. A gentleman’s racer is one of the coolest things in the water. The mix does not appeal to me.
More power to you though. What about a PWC power unit and jet?
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rgsauger liked this post
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04-10-2021, 11:40 PM #4
Berdes, that swap will result in a significant loss of power. Jets are extremely inefficient with a bit more than 20% loss from the hp
1977 Hydrostream Vector 2.5 Promax
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04-10-2021, 11:44 PM #56000 RPM
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This is what I was thinking. The modern 4-stroke PWC power units are extremely simple, light-weight, reliable, and powerful. No gears or water pump to fail either, and the steering is very simple with low effort and no maintenance.
True as well. Years ago, somebody converted a Yamaha GP1300R, a 160 hp ski, from a jet drive to a propeller. It went from 65 mph to over 90 on the same power level. However, it had a nasty habit of making 90 deg turns at high speeds with no notice.Last edited by engineermike; 04-10-2021 at 11:47 PM.
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04-11-2021, 12:02 AM #6
I've heard a rumor that those types of turns should be avoided ...ha
1977 Hydrostream Vector 2.5 Promax
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engineermike liked this post
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04-11-2021, 08:45 AM #76000 RPM
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Good points all. Didn't know there was a four cycle PWC so I'll have to look into that. I don't think the two cycles would cut it for several reasons, including the lack of the V8 rumble.
Most of the racers had four or six bangers in them, so any modern V8 should have plenty of power even at 20% loss to move it along well enough? Cool factor is the secondary motivator here so might even get the leather helmet and steam punk goggles.
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04-11-2021, 09:05 AM #86000 RPM
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The 4-cycle pwcs are over 300 hp now but the biggest ones are just 4-bangers
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04-11-2021, 01:13 PM #9
As you mention v8 power, the wheels started turning and I am imagining a v8 rude motor hooked up to the pump.....plenty of power...and it'll still smoke!
1977 Hydrostream Vector 2.5 Promax
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05-20-2021, 12:21 PM #106000 RPM
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As happens so often, at least to me, life made a 90 deg. turn and I found and bought this:
It's a 17' Alsberg based on a '39 Century Thunderbolt racer with a 175 hp Mercury jet in it. Best top end almost 55, and good fuel economy too. Front hatch opens to seat two additional passengers. Nice find, no?
The picture with the duelly trailer is, I think, an original. The one on the single axel trailer is the Alsberg.Last edited by berdes; 05-20-2021 at 12:24 PM.
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05-20-2021, 12:53 PM #11
very nice
Team Junk
No sparkling wiggles in here, only dump truck grinches.
"Screamin Heathen"
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05-20-2021, 01:53 PM #12Team Member
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Custom build?
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05-20-2021, 02:28 PM #136000 RPM
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