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slowpoke
09-03-2012, 09:05 PM
Ok guys, we jumped out and got a lil airboat. I have questions but first let me post some pics so you can see what we are working with.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/A3605D25-DCB2-491D-A475-4A56B250DA80-4827-00000535A79D84B9.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/914AE97F-5392-4901-8027-D309B1BEC563-4827-00000536237AB16F.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/31E81AB4-4B49-4A0C-814B-67C95AC54B2F-4827-00000536024CE512.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/AF75B122-B83B-4500-B2EA-D335A5417C01-4827-00000535E853A6FC.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/F912D310-8315-4277-AAAF-E831B65BAB18-4827-0000053673198BB3.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u112/amb1550/321179FC-16A7-4463-BB17-6C20509EA8EB-4827-0000053641941CAF.jpg

The engine is a V6 buick and runs great. The prop is in the above pictures and measures 52". Direct drive. The hull is unknown brand but measures 11' 6" X 6' 6" at the stern with 12" sides. It is probably 52-56 wide at the bow. We just took it out for the first time today and it did great in very skinny water. It didn't like deep water AT ALL. In fact we had a couple close calls because we didn't know what the prop was rated for and didn't want to over do it. We had plenty of engine left to go. Our overall conclusion is that the hull is too shallow for that heavy of an engine. It is very ass heavy and sitting at idle there are only about 3" of hull above the water line at the stern. As you can imagine it is very easy to swamp.

I have several question in regards to the whole setup:

1) What is the RPM rating of that prop? 52 VWL 26. I am going to call the manufacturer (Florida Airboat Propellers) tomorrow.

2) Is this prop appropriate for this boat and engine?

3) If we keep the setup we are certainly considering a different hull. We weigh 190 and 220 lbs. Would a 12' x 7'6" chuck hull work with this engine/weight/direct drive/prop setup?

4) Can you get a reduction made for a buick engine?

Trying to decide if we get a different hull would we be able to make this setup work. If we go with a new hull and then have to put a bigger prop and reduction, and rebuild cage and engine stand, we would be better off starting over.

And if you missed my introduction, we are bowfishermen and duck hunters and need a hull we won't sink when we have to cross deep water briefly, speed doesn't matter but safety does.

Thank you in advance,

Allen

Papee
09-04-2012, 10:57 AM
Ok guys, we jumped out and got a lil airboat. I have questions but first let me post some pics so you can see what we are working with.













The engine is a V6 buick and runs great. The prop is in the above pictures and measures 52". Direct drive. The hull is unknown brand but measures 11' 6" X 6' 6" at the stern with 12" sides. It is probably 52-56 wide at the bow. We just took it out for the first time today and it did great in very skinny water. It didn't like deep water AT ALL. In fact we had a couple close calls because we didn't know what the prop was rated for and didn't want to over do it. We had plenty of engine left to go. Our overall conclusion is that the hull is too shallow for that heavy of an engine. It is very ass heavy and sitting at idle there are only about 3" of hull above the water line at the stern. As you can imagine it is very easy to swamp.

I have several question in regards to the whole setup:

1) What is the RPM rating of that prop? 52 VWL 26. I am going to call the manufacturer (Florida Airboat Propellers) tomorrow.
The rating for that prop should be around 3100rpm but you can spin a shorter prop a bit faster. I would stay around the 3100rpm range though.

2) Is this prop appropriate for this boat and engine?
What rpm are you able to turn it? It seems to be a bit small, a 52" prop is in the 25hp range but that prop is wide so the hp may be a bit higher for it.

3) If we keep the setup we are certainly considering a different hull. We weigh 190 and 220 lbs. Would a 12' x 7'6" chuck hull work with this engine/weight/direct drive/prop setup?
I know a few people running that setup and works fine for them running direct drive, your hull may be a bit heavy and I lighter hull would certainly be an improvement. It all depends on your running conditions about aluminum or fiberglass.

4) Can you get a reduction made for a buick engine?
A reduction drive can be made for just about any engine.

Trying to decide if we get a different hull would we be able to make this setup work. If we go with a new hull and then have to put a bigger prop and reduction, and rebuild cage and engine stand, we would be better off starting over.

And if you missed my introduction, we are bowfishermen and duck hunters and need a hull we won't sink when we have to cross deep water briefly, speed doesn't matter but safety does.

Thank you in advance,

Allen

Answers are above in red.

papajack
09-04-2012, 11:14 AM
check SA post

Flathead
09-04-2012, 11:10 PM
Looks like an aircat hull by the looks of the paint and manufacturing. I agree, a safety hazard in deep water. before making a decision about what to do, can you lighten your setup at all? Holy cow, that gas tank looks like it holds 30 gal. of gas. Do you need that much? Maybe remove those 'flotation' chambers along the sides. If they are no longer watertight, they could be very heavy. If that boat swamps, those chambers are not going to do a thing.....

Flathead

slowpoke
09-05-2012, 11:23 AM
Thanks for the input guys. I will update soon.

slowpoke
09-08-2012, 12:20 PM
Ok so here's what I have found out. The prop is a for a VW or comparable engine in the 50 hp range. I spoke with the manufacturer at Florida Airboat Props and he said for the 125-150 hp buick engine that we have we need a 66" 34 degree prop. He said it we wouldnt need a reduction with the correct prop. So now the plan is to get a properly sized prop for the engine, raise the engine stand and rigging to fit the new prop. All this sound feasible so far? As for the gas tank, I was thinking the same thing about not needing that much fuel. We "thought" it was empty the other day and filled it up and it took 8 gallons. I'm guessing it wasnt empty... The current plan is to change the prop and run with it for a while until we find a new hull. On the other hand, I'm thinking this hull would be killer with a lighter engine on it like a true mini.

slowpoke
09-08-2012, 12:22 PM
So we will probably have a very good condition VW prop for sale soon if anyone needs one :).

Papee
09-10-2012, 03:53 AM
I may be interested in it depending on the price. The guys I know running that motor are running a 3 blase Ivo.

slowpoke
09-10-2012, 02:14 PM
I may be interested in it depending on the price. The guys I know running that motor are running a 3 blase Ivo.

This is the kind of information I am looking for. Direct drive? What pitch?

Papee
09-10-2012, 06:16 PM
Ivos are adjustable,not sure.

buster
09-17-2012, 01:37 PM
Flathead is correct that is an Aircat hull, in fact I think it the same as the one in my avatar! It worked pertty well with the 084 engine. You do need to be careful in deep water though, no quick turns, and keep the pedal to the metal when you do turn.

It looks like that engine should be moved forward far enough to make it float almost level. I agree it would be better with a lighter engine instead, and most definetly remove those flotation chambers. If memory serves, I removed over 75 pounds when I took mine out! Check my boat building posts and see how I modified (eliminated) that rear shelf affair, It only tends to funnel water into the boat anyway.

Also, Papee you are correct, IVO props are pitch adjustable.

Good Luck,
Dave

slowpoke
10-04-2012, 06:23 PM
UPDATE: The aircat hull is just too small and unsafe for our use. We are going to get a different hull. I have been talking to Chuck about a 14' X 7'6" glass hull he sells. And yes the prop is not near enough prop for our engine ( 3.8 L GM/buick). So long story not so short, after replacing the hull, rebuilding the cage/stand/seats, and getting the appropriate prop.... WE GOT A $4K 3.8L engine. WOOfreakinHOO! #$%* LOL. Guess I should have done a little more research on the boat we got first. Oh well, water under the bridge or boat now :).

New question:
I found a 14 x 7 used aluminum panther hull and trailer close to me. Do you guys think that 140 hp engine with the correct prop (66-34 or 68-34) direct drive will perform with that panther hull? 3 guys? By perform I mean get on plane and run in deep water with 3 guys. No clue what the hull weighs but somebody surely has a clue.

I understand we aren't talking true mini now but we started there and we still need help and you guys are very helpful and know your stuff. Appreciate your thoughts.

Allen