• If you see ads here, log in and they will disappear. If you need help logging in or getting registered, send request to: webmaster@southernairboat.com

AirDrive Gheenoe

A

-Amphiboman-

Well-known member
Ok, here's the deal... I have only seen one (1) photo of a Gheenoe Classic with a Vanguard V-Twin AirDrive system, supposedly installed by “Mosquito Power”... It has since been removed from the internet. Anyway, I am beginning the process of creating my own AirDrive Gheenoe... I have a "HiSider" (15.4” x nearly 4’ at widest point) and it is rated for a 10 HP outboard, which I currently have on it. On order, I have a military surplus Teledyne-Continental (new, in the original crate) 4-cylinder 32" displacement (approximately 525 CC), which I will set up to accept prop & hub. The engine was "dumbed-down" by the Military to 6hp for their purposes of powering generators, ground equipment, etc. From my research, the engine has a restrictor plate/governor, which once bypassed, produces 20+ hp. I researched and found a fellow who set-up the same engine in an ultralight glider which performed great @ 2800 RPM (Prop RPM). Anyway, I know that the Gheenoe is an unbelievably stable craft and generally flat-bottomed at its widest point... I can currently hard-turn this boat 90 degrees with my Mercury 9.8 hp at about 23 MPH without incident – the boat banks out of the water at a 45 degree angle, mainly because of the lower unit in the water, otherwise would slide well (with nothing protruding into water). Also, I can walk down one gunwale without the boat overturning. The boat can be powered/turned at 3/4 throttle with the outboard while I am standing, indicating that I can work with the "center of gravity" of the proposed AirDrive. I will build the AirDrive regardless, but am open to any comments or suggestions. Thank you.
 
Alright, thats what i like to hear!':lol:'. I've been wanting to do that for a long time. i worked for Gheen Mfg. for 3 years buildin boats. I believe mosquito power has gone out of business. i think they were around Tampa. When i worked at gheenoe we shipped boats to them alot. they would usually order the 13 footers though. its essentially the same as the 15'4" but 2' foot shorter from the transom. so if you measured 2' off your transom and cut it off, thats what it would be. what i'm getting at is the 13'er has a wider transom and therefor is a little more stable towards the back off the boat and suits a higher unit like that better. just something to consider.

I still have my grandpa's Gheenoe lowsider from 1973 and have had 2 13'ers since. i love them and will always have one. So anytime i herar of people doing cool things with Gheenoe's, i say go for it!!!

If you need contacts for specs on your boat i can help you with that, but as far as what motor to run, i'm sure someone else more knowledgable with that will chime in.
 
I thought the same thing about the 13 footer... but, I'm going to work with what I have. I bought a mig welder the other day and have all the bugs worked out with that. The engine will be here sometime next week. I’m trying to find out about prop size/pitch for this engine (about 20 HP when modified and pushing near 6500 RPM prop-less). I have some machinists that will help me with the hub once I determine what prop I should use. Other than that, it's conduit and square stock and a little "engineering". Thanks for the input, oswald3.
 
Oh, Hell... the way I see it... it's is two Florida concepts coming together... I grew up in the Glades (on an airboat froggin' with my old man until 2AM). I'm from Broward County originally. I'll keep you guys posted...
 
At one time I had 2 Gheenoes one for the kids paddlin and a 25 HP Johnson on the other. With only 25 HP that thing would peel your eyelids back. I ended up refiberglassing the transom with heavier wood and more glass. After that she was tough as nails, and fast as greased lighening.

Your 20 HP airdrive system should work great. Hang on, you may be in for the ride of your life LOL !

Scotty :lol:
 
My Old man built his own airboat with a Panther hull and a Lycoming 300+ HP... Not sure which engine, but it was rebuilt (by Lacey Everett) and all I can remember from a child is that it would cruise at 60 +/- MPH and walked around an 0-540 in dry saw grass down in Loxahatchee... We'll see how my rig goes.
 
Those little Teledyne-Continentals are bulletproof little engines, and with a little intake/carb work they'll make nearly 30 hp.
Take as much weight off of it as you can ...... they're a little heavy. Kinda like a baby GPU.

Have fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top