Build my own belt drive???

[Deano]

Always thought about it in the 80's when I had my drag boat 455 jet drive on the lake. Drop the engine down to the floor and build a tower to mount the prop. Use a supercharger belt to run it. Weight is down low now and less to tip over. Like building a windmill but driven by engine. Has anyone tried this???????

Answer is Yes, it has been and is currently being done.
As far as I know, Franklin built the first ones many years ago.
Century is currently the only one that I am aware that makes them.

http://centurydrivesystemsinc.com/ch3_longbelt.htm

 

[BenBad]

Here is some photos of my belt drive. We have a lot of these up here in NE. Fred Moore builds them up here. The key to keeping from wearing out the engine bearings is the belt is run loose enough to have about a 1/2 inch of movement in the end of the prop when the belt is warmed up. One of my friends has been running his for around 12 years and has not damaged his engine.

 

[metaldan13]

Here is some photos of my belt drive. We have a lot of these up here in NE. Fred Moore builds them up here. The key to keeping from wearing out the engine bearings is the belt is run loose enough to have about a 1/2 inch of movement in the end of the prop when the belt is warmed up. One of my friends has been running his for around 12 years
Thanks really cool to see.maybe have a few ideas for it.