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counter rotators

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ShadowGrass Shooter

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Is there anyone out there who can give some pros/cons about counter rotating props? I can understand the noise reduction argument, but is there any truth to fuel savings? I am getting ready to set up a new boat and am trying to better understand counter rotating props. I'm looking to run a 496 or 502 engine on an 18 x 8 hull. We run almost 100 percent of the time on the Great Salt Lake with an average depth of 6 inches of water. Any input would be appreciated
 
Basketcase is probably the best one to answer these questions. He recently upgraded to a counter rotator setup on his Diamondback, and could give you the details in the performance characteristics.

Larry
 
ShadowGrass Shooter,

Welcome to Southern Airboat!

I'm by far no expert with only about 20 hours on my new counter rotator assembly, but as Larry said I can share personal "spierence"!

The new assembly, (454 with long belt, 2.0 reduction, swinging two Sensenich props pushing a 14 x 8 hull) kicks butt as far as performance!
I saw a 30-40% increase in my fuel economy when we changed from the 3 blade Powershift to the CR assembly! (Not exagerating one bit)!

I really wish that I would have gotten sound measurements before the change to the CR. The CR is so quiet now that I can actually have a conversation with my wife while on a plane, (not at all possible before)! NO TORQUE ROLL ANYMORE! I'm a believer! (Only time will tell as far as longetivity is concerned).

If you're building..At least consider setting up the rigging as I did for the extra 6-12 inches that will be needed for the 2nd prop to clear. Several good builders down here could answer more questions.

Basketcase
 
Basket,

What kind of oil do you run in that planatary gearbox? And what weight?

Jim
 
It seems to me that there are two manufacturers for these counter rotators: Panther and "Airboat Drive Units" Inc. Are there any others out there? Can anyone comment on the differences in these two units?
 
Jim,

I am using the recommended Delco full synthetic automatic transmission fluid.

ShadowGrass Shooter, I did quite a bit of research on the counter-Rotator before building the boat. I believe that a man named Rob Eaton holds the patent on it, (was unaware that Panther made one).

Did ya'll see the movie "The Aviator" ? (Must see movie for anybody)!
Thank you Mr. Hughes for the technology!

Basketcase
 
Panthers counter rotator is a gear to gear and can handle much more horsepower than the Franklin belt counter rotator(airboat drive). The Panther is also much lighter the only problem is Panther does not sell their counter Rotator individually they only sell them on a boat.
 
Waterthunder,

After looking at a few pics I thought it was different. That sucks not being able to purchase the gear box by itself. Do they only install the stacked warp drive props on them as most of the pics show?

Basketcase
 
It is a sweat unit that is very well designed but it only comes exclusive on the Panther boats they will not sell them individually. I want one but can’t get one!
 
Dave, somebody has to be making the cases for them ...... they don't have a foundry, do they? Find out who that is and you can get one.

K.
 
Trust me I know Bud and I don't blame him for it either. You will have an easier time finding out who shot JFK than to find out who is casting Panthers boxes. And even if you did find out they wouldn’t cast one for ya. Plus the fact the rest of the box is manufactured in house at Panther their not store bought.
 
I'm not suggesting that you try to steal 'em Thunder (the casting people), but they might be interested in makin' one for you too. To your specs.

K.
 
Pros/Cons

Pros:
*up to 30% more thrust (awesome)
*newest technology



Cons:
*Cost est. $10,000 more to your boat.
*Increased Noise Level
*more moving parts

Just my Point of View.
If you want the extra push and can afford it, then why not?
 
Well, I guess I better clarify so I don't offend everyone, not all Counter Rotators are significantly quieter. I dissagree with the 30% less "sound" theory that is advertised or I would at least would like to see how it was achieved. I know you were on "the quietest boat in the world waterthunder" but it would be in my favor to sell as many CR as possible. More money, but I just tell it like I see it.
At low RPM's the CR make a different sound. (a sloppy sound)
The belt drive CR seems to be less of that type of sound.

They have been improved since the first go round but you still have to consider the cost into your budget of your boat. If your boat won't go there w/out the CR you probably shouldn't be there.
I drove a 22ft boat with a CR that was so impressive, the thrust is amazing. If money doesn't matter and you want the best of the best equipment then I say spend it and get a CR.

If your an "average airboater" like myself then you probably don't need to spend the x-tra 10,000+ to get going to the CR. Make sure you buy the right hull, and have it set up correct from the beginning and you should be able to do everything you need.

Just my 2 cents.
Hope it helps Shadowgrass Shooter.

Sincerely,
 
Faron, the gearboxes remove, or at least improve the torque factor. I don't think anybody would argue that. But they give up that advantage if the object is to get quiet.

One day soon, I'd like to put a microphone up to a gearbox with the engine turning at 3500 rpm, and a belt drive at the same speed. I'll bet ya' a good bottle of rum and an Atlanta Braves baseball cap that the gearbox is at least twice as loud.

What we need is a belt drive that weighs half of what the Franklins weigh, and is torque cancelling like a gear box, but for a single propeller. Do that, and the airboat world will beat a path to your shop.

Ken

PS .... while you're at it, build in a reliable spragg clutch, so that you can start the engine without the prop turning until you rev it to around 1000 rpm. Increased safety for people hangin' around the boat ramp, and you can warm the engine or charge the batteries without worrying about the prop.
 
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