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Jon boat build
- Thread starter cajunguy
- Start date
Birdslayer86
Well-known member
With space limitations I highly doubt. Jon boats are better suited for a long tail or surface drive. Just look at the hull difference. Jon boat very narrow surface that makes contact with the water. Air boat nearly double the surface area making contact with the water. Can you do it .. I’m sure .. would it be worth the time ?? I doubt. If you want to be different build a jet boat light enough you can drag or throw a kayak dolly under and get to the water. Same concept as an airboat .. when in doubt give her hell
I totally agree with u . U can do ANYTHING with enough money lol . OK i don't NEED it to run dry . But let's say there 2 inches water . I had airboats all my life BUT real airboats . where i want to go , even a 5' wide boat is to wide . It's thick swamps . Alot of the swamp is about 1 to 2 feet of water but plenty of places only cpl inches of water . I'm really trying to get 2 ppl , motor and equpment to run there . Any thoughts ?
Slidin Gator
Well-known member
What's a tigres swamp? Some pictures would be useful. Are we talking more grass or water?
Sounds like mud motor territory. As for the 2" of water places, there is no replacement for displacement. The bigger the hull, the shallower it floats (for the same weight).
Birdslayer86
Well-known member
He said Louisiana I believe and my limited time over there I’m going to think more water then grass flats like we may be thinking here. I would still believe this is Jon boat territory. Maybe the widest hull you could find but short and I would think surface drive over long tail for the purpose to keep it compact. Hell I know Louisiana is notorious for building their own hulls even when it comes to a jon boat style. Widest bottom you think you can fit between the trees or knees and the shortest hull to keep displacement in mind and intended load needed to haul for your intended purpose
I know to run dry its normaly 1 to 7 . But how much difference will 2 or 3 inches of water make . But boat might not be totaly floating but should help right . I cant run a mud boat all the time example pipelines or hard ground even under water PLUS want to beable to put inback of pickup . The places we go is VERY out the way and would not b posible for a trailer
glades cat
Well-known member
You may want to begin by finding out how much thrust you need to move you through the terrain. A load cell attached to your loaded boat while dragging it through the swamp would be one way to measure. Then, choose your maximum prop diameter and design and find out the requirements to power it.
A suggestion. Once you know how much thrust you need and max diameter, call Patty at Whirlwind Props and they can help you with the right prop and necessary power. 619-562-3725
I ran/raced Hovercraft many years ago and they also were narrow with smaller prop diameters. We ran ducted fans to maximize efficiency and reduce tip loss. Tip clearances may be an issue, especially if the boat gets torqued over rough terrain and the prop tip contacts the shroud. The fan shroud also replaces the cage normally found on an airboat. All that’s needed is a mesh in front. It may be something to look into.
A suggestion. Once you know how much thrust you need and max diameter, call Patty at Whirlwind Props and they can help you with the right prop and necessary power. 619-562-3725
I ran/raced Hovercraft many years ago and they also were narrow with smaller prop diameters. We ran ducted fans to maximize efficiency and reduce tip loss. Tip clearances may be an issue, especially if the boat gets torqued over rough terrain and the prop tip contacts the shroud. The fan shroud also replaces the cage normally found on an airboat. All that’s needed is a mesh in front. It may be something to look into.
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