Opinions wanted: 10x4ft Aluminum Airboat Project

[Dneedham45]

Hey there. I just purchased a mini airboat project. It’s an aluminum hull (10x4ft) Super lightweight. A fuji 432cc two stroke engine came with the hull, but it needs rebuilt. Looking for opinions on what I should go with for a motor, reduction and prop. Should I rebuild the 432cc and find a reduction/prop? Not entirely sure if that will be enough power…. Had a hovercraft in the past with a fuji 432cc and It felt as if it was underpowered. I’ve read quite a bit on the southern airboat and the mini airboat association forums. Everyone seems to have a different opinion. Has anybody had any luck building a 10x4ft aluminum mini airboat? Not looking to make a speed demon. Plan on using it for fishing and some cruising. Would love for it to have enough power to handle two people and possibly cross a sandbar if needed. I built an airboat in the past. Had an 0-320 lycoming that spun a water walker prop on a 12ft river master hull. It went everywhere I pointed it. I want this mini to have the same capabilities as my last boat I built, but I know there will be limitations. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Slidin Gator]

Had an 0-320 lycoming that spun a water walker prop on a 12ft river master hull. It went everywhere I pointed it. I want this mini to have the same capabilities as my last boat I built, but I know there will be limitations. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

From what I read that fuji i like a 15-20 Hp engine, correct? Those size hulls seem to start with Big Briggs V-Twins at 35-50 Hp and range upwards towards 90. Anyone you know ever wished they hadn't put so much power on XX?

Personally, I would put a 1,200 or 1,340 Harley on that hull. It will shake everything loose every trip, but they would be fun trips.

 

[Deano]

Had an 0-320 lycoming that spun a water walker prop on a 12ft river master hull. It went everywhere I pointed it. I want this mini to have the same capabilities as my last boat I built, but I know there will be limitations. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately, I don't see that happening with a 4' beam. If you add enough power to attain that end, it will sink first.
I picked up a 12' AirGator along the way, and its 5' beam was almost too narrow for an ol' O-290 to deal with 2 people.
'Gator had the right idea. Aluminum block . . . and all the power you can muster.