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please help me?

ok here's the deal, i got a 12 ft. plastic john boat for my kids, i also got a 9 horse honda for free, i am trying to build them a fanboat, the best i can figure a 42 by 16 prop is a good choice, also arrowprop sells grip lock hubs for up to 1 7/16 shaft, reckon it will fit a 1" shaft? also i have considered transom mount with a swivel and "tiller steering" instead of solid hull mounting, am i crazy or what ?????? please help me, these kids are drivin me NUTS !!!!!!! reckon the 9 horse will even move the boat ??????
 
Railroad,

Abt the only thing I could answer for ya is that no, you're not crazy or what :) An I really understand abt the kids & the boat sense we're now getting that from 4 Gkids.

Are you CSX? I left the Atlanta Division in 85 after hiring on in 71 as Engineer.

Hope someone will be able to assist you here.

Gben
 
Over here in Texas, a few of the federal refuges and state wildlife management districts allow (or used to allow) airdrive boats with a maximum of 10 hp. This size motor on a jonboat would slid through shallow water (1") and even cross wet mudflats (soft & wet mud). They would do alittle better than 20 mph in shallow and barely plane with 2 average men and light packs of decoys.

A lot of people over here have small engine that size for flounder gigging or bow fishing in shallow areas where large airdrives are not allowed.

Think carefully about it with the kids, and the potential for problems. It just don't think there is anything else like an airboat out there. ATVs, either 3 or 4 wheelers and dirt bikes all wreck on the ground. And seldom do they present the same danger as a large meat chopper that could dump injuried people in water after an error.

Even that 42 inch prop can do some damage and throw wood like shrapnel over a large area. The swivel motor mount would have to be solid as well. YOU DON'T WANT THAT THING COMING INTO THE BOAT. Seen that with an 25 outboard and it is not pretty. With a big wooden prop attached, its a scary thought.

Not trying to say no, just think it through.

There is Paul Dixon as a resource with Dixon Airboats. He make small powered craft. Look up his site for ideas and maybe talk to him about props for small engines. The ultra lite planes guys as well have some good props.

Good luck.
 
i am csx, and the boat will be operated by me or my wife, kids as passengers only, and the swivel would be back and forth only. i don't think rudders would work with a 9 horse and i gotta be able to turn
 
Railroad,

Just to extend a little what Pat has said Paul Dixon now has a weblink under Airboat Directory at top of page. And then click on Airboat Builders & they are the 2nd listing.

Also if you select Used Airboats then Airboat Trader then Under 5000 range you'll find a boat setup with 8hp Honda swivel like you refer to & another under the 5000 to 10000 range.

Someone is now building what I thimk they call an airboat chair or something we've seen on passing trucks on the highway. Just has one big chair with a very small engine & prop behind the chair. It floats via small pontoons on either side. Know nothing more abt this except that someone will most likely become very wealthy.
:)
Gben
 
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