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Seeking opinions

AirRanger

AirRanger

Well-known member
Classic_Airboat_220_GPU_002.JPG


This is my new airboat. I ran it this weekend and if performed better than my expectations. It ran dry, climbed the ridge with ease, and was very smooth in deep water. Cruising speed was comfortable around 1800 RPM. At WOT it never exceeded 2500 RPM. I do not wish to change the performance but if it does improve I certainly will not complain. The prop is a 4 blade 72" Warp Drive. I am going to try a 72" Terminator only to quiet down the prop. Should I keep the RPM range where it is or would I be better to raise the RPM range a bit? Classic Aluminum w/ poly, 14'7"X 7'6", GPU 220.
 
don't make to many changes at once , try the new prop first then see what happens you may end up making changes but if you only do one at a time you will know witch ones worked and witch ones didn't
 
AirRanger":2jf5enj2 said:
1. performed better than my expectations.

2.It ran dry,

3. climbed the ridge with ease,

4.and was very smooth in deep water.

I do not wish to change the performance but if it does improve I certainly will not complain. .
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Why would you change anything? Sounds like a dream boat. How much time do you have on it? I'd probably run it a while and make sure you know if and where the boat has weak points. By the way nice looking boat :thumbup:
 
AirRanger....What could you improve on???

Maybe only the prop sounds....

Brfing it to Kissimmee on August 18 and let the rest of us see it...

it is definately one fine looking rig.
 
just curious on the prop too doesn't warp drive website say 1 blade for every 50 HP then add 1 or something like that? Seems to me I remember seeing most 6 cyl's running 5 blades or more and the 4 cylinders running 4 blade. I could be way off but at one point I was researching the props trying to decide if I wanted to go with a warp drive myself.
If noise is your biggest concern have you thought about the sensinich q series? I never seen one but I have heard LOTS of buzz about them being a great prop with less prop noise.
 
I HAD A 220 FOR 6 YEARS NEVER RUN THE RPMS OVER 2600 IN ALL THAT TIME I ONLY HAD TO REPLACE ONE CYLINDER A LOT OF MY FRIENDS LIKED TO RUN THEIRS AT 3000 TO 3200 BUT IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY TIME WE WOULD RIDE SOMETHING WOULD BREAK I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS JUST LUCK OF THE DRAW OR IF THERE WAS SOME SCIENCE BEHIND IT. I ALSO THINK THAT YOU WOULD BE VERY PLEASED WITH A 72 SIGNATURE SERIES OR A 72 Q SERIES IT TAKES A LITTLE LONGER TO GET THE RPMS UP BUT THE PUSH VERY WELL
 
Great looking boat. I have a 13 foot Laser with a 220 GPU and I usually run it to 2500 to get on plane and cruise at 2000. Occasionally I'll kick it up to 2700 and cruise at 2200. I've never done it but I think my static rpm could easily get to 3000 if I stood on it but I won't. The rpms you're giving sound good but if you can't get more than 2500 WOT, then maybe you need to look at the carburetor to see if you're getting all the fuel you need. It's great to have that extra power once in awhile to power out of a turn or get away from a hazard. Wish I could cruise at 1800 but 2000 is good enough for me.
 
AirRanger,
You have many options before you. If you stay with Warp Drive, then at least go 5 blade. Some of the guys here in Citrus County go 6 blade staggered with great results and less noise than even spaced.
Personally I had a GPU and tried many different props (Warp, Terminator,Q series,) and the best was Water Walker Signature Series. For a GPU you need a 70". Great push and most air efficient with less noise than a Warp for sure.
If you need help with getting one, or just want more info then PM me back or call my cell @352-400-5131. I am the Water Walker Field Tech Rep and I am here in Citrus County Fl.

Bob
 
DesMoin,
Put a tad more pitch in your prop. You will cruise lower RPM and have better gas mileage. As far as Carbs for a GPU, If a holly 500 then go 77 jets and a 10.5 power valve.
Stay under 2850 WOT on a GPU and you will save parts and do much better performance.

Bob
 
Thanks for the advise Swampjet. I'll get my carving knife out and get to work on that. Just kidding. I have a wood Florida Airprop on the boat now. It's a 72x32 and it is loud over 1500 rpm's. I do plan on getting a carbon fiber in the future but I haven't decided on a two or three blade. I like what folks have said about the Sensenich 70 or 72 inch Q. I just hate to pay more for a prop than I paid for a complete airboat and no one is selling any used ones. I get plenty of push and speed from the wood but would really like something more quiet.

I still think AirRanger should be able to get more RPMs out of that 220 GPU. I also have the Holley 500 cfm and I have no idea what size jets I have. I agreed not to run the engine over 2700 - 2800 rpms but you should be able to if you need to for a quick turn or to avoid a hazard.
 
shallowmind has the right idea .I have ran a term prop and you couldn't hold me at gun point to put one on my boat now.Go with the water walker or sench
 
Des Moines Boater":15pccbxk said:
I still think AirRanger should be able to get more RPMs out of that 220 GPU. I also have the Holley 500 cfm and I have no idea what size jets I have. I agreed not to run the engine over 2700 - 2800 rpms but you should be able to if you need to for a quick turn or to avoid a hazard.
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Sure he can get more rpm. All he has to do is take out a little pitch.

My first boat was DD Caddy and it had a six-blade WD. The previous owner had it pitched so it would only turn ~2400 (it was a tour boat). I repitched it to turn 2800 and immediately broke a timing chain.
 
swampjet":1ctuglxs said:
DesMoin,
Put a tad more pitch in your prop. You will cruise lower RPM and have better gas mileage. As far as Carbs for a GPU, If a holly 500 then go 77 jets and a 10.5 power valve.
Stay under 2850 WOT on a GPU and you will save parts and do much better performance.

Bob
Click to expand...

Welcome back Bob!!!
 
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