Strimmer powered airboat?

[nickweb]

I have found a source where I can pick up 34cc 2-stroke strimmers for less than £5.00. It's a local market where a stall holder sells catalogue returns and at the start of the day a strimmer will cost £40, by the end he'll take £1.00 for one with a broken cutting mechanism etc.

Well, I have a couple of engines so far and have stripped the units down to the engine and centrifugal clutch mechanism, which incidentally has a square keyway where the drive-shaft would usually locate.

My question is... would it be possible to use this engine on an everglades-style airboat? I know it would have to be pretty large to take the weight, but this thing has some power to it, so I think it would still be pretty quick.

If not, has anyone got any better ideas for my engines?

Thanks

Nick

[prkflyer]

i think it would be very possible. i have thought about doing that and i think it would be very fast and fun.

[ernest2]

yes its very possible. i have one, although with a asmaller engine (25cc). you will have a blast with it. mine doesnt run fast, but still a blast. you can also use it with other boat application, power boat or even scale.
ernest

[nickweb]

Just out of interest... How big did you need to make the hull to support the engine? It's going to have to displace a LOT of water to float

[ernest2]

well my airboat is about 43" x 24" x 4" high. i think this is very conservative design approach for me since it can go a little smaller. and mine is heavy about 20lbs ready to run. if you can make yours weigh about 2lbs lighter, it will be better. heres a link of my still unfinished boat. http://www.rc-airboats.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=bye-gasser

[nickweb]

Thanks for the link. It looks an impressive boat. IS your hull solid wood or cavity?

[ernest2]

it is a foam with plywood sheeting. but i could have gone with all plywood construction though, it would have been lighter by at least 2 - 3 lbs.

[blizard 05]

WARE HOUSE HOBIES had an air boat named BIG ALL, 48 inches