Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

[s1120]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I would think a tranny would mess up matching the prop pitch to the boat.

 

[ShrimperJosh]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I figured to match the prop using second gear on a 3 speed transmission, then on open area water I would be able to cruise at a lower rpm in higher gear, and in a sticky situation could use low gear and get the engine rpm into the power range. If it doesn't work out as well as that, I will get rid of the trans and add in a reduction unit. If you never try, you never know, right? Could be that I try reverse and almost flip the boat over backwards, but it could work out too. I figure to have the prop angled up slightly for planing, and theoretically it should provide just a little lift if I were to reverse out of some sticky mud. I guess all of this is a moot point though, as I still have to build the boat as of yet. At least I have a goal in mind, and good people on here to help me along the way. I think it'll be frustratingly fun!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I think it'll be frustratingly fun!

Got that right. :lol:

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I don't know jack about air boats....so I will sit quietly in the corner, have some popcorn opcorn: and watch this thread! I'm really interested to see where you end up going with it, great project!

 

[ShrimperJosh]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

So I read somewhere that people have used automatic transmissions with airboats, but nowhere have I read about a manual. I think I can rig it up to a shift linkage, it'll be interesting to say the least. Archbuilder, did you bring enough popcorn for the whole class? I think we're gonna need it!

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I'll stock up, lol!

 

[ShrimperJosh]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

So, I've been looking at plywood and prices, and of course pliability of the plywood. What I am thinking is using 1/4 in. plywood in two layers and gluing them together, to make the bend of the bottom of the boat a little simpler. That way it would still have the half inch thickness for strength, but be more pliable during the build. Any thoughts?

 

[archbuilder]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

I have never messed with it, but vacuum bagging a layup like that would give you a nice bond. Probably overkill, but it would sure give you a stout layup.

 

[mstrader77]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

Here is a good link for the propped Corvair engine. It is for experimental airplanes, but there is a lot of information that may be useful.
flycorvair | Just another WordPress.com site

 

[ShrimperJosh]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

Thanks, I'll look into that.

 

[submariner1980]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

What doya think about variable pitch propeller instead transmission?
Pro: trust or speed regulation, brake, reverse, weight saving, easy to install, cool noise when pitch changes.
Con: PRICE

 

[ShrimperJosh]

Re: Rebuild of 70's era airboat with v6 corvair

What doya think about variable pitch propeller instead transmission?
Pro: trust or speed regulation, brake, reverse, weight saving, easy to install, cool noise when pitch changes.
Con: PRICE

Honestly, I would love to have variable pitch prop, but price is out of range for a while. And just to be different, think of how cool it could look if I bolt in a manual transmission. You just don't see people running a clutch on the water much, if at all. An auto is easier, but if I could use a manual and run a linkage to the shifter, it would look cool as all getout. The likelyhood is that it won't be worth the trouble, but will be interesting anyway. I may even try to build the prop myself, if I can figure out the pitch and get the right wood for it. That is a project in itself though! Would put woodworking skills to the test.