DIY AIR BOAT

[@1casalfeliz]

Perfect! Simple and fully functional. Using a lot of off theshelf parts and some elbow grease. A really nice boat, thanks for sharing!

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you :)

[@1000186ful]

​@theoldcanadianguy6977 where did you buy the blade unit and how much weight can this handle would this only be good for the smaller flate bottom boat?

[@jestnutz]

@@1000186ful i wouldnt say alot of weight especially when youre on mud flats being powered by 6.5 hp(could be wrong), you dont need a flat bottom to build an air boat a v shape will also do. as for the kit you will have to google search it.

[@G56AG]

Needs some chicken wire or similar in front of the prop for safety. If you were to stand up and slip with the engine running it could take off an arm in an instant.

[@westoncampbell1268]

Hopefully you're not speaking from experience. 😂 There was a guy a few years back who fell into his paramotor in my town... not fun

[@marinusdedreu3833]

Thing about this setup is that you have to be giving it throttle to spin the prop because it uses a centrifugal clutch

[@MarcoFromTropoja]

Girl just got killed in Tallahassee FL by being slung into an air boat fan. Freak accident….head totally chopped off. Safety is a must with these things.

[@anthonyaucoin7934]

She moves pretty good. Great idea

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you:)

[@rammonaschatten9958]

You did one amazing job...it moves fast in the water

[@steamerjohn9212]

That's a sweet little package. Nice design and clean build. I really like how the belt drive puts the engine weight down low. That does not happen with the full-size airboats. This concept would be perfect for the tight overgrown trails in the Everglades where we normally wheel swamp buggies but the seasonal rise in water shuts us down. Thanks for posting this. Could you share where you got the prop setup?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I bought the prop from Hoverhawk Inc. They are located in Alabama. I told them the HP of the engine and that I would be running it with a 2 to 1 reduction ratio. With that information they recommended the 3 blade prop with adjustable pitch.

[@steamerjohn9212]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 Thank you sir. I'll investigate.

[@eddiebowens1919]

I love it. Put a screen on that prop lol

[@janaustin4708]

Great job, "old Canadian guy" 👍

[@jimmyfinke6759]

AWESOME BUILD VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!!!!!! Thank you!!

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you for the compliment :)

[@Velocotrack]

Nice neat install. Good job, old Canadian Guy.

[@gdale0777]

Wow that kicked my ass. And the rudder at the back is perfect. Great job. Oh yes, ditch that metal gas tank, it will be full of rust quickly, get a plastic replacement. And a fuel filter.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thanks :) I use premium gas with added fuel stabilizer and have zero rust in the gas tank.

[@sonnet0640]

Sir please advice me how can i make the prop. and what is the measurment this props for the 6.5 hp engine pls. 🙏

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I did not make the prop.

[@timjackson6258]

Where can I look to get a propeller and hub

[@busman1630]

Just watched your air boat video.... very nice fabricating work you have done there. How does this air boat compare to your water pump drive boat? Any vids of the water pump boat in action? I have a Jon boat I'd like to do something with as well. If you had to do it over again, which "drive" application would you choose? Cheers.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

The air boat is my choice and I use it a lot, it is a bit faster than the pump boat and can take two people. Sorry, but don't have a vid for the pump boat in action. The air boat was more complex to build with lots of cutting and welding, whereas the pump boat was quite an easy project to complete.

[@rejikondody]

Beautiful.... can you explain how you made

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Hi Reji, I will give you a quick run down of how I built this boat. The first thing I did after I purchased the engine and the 12foot jon boat was to position the engine in the back on blocks of wood, so that I could get the dimensions to build the engine sub frame. You will notice that the front of this sub frame is screwed to a length of 2"x6" and the rear is bolted to the transom, the 2"x6" is not screwed to the boat. The next step was to calculate the position of the prop shaft so that the prop clears the top of the transom, then I made the prop shaft sub frame that is also bolted to the transom. Next I made the prop "cage" which is also bolted to the transom and bolted to the prop sub frame. All three sub frames are individual, so it makes it easy to do any future modifications. The engine runs at 3500rpm with the adjustable prop set to a shallow pitch, a larger engine will turn the prop set to a more aggressive pitch which will make the boat faster if that's what you want. The twin rudders are mounted to the prop cage, I chose to use twin rudders rather than a large single one because twins are more efficient. The rudders are operated by an outboard shifter cable and the throttle cable is a bicycle brake cable. I added an extra throttle return spring to make sure the engine returned to idle when the throttle lever is released. I hope this gives you the inspiration to build your own airboat :)

[@angasfarmandnursey9312]

Hello! I’m very impressed with this. I would like to build one but I’m having trouble finding a propeller in Ontario, Canada. Would you be able to help me?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Yes, I had the same problem finding a prop here in Ontario too. After a bit of research I found a company called "Hoverhawk" who are located in Alabama USA. I contacted them and after describing what I wanted to achieve they recommended a 3 blade prop to fit a 1" shaft. The beauty of this prop is that when I upgraded the engine to a 15hp electric start I could change the pitch of the prop blades to a more ""aggressive" angle. which still let the engine run at 3600 rpm. They were a good company to deal with, so give them a call.

[@angasfarmandnursey9312]

Thank you for that info. I did call then and Ron was very helpful and prompt with the delivery.@@theoldcanadianguy6977

[@titobudstvelectrisyangurag1535]

Wow.. Nice air boat soon I will make Same like this

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you, I hope my ideas have given you some valuable tips.

[@bennyj421]

Awesome! Where did you get the prop?

[@jacobmadore3080]

Have you tried this on land by chance? I'm currently trying to build one of these to use on a river, 365 days per year. Wondering if this engine would have enough power to push on snow and ice.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Hi Jacob, the engine I used is probably strong enough to push the boat along a frozen river if it is clear ice, I am not sure if it would handle snow. To be sure your project boat meets your needs I would try a bigger engine.

[@olruss6513]

I'm doing the same - 12 jonboat but with a 277 rotax off a scat hovercraft. I hope it's capable of land snow river - if I read right it's 26 hp @ 8000 rpm

[@craigmonteforte1478]

love the concept and build

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you Graig, for a low budget airboat it turned out ok. Now that spring is here I am using it quite a lot.

[@jasonsanders979]

My question with installing the engine low is does it still get enough air to cool it down? It's really nice how you built it but do you have temperature issues.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I have had no temperature issues at all. Unlike an air cooled motorcycle engine, these stationary engines are fan cooled. Air is drawn in through vents in the recoil assembly then blown up and over the cylinder and cylinder head. There is plenty of space around the engine to supply it with cool air. I run this engine at 3500 > 3600 rpm ( I have an on board tach ) and it has never overheated.

[@jasonsanders979]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 thanks for replying to that, I was really thinking it was more of a motor cycle style engine. I do love the work you put into it. Looks good.

[@rustybeatty6567]

You should have gone with a predator 420 electric start engine with upgraded charging coils than can supply 10 amps to the battery or batteries and install a 12 volt rectifier regulator that can handle 10 amps as well and used a CVT style transmission and a chain drive system so you can idle the engine and still have power going to the battery or batteries so you can install lights on the boat for low light and night time use and add 5 gallon auxiliary tank with a Universal Electric Fuel Pump [2-3.5 psi] for longer time on the water.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I upgraded it with an electric start 15hp engine, which works really well.

[@BilgePump]

I wonder if closing in the sides of the fan housing to make it a ducted fan would help

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Not sure if that would make a lot of difference, the fan housing is only 6" wide.

[@zachmac]

Have you had any issues with the belt? I love the idea of keeping the center of gravity low. I've been thinking about building something similar made for ice fishing... but wasn't sure if the belt would be problematic...

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I have had no issues with the belt at all. I had to change the belt when I upgraded to a bigger engine, but that was only because it needed a different length.

[@zachmac]

What size engine are you running now?@@theoldcanadianguy6977

[@joelkoonce8559]

Top job Mate

[@bradgranger4203]

Where did u find the propeller

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

A company called " Hoverhawk" Located in Alabama, USA.

[@nonilolacdao4790]

Sir, where to buy that variable pitch prop, and how up to what HP it can take.? thanks

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I purchased the prop from Hoverhawk Inc. who are in Alabama USA. They are very helpful people and if you contact them by email like I did they will answer all your questions.

[@bunksmom324]

Yea. That's a cool boat you've built my guy. The only possibly problematic thing I see? It's grossly underpowered. That little 6.5hp go cart engine isn't cutting it. If you want to go bigger but cheaply as possible get like a 20hp lawn tractor type engine. It will rip a whole lot harder than it does now and the engine itself is going to be similar to what you have now for ease of the mounting and balancing. Like I said cool boat and just a thought about it.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Check this out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCsi6eJZZWHq6M

[@cj9298]

Did you purchase shaft ,pillow blocks and pulleys, prop from 1 source i need that same setup....thanks good job btw!!

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I purchased the pillow blocks & pulleys from Princess Auto which is a Canadian store similar Harbour Freight in the USA, I purchased the shaft from a local machine shop who machined a keyway in it for me. I ordered the prop from Hoverhawk Inc. who are located in Alabama, USA.

[@cj9298]

Thanks for that previous info..how about blade and hub where can I get that? ..thanks again

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@cj9298 Hoverhawk Inc. Alabama, USA

[@mohdeusoffazizolnashriby1382]

can you tell how about your propeller , how much length and width?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It is 31.5 inches diameter, hub is for a 1 inch diameter shaft, 3 blades with adjustable pitch. I purchased it from Hoverhawk , Alabama, USA.

[@mohdeusoffazizolnashriby1382]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 can you measure the width or chord of the blade

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@mohdeusoffazizolnashriby1382 The blades are 12" long from hub to tip, 4.75" wide at the hub and 3.25" wide at the tip.

[@dougclendinning2588]

This gonna be my next project..most parts except the prop from princess auto..?

[@bcstechnologylimited896]

I would have powered it with a V-twin (Briggs, Honda, etc.) The engine could run much slower and still develop the needed power. That would make it less noisy and would reduce vibration. Otherwise, an excellent example of what can be accomplished with off-the-shelf parts and a little ingenuity.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I agree with your choice of engines, they would quieter with less vibration. But, as they would cost at least 4 times the amount I paid for the 15hp upgrade that I bought on sale, the cost would be way beyond my pensioners budget.

[@smokenjoe4022]

Very cool build 👍!!

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you :)

[@wateredblades4817]

Is that prop from a industrial ducting?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

No it is a custom prop purchased from Hoverhawk

[@Novalavinda]

How do you determine the propeller?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I contacted "Hoverhawk Inc." in Alabama, USA. I told them my engine is 6HP , the prop would be running at 1800 RPM on a 1 inch diameter shaft with a 2 : 1 reduction ratio. They then knew what size prop I needed. Contact them with your information and I am sure they will be able to help.

[@Novalavinda]

oh okay, can I get the diameter and width of each propeller? And what size rudder do you use for your airboat?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@Novalavinda the dual rudders are 10 inches X 30 inches, For the prop contact Hoverhawk in Alabama USA. Tell them the horse power of your engine and what speed the prop will be turning at, and they will recommend the correct size prop.

[@Novalavinda]

what are the dimensions for the machine frame?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@Novalavinda Too many variables to answer your question. You will have to fabricate all the framework to fit your boat, engine and prop.

[@harryvandyke1988]

Hoverhawk identified the prop as their six blade 42". Did you have it changed to a 3 blade. Noticed the engine is now on sale. Fantastic build. Am looking for a hull.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Yes, that is correct. Hoverhawk recommended the six blade hub with 3 blades which is perfect for this size engine. I installed the blades on the hub using a shallow pitch so that the engine runs at close to 3500rpm.

[@P_P826]

Good job 👍

[@joshmcnally6537]

Where could i buy this complete setup to easily install????

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I don't know if anyone makes a kit. I custom built mine.

[@Adalmir-l1f]

Se vc tivesse invertido a redução ele andava bem mais rápido .

[@noahtavares7498]

How fast does it go with 2 people?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Hi Noah, I have not taken any passengers with me yet. So I cannot answer your question at this point. It travels at a good speed with just me in it, but for two people it might need a bigger engine, maybe a 9 or 10hp. I built this boat on a budget, so did not spend the extra for a bigger engine, maybe if I see one on sale I will upgrade it.

[@Novalavinda]

what are the dimensions of this airboat?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It is a 12 foot flat bottom Jon boat.

[@mq9167]

I hear Harbor Freight has an awesome engine. 22hp predator.

[@tommysumler1849]

I'm interested in buying one of these.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I hope you have success in finding one. They are quite rare, that's why I built my own.

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

The purpose of an airboat is to traverse shallow water, vegetation and even land. That can do non of threse. It is cool.

[@mrsir2378]

I bet this can get in some skinny water.

[@karllib]

I'm putting my ppg on a windsurfer w pontoons. 160 lbs of thrust.

[@rosemanfrim8383]

mostrou em detalhes a construcao ,,,,ficou perfeito .....parabens.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you :)

[@andybraegger286]

where did you get the prop?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Hoverhawk Inc. who are in Alabama USA

[@EdwardTyndall]

i love it i want one i have that same boat just need a kit now lol

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Hi Edward, more than one person has asked me if I could make an airboat kit. That is not as easy as it seems as there are numerous variables involved. I made mine with a mix of angle iron, square tube & round tube, the first sub frame is for the engine mount which is a mix of angle & square, next I fabricated the sub frame for the prop shaft after sitting the engine in place to get the correct dimensions. The final sub frame is the fan cage which is made from 1/2" dia metal conduit, curving the 2 hoops was a bit of a challenge but turned out pretty good. I chose metal conduit because it is very light yet strong once it is assembled, the down side of using this material is that my basic mig welder does not have a "pulse" setting which is recommended for welding very thin metal, also my welding skill is not that good, lol. So I used my torches and flux coated brazing rod to assemble the cage. All 3 separate sub frames are bolted in place which will make it easy to do any future modifications, for example if I want to install a larger engine. As for a "kit" like I said there are a lot of variables : boat size between the transom and rear seat, transom height and angle, engine size, prop size, length of boat, etc. Maybe someone somewhere makes and sells airboat kits, I hope you find what you are looking for :)

[@patrickgermond2750]

I bet trolling with that big fan would be a bitch if you had to cast behind you. That air flow would either suck in the line, or spit it out hard. Knowing me, I’d get the fishing line wrapped around the fan. Looks like a fun boat to just run the river with though

[@angasfarmandnursey9312]

You are so handy I wish I had you working for me when I had the ornamental iron shop years ago. It’s hard to find people like you anymore. We are a dying breed. The wife and I bought a little island here in Ontario and we have trouble getting on it This time of year because the ice isn’t safe yet. An airboat seems to be the answer. I would love to pick your brain in putting together an electric airboat. The reason I’m going to Electric is because our winters could be harsh and as you know, these gas driven engines are very finicky. I am going to email you and give you my phone number and hopefully, we can meet here in Toronto for coffee and reminisce old times

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

have you seen my video "diy airboat upgrade" ?

[@heribertograndezpezo6505]

Podrán decirme dónde compro el ventilador?? O que material es el ventilador

[@epicskidude3129]

@old canadian guy can u link the clutch that u used

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I would not recommend the clutch I used for this application. It is a cheap Princess Auto product that is made with a bronze bushing instead of ball bearings; because of that there is too much internal friction and the prop spins while the engine is idling. I am going to build another air boat this summer with a 10 or 12hp electric start engine and I will use an ordinary pulley, which is a fraction of the cost.

[@indianaoutdoorfanatic9593]

Where did you get your prop? Very nice job by the way, very clean and looks great.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thanks for the compliment :) I ordered the prop from Hoverhawk Inc. who are in Alabama USA

[@indianaoutdoorfanatic9593]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 thank you. I am building one myself, I shared your video with some friends, all enjoyed it.

[@mikeoxsheer345]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 how much

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@mikeoxsheer345 The prop cost me over $300 Canadian, the best bet would be to contact Hoverhawk Inc. They were very helpful and will give you an exact cost.

[@scottymac2271]

where did u get engine set up

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I bought the engine when it was on sale at Princess Auto.

[@shome217]

How would I go about getting a kit

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It's a question I have been asked before. Not really sure if anyone makes a kit , in my opinion there are too many variables, eg: engine size, size of boat, angle and height of transom, size of prop, etc.

[@olvingaleano9347]

Q motor es el q usa???

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

If Google translate is correct , are you asking what motor I used ?

[@olvingaleano9347]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 ok thanks i already saw it in the comments... and i want to make one just like

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@olvingaleano9347 I chose this engine because it was on sale at a good price. It moves the boat quite well, but if you want more speed a bigger engine is needed. If I see a 9 or 10hp engine on sale I might upgrade my boat.

[@olvingaleano9347]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 Ok thank you, we're in contact

[@heofthebee]

Hey do you offer a kit?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

As I replied to Edward Tyndall's post there are too many variables involved for me to make a kit. Sorry that I can't help you with this.

[@baronvonkaiser9912]

banditairdrives.com/

[@gisall8205]

I would really feel much safer with some kind of screen in front of that prop blade.

[@squattoad7470]

Grandpa wanted a trolling motor cuz he fishes up in the weed beds.

[@pioneer6432]

...не плохо )) привет из Москвы

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you ))

[@pioneer6432]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 a propeller from a truck ?... from the engine cooling radiator ???

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

@@pioneer6432 No, it is a 31inch diameter adjustable pitch prop that I bought from Hoverhawk , Alabama, USA.

[@pioneer6432]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 f you need propellers for aircraft that we install on boats, please contact me .... we produce in the city of Rostov

[@driving_in_YYC]

VERY quiet! 😉

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Very!

[@Savanna_12]

Hi Great idea, I would like to consult you if I need to buy 10 boats each for 20 passengers for only touring in the nile having open buffet on it? What kind of economic types of poats will be better engine wise, air or paddle, engine types, really I don't have that much experience but i like to invest in this marine side, would you please advise Thanks alot

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Air boats are quite noisy, I would chose a different drive.

[@daney099]

Hey there, nice airboat! Does the propeller shaft just use the two radial bearings? I would assume you would need a thrust bearing as well to handle such a great forward force, have you had any problems with just using those bearings?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I did not use a thrust bearing and I have had no issues with the 2 radials.

[@daney099]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 interesting, thanks!

[@TeagueisTrash]

Your ride, mr freeman

[@consuelo1441]

Awesome!

[@heribertograndezpezo6505]

Que velocidad alcanza el bote

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Not sure of the top speed, next time I take it out I will see if the speed app on my phone will give me that info.

[@flossfly1783]

Fantastic!! Well done.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thank you :)

[@wanderleylima2581]

Qual seria a velocidade desse barco.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

approx 4 KMH. My upgraded version is much faster.Please click on the link below.

[@EnriqueLarrotaM.-zt1zy]

Como puedo conseguir el diseño

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I did not make any diagrams or plans. I just built it to fit the boat and engine.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I have upgraded this boat with a 15HP electric start engine, here is the link : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCsi6eJZZWHq6M&ab_channel=TheoldCanadianguy

[@rufinogonzalez6020]

What size boat

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It is a 12' boat.

[@rufinogonzalez6020]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 awesome man how fast u think

[@WillemLuntungan]

Amazing

[@simiaoferreira7897]

Qual e o valor

[@bernardyancy8552]

Where is the sound????

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

The wind blew it away.

[@brofessormex]

Legit build

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Thanks

[@0ErikaAir0]

I need help

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

How can I help you ?

[@Edikurniawanji]

Mesin nya pakai ganda bos

[@AngelPerez-yu7zm]

Hola me puede en viar un plano de ece diceño

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I built this project without any "plans" it just evolved as I progressed from one aspect to the next.If your read my reply to Reji Kondody below it should give you an idea on how it was constructed.

[@faviolubinmorenocamargo5058]

👍

[@spartanchanel2969]

I lke air boad..

[@heribertograndezpezo6505]

Muy buena

Need to cage that blade.

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I did not for a couple of reasons. A : I will be the only person using this boat. & not dumb enough to put any part of me near that prop while it is running. B : this is not capable of going fast enough to blow my hat off.

[@heofthebee]

Ya I own some big airboats and it's rarely people that are at risk on these little boats it is everything that flies into the prop and then goes everywhere.

[@alexdurkin4518]

Можно узнать параметры лодки

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It is a 10ft aluminum flat bottom boat.

[@alexdurkin4518]

@@theoldcanadianguy6977 скажите высоту борта, ширину днища в транце и развал бортов в транце

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

Sorry Alex, but the boat is in winter storage so I can't get at it to give you the dimensions.

[@christopherlima3464]

Way too far up on the rig. Of course just my opinion. But seems it would be better one seat back

[@fernandoortiz3703]

Quiero comprar uno

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

It is not for sale.

[@jdsolberg7613]

Silent? That's sucky.

[@sapinchalet5068]

PAS DE SON

[@Tommysmess]

You should delete the govonor

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

No need to do that, I have upgraded the boat with a 15HP electric start engine. Here is the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCsi6eJZZWHq6M&ab_channel=TheoldCanadianguy

[@grahammaclean1997]

Cool.

[@julianbering363]

where did you get the prop?

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

See below

[@kylekinnaman9983]

Where you get the prop

[@theoldcanadianguy6977]

I ordered the prop from Hoverhawk who are located in Alabama, USA.