Panther Airboats Duramax Diesel

[@Mr91495osh]

Thinking about asking Panther to build a 9 x 22 saltwater (high nickel) airboat with a Cummins Diesel twin C/R props. New style diesels don’t smoke like the old ones. Opinions Please. GlennFHoward

[@ChuckBeefOG]

I don't have airboats where I live but how come you never see one with a transmission, you would think gears would get the prop spinning faster than just a V8 spinning away at 5000rpm? or do they just rely on the prop fins changing pitch?

[@lovesoft1]

I think its mainly due to the length motor + tranny + prop would be.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

You would think they would have made some sort of short sequential gearbox like out of a Porsche or something. With gears, speed would be limitless with a fanboat (at least in my head anyway)

[@Joe55darter]

They have to gear down the engine speed or the props will fail catastrophically. Airplane props run slower than you think. Props tend to wear over time possible leading to out of balance conditions which would be exacerbated at higher speeds. However, I've seen 5 prop jobs that were awesome.

[@reddwarf1980]

I own a Duramax in my Silverado. They are amazing engines, and I don't see myself going back to a gas tow rig. I do not think they belong on airboats; too heavy. If your definition of "sick" is lots of black smoke and noise, then you're right. I like being able to run dry with a minimum of throttle and run quiet so I don't bother others.

[@mr.redneck2715]

You of all people should know, more power more torque better mileage no smoke and actually quieter in airboat application.

[@ChrisSmith-ig9jq]

@@mr.redneck2715 i wouldnt want a diesel airboat but i do love my diesel truck.

[@Mr91495osh]

Why not diesels in airboats? Duramax is a damn strong engine.

[@reddwarf1980]

or an LS motor LOL