The WORLD'S FIRST jet engine pontoon FINALLY hits the water!

The first shakedown water test of the jet engine powered pontoon. A successful and fun trip. Time for improvements and more throttle on the next test! Only used about 60% throttle on this run!

[@FinnegansGarage]

That was great! Congrats. My friend Henry Morris builds a lot of speed parts for jet boats and is a helicopter mechanic. He’s built several jet-engine powered drag boats and might be able to bench race some ideas with you.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks man! It's something different and fun to learn and explore. I've learned the "jet" community is very tight knit. It's always great to toss ideas around with some experienced guys. Your new boat looks mean! Keep up the great work!

[@patdaveydrums]

Hi and welcome from a FSM viewer. Keep up the good work!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@patdaveydrums Thanks for checking it out! It's not your conventional jet boat haha...

[@dragbikedemon]

Finnegan sent me! You are a certified bada#$!!!!!!!

[@patdaveydrums]

@@LiveLearnProjects its JET jet boat

[@HalfAboveMid]

I’ll never complain about the old, loud 2-stroke on the back of my Dad’s boat again. Cool stuff. Thanks for sharing .

[@The_JEB]

WHAT?

[@redsquirrelftw]

The idea of a jet engine on a pontoon is the most brilliant thing, that was awesome to see lol.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Should only get better and faster from here!

[@festungkurland9804]

a nice relaxing day on the water.

[@parkerhorton3471]

I wish there was more content of this kind of content on youtube

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Ha thanks!

[@aggabus]

Don't contend or be contrary Be content with the content contained in the content

[@papagolf01]

There is another guy made this kind of conte his friend with tesla jet engine

[@aggabus]

@@papagolf01 .. Yikes jet.. a guy did jet on pontoon

[@aggabus]

Oops ooh ha right here..

[@stevechil5226]

i literally checked your channel not even a half hour ago to see if you had any updates for you to post this not 20 minutes later, can't wait to see more

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Awesome, thanks for checking it out!

[@haydenwalker2204]

Honestly some of the best quality content on KZbin..thank you for doing what you do. All the best and can't wait to see how much cooler this pontoon gets!

[@Paulman50]

The pontoons are straight sided so cause a lot of drag. I think that would be an exlent platform to put some very short hydrofoils on to. These would realy make it rip. Cheers Paul, great project.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Yup lifting strakes next. Then a 3rd toon if needed. Don't want to push it too hard before it planes out.

[@BigMacProDaddy]

A bulldog tritoon will plane with one person using maximum hp

[@Terry-Kleetus-Kleeblatt]

Excellent!

[@bills2999]

Pure Fecking awesomeness boys!!! Don't send her too hard till you get the bugs worked out! Was that 60% N2? If so you're at flight idle for most turbines...lol....To me it seemed like there's A LOT more power in that engine.That engine looks too big to be a TFE but too small to be a JT8 (sure a sh!t sounds like a JT8 at start). Rolls? Seriously 3 thumbs up for the originality of this....

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks! Ya there is a lot of throttle left on the table. Took it easy for the first run. Westinghouse J34.

[@bills2999]

@@LiveLearnProjects - man that's just awesome! Keep it up! If you want an afterburner for it let me know. 😉😆

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@bills2999 that might be on the winter project list...

[@bills2999]

@@LiveLearnProjects - I will be watching and sharing gents!

[@TheUllrichj]

Wow. Have fun! Sounds like you are taking your time and exercising caution. Enjoy yourself!

[@Skoot61]

- Haha... dude, there's nothing else that sounds better than a jet engine spooling up just like @ 8:09. Also, thanks for for sharing all your effort in making this very cool jet powered watercraft and, taking us along on the maiden voyage too... Nice Job!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Oh ya its rowdy. Can't wait to spool up more than 50% next time! It's been fun so far!

[@paulhsv1121]

Looks awesome!! Thoroughly enjoyed it

[@TSRGarage]

The absolute best project on KZbin. Looks like the testing went great. Waiting to see when you add the lifting strakes (or as you said in a reply to another comment, possibly a third toon).

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Wow thanks haha. Yup that's the plan for the next test. Then I'll throttle it up further too.

[@TSRGarage]

@@LiveLearnProjects yes. I am watching a second time. Saw 60% rpm (lot of thrust left) and the footage from shore. Low in the water, when you add strakes/ get it to plane >>> zoom zoom lol. The people on shore "what's that sound?" ..looks again rub eyes.... "grab my phone, get a video" ... "they'll believe me now" 😂😂

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@TSRGarage I didn't film a lot of reactions. The gas station and the boat launch was drawing a lot of attention. Also the video doesn't do the volume justice. It's VERY loud...

[@TSRGarage]

@@LiveLearnProjects extremely loud especially at power. As I watched you driving it I saw the ear plugs.. thought I would recomended plugs and headset/muffs. I'm Ex airforce, aircraft mechanic (not jet engine mechanic) but did engine runs on cargo aircraft c-141. When standing ground watch you were not 2 1/2 feet from the intake📣, LOL Good luck and safe testing

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks for your service! Ya you know. I'll be wearing muffs and earplugs next time.

[@northeastrailwayproductions]

This is INCREDIBLE!! WELL DONE!! How you don't have more subs is beyond me!!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks!

[@islandnites]

Gorgeous weather / beautiful scenery / so peaceful & quiet 🙂

[@zaia8553]

So glad I found this channel definitely looking forward to seeing this thing get some upgrades. Nice work man your definitely a genius

[@ryan10068]

Was waiting for this! Excellent work

[@carllafrance5510]

Great run CONGRADULATIONS ! EXCELLENT BUILD AND RUN ! right up there with the safety standards li the racing Taiwan long tails ! weight savings ! no life jackets no helmet no seat belts Jet entered right be hind you !

[@neilredelinghuys3263]

amazing. looks like a ton of fun!

[@joshuaknight1748]

There’s a reason why jet boats are usually hydroplanes, but fair play to you sir for your tenacity!

[@darknessofnight]

absolutely awesome was scrolling on my recommended when i saw this video so glad i came across it cant wait to see what comes up next and all the upgrades

[@kentuckyblugrass]

You got some "Chastain" stones brother. Beautiful cabin BTW.

[@georgecarlin621]

tilt the rear of the engine down towards the water maybe another 5-8 degrees ...should give you more thrust

[@RooTBeeRthe1st]

Funny enough, I had just watched this video a few days ago, and now I'm seeing Finnegan's video where he opened your letter with the link.

[@BomBoo-rn8gj]

Now THATS a great example of inane boating, no life jacket, and a bomb behind 'ya. Bet your ears are love' it.

[@wilsonkj]

Well that's a great first run, now to really crank it up 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 great video well done

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks! The next run should be a lot more power and speed.

[@wilsonkj]

@@LiveLearnProjects so impressed, you are an inspiration, I look forward to the next video, thank you.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@wilsonkj thanks!

[@kennyschopperz]

As an avid gear head and watersports guy, let me say, this is the GREATEST thing I have seen all year, with LOTS left on the table! ! ! Do you have any lifting ribbons/strips on the toon bottoms or are they just round toons?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Thanks! I'm adding a 3rd toon with strakes on it now to get its butt up out of the water more. The next test I'll throttle up more too.

[@Riverbed_Dreaming]

Amazed this thing didn’t flip itself over from the jet engine turning moment, you guys must have really done the maths on it!

[@flivermore]

That is simply awesome! Love it.

[@BlackJacXXX]

This was really neat to watch!! How fast do you plan on going on this beast??

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Should easily beat the current pontoon speed record of 114mph. For reference this same engine holds the all time speed record on a hydroplane, not a pontoon, but it went 317mph.

[@BlackJacXXX]

@@LiveLearnProjects Thats so fast!! Good luck with achieving your goal and as everyone has been saying, be careful and have fun! Ill be tuning in for more and I can't wait!!

[@ganormand]

Love it. I had 2 pontoon boats-kept swapping engines, found out with only 2 pontoons, there wasn't enough lift to plane. It's like the titanic-just a displacement hull. Bought a tritoon and WOW. what a difference. PUT a 3d pontoon or equivalent, and you won't need lifting strakes, it will plane and ride and steer better. I promise. there are aftermarket choice.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Putting a 3rd toon with strakes on it now.

[@russthompson7994]

Lifting strips might help but, you might get better results adding a third pontoon in the middle. See the tri-toon designs for examples.

[@russwilkerson2741]

You definitely need some type of hydrofoil. Then it would fly. Nice work. It’s a first

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Yup making improvements now for a second test, a much faster test.

[@GrandpaJeffrey]

You should consider using pontoons off of an aircraft, they are designed to plane on the water. Either that or put a couple hydrofoils on the boat.

[@swanee327]

...that is the most kerbal thing ive seen in some time. Well done!!!!

[@mdood9299]

Any aerodynamic considerations or modifications in the works for this beast?

[@theupscriber65]

Put a duct on the engine outlet to redirect the exhaust so that it's below the waterline. It'll aid in thrust pushing against water having more mass than air and we get the benefit of dumping exhaust fumes right into the drinking water reservoir!

[@patterrr]

So cool! I'm curious, how do you steer the pontoon? Are you using the outboard motor as a rudder, or did you add a rudder, or do you have a way to vector the jet nozzle?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

This test the outboard was the rudder for now. I plan to make a separate rudder to reduce drag when it start going faster. There is also vertical adjustment on the engine itself.

[@johnknecht6958]

The coast guard and DNR must be your biggest fans

[@BabylonsPolice]

Congratulations 😊

[@hv9356]

It's cool to see how a just a jet pushes a boat vs. the Jet into a shaft and propeller. Obviously if you wanted it to be insane you would add the shaft and prop, but I say just work your plan and redesign the pontoons to create lift etc...

[@ScarabChris]

Pretty cool. Life long boater here. I know this is more about doing it because it hasn't been done....but a 250 outboard would have pushed the boat 3 times faster. So come on...tweak that engine and get those aluminum logs fast enough so only the last few feet of the toons are in the water. LOL

[@retireearlyrich]

Be aware that some states have limits for how loud your boat can be. The noise limit is measured in decibels at a distance from shore. I am certain that your jet engine would exceed any of these limits if anyone complained from shore. I think what you are doing is awesome, I just don't want you to get fined. Keep up the great content!

[@retireearlyrich]

Since your boat is registered in Michigan, you might want to know that the Michigan law states, "a vessel’s muffler or exhaust system must prevent noise in excess of: 90 Decibels at idle from three feet away and 75 decibels when measured from the shore." You should be fine as long as either nobody complains or you were a couple of miles out from shore on one of the great lakes. :) I have an old classic boat that is really loud and I wear earplugs too.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@retireearlyrich I am aware, but it is also not enforced. Most performance boats well exceed that too. Granted this is quite a bit louder haha. I'm sure I will have complaints where I am at (very very busy in the summer), but I can always go 2 miles out in the big lake and then there are no volume or speed limits.

[@herzogsbuick]

I first saw you commenting on a Warped Perception video a long time ago, on a comment Project Farm had made on his casted copper water block video and Warped had responded to. Then, I saw Warped come check out your unfinished boat. Now, you got it on the water. Quite the conversion man, outstanding! One question: J34s were designed to run on avgas -- what did you have to do to convert it to normal gas? One observation: It's jet powered, a frozen lake should be no problem...

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Ya he'll be back in a couple weeks again with his next project. Most jets aren't very picky on fuel. If it atomizes, it'll run on it. I use a mix of gas and kerosene.

[@JamesWareAmendment2]

If you're thinking about giving that boat a name, consider "Skeeter Eater."

[@bigblockcutlass123]

can't wait to see this go by the marina!! I see you put in right by River Haven. just up river from the my marina. Need any help with thing, let me know

[@johnbolongo9978]

It's the perfect trolling motor......great stuff.

[@jjspath]

worlds first jet pontoon boat good work that earns a sub

[@lipripperjohn4948]

This is awesome! I just saw this video, and I'm going back to watch the rest. And you're in Michigan 💚 I live 10 min south of the bridge.

[@apodolsky08]

This is what makes America great. Not satire at all. Great job!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Agreed!

[@7shoemaker]

The thrust of the engine is pushing the nose of the boat down in the water. The most expensive water plow I ever watched.

[@larryrodziewicz8437]

I've rigged so many pontoons that when you try the lifting strakes and maybe add the third pontoon make sure to add the under deck wave shield for a very smooth ride!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

That's the plan!

[@gainerman]

Ensolite or something similar smooth out the underside makes a notable difference cheap and easy too

[@fridder.]

This is crazy lol glad to see it finally in the water

[@7heRedBaron]

No issues with poached fish floating in the water behind?

[@melgillham462]

Not sure is you're interested, adding a pontoon centerline and making it a Triton will help plane out quicker. That's just too cool! I've seen many pontoons and protons with front spoilers that make it look like it has an angled hull in the water to help.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Adding a 3rd toon now with lifting strakes. Should help bet it's butt up higher in the water to plane out.

[@vinylexperience77]

Nice work cant wait for more.

[@J.W.W.]

Pure Michigan!

[@HootisGarage]

Light the burner! Lol great work, well done.

[@tarheeltexan]

#jealous! Great job, thanks for sharing! How did you procure the engine and what’s it out of?

[@JacobSturgill]

Found you on Instagram. So now it needs skis and a tail fin for winter!

[@kpd3308]

The owner of a company I used to work at worked with the U of MN and developed a pontoon design that more readily planes. Might work well with your jet.

[@vizwhiz100]

Perhaps, in the long run as speed increases, front-mounted canards to help keep the front down, like on the front of an indy car. The compressed high speed air ramming into the front of that brick will be looking for a place to escape, and the boat will want to ride up on it like on a small hill. You could even consider ducting air with scoops from the underside into the engine intake to help drop the pressure of the front bubble of air like they planned to do with old hyperloop concepts.

[@mcjok88]

Fun, interesting. I enjoy projects like this. Subbed to see what happens next. Thx

[@tda3fjr]

I *think* this has been mentioned, so sorry for the repeat. From experience (long story), you need to totally skin the underside of the boat. My solution was .040 aluminum with Zeus fasteners on the panels that I anticipated having to be removed for servicing. Granted, I was using a single O/B on a center motor pod, but the difference was drastic. There's significant turbulence at the stern of a pontoon - especially when low in the water. Lifting strakes alone is not the answer. And if ya wanna go crazy, mod the pontoons to create a pad. Thanks for listening.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

I'm adding a 3rd toon next with strakes. That should help a ton. Skinning the bottom would also help for sure.

[@Mariiaax16]

60% on a turbine is idle. Thrust made at 95% Turbines don’t have linear thrust patterns Love that sound.

[@JG-iq2qv]

Needs a V-drive or some sort connection to a prop

[@LJR_LIMITED]

people who live there must love it!

[@austinconstant7681]

Have you thought about bridging between the pontoons making it a modified flat bottom. Love the videos

[@LiveLearnProjects]

I'm adding a 3rd toon now and some lifting strakes. I'm open to all sorts of modifications, but we'll start there first and see how much improvement we get.

[@tylerscott9329]

Couldn’t think of a better way to convert money into noise and fun! Can’t wait to see her open up a bit more but I wouldn’t take her over 70ish on pontoons or you might end up flying.

[@Rlip]

70 Jesus more like 45

[@wolfhaddock8211]

Yeah there's a couple things I can do to get that thing looking like you got a after burner on it

[@JoeSmith-ew8ci]

Awesome!!! You’re gonna need more then the outboard as a rudder (maybe I missed you putting a full rudder on) but still 200 mph is a lot to ask of a rack and pinion cable. Check out the rolls Royce jet drives, you could probably fashion a similar nozzle/bucket around the end… even if it’s just a bucket kill that flips the direction of air flow for emergencies…

[@LiveLearnProjects]

There is plans designed for a rudder long term.

[@kylewilliam487]

This video just popped in my feed after watching a cleetus video. I seen pontoon and jet engine and was like yuuuuuuup watching this lmao

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Makes sense. He has jet engines and jet boats. This combines them into one project lol.

[@kylewilliam487]

@@LiveLearnProjects LOL exactly!

[@froggersgarage5127]

I have been enjoying the warm weather lately I'm in Calhoun county and it's been 60- 70 degrees and have been wondering if you this video was going to happen

[@profesonalantagonist]

Add “steps” To your hulls. Look up stepped hull. It should help you produce less drag and get up on plane. Also consider nozzle angle. Too steep would make the craft nose heavy, too shallow would make the transom too heavy, what angle will make it plane best? This is where I would experiment.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

The jet angle is adjustable for that very reason. First move is reducing drag by adding a 3rd toon with strakes.

[@TheBasstead1]

What happens if you direct the jet blast/flow directly into the water?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

No clue... probably nothing good lol.

[@TheBasstead1]

I don't mean a direct 90. I mean a long nozzle, maybe at 40 degrees. Would a submerged nozzle have too much back pressure for the jet? What is your goal? To go fast?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

@@TheBasstead1 ya I think the back pressure would create problems. I'll get it going as fast as it seems safe.

[@civicboomer2135]

There are plenty of outboard pontoon boats that can go on plane and go over 100 MPH with two hulls. This has more to do with setup than the hull itself. I think the power from the jet needs to needs to be directed down more in the back. Tilted a few more degrees to the water to bring the rear of the pontoons up. It might take longer to reach planing speed but you should go a lot faster on plane. This is one cool build. Way to go!

[@tedc7714]

Yep.. My airboat likes about 3 degrees down in back to raise the back up. A rudder up in the air would help steering too. Set it up real gentle. A little goes a long ways.

[@alexanderx33]

Can you lower the center of thrust any more? I doubt adding lift to the bottom is going to help much when the higher the throttle the greater the force pushing the nose down and water displacement is far and away the main source of drag.

[@paulrickman7549]

Couldn't help but wonder what waterskiing behind this would be like.

[@quickstopUK]

Hot and windy I’d imagine!

[@CatarineausArmory]

@@quickstopUK He is in Michigan, add some rope length and it would be warm and breezy...

[@lowandslow3939]

@@quickstopUK And stinky!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

I definitely plan to water ski behind it next summer.

[@paulrickman7549]

@@LiveLearnProjects I went once in winter wearing a wet suit. I wonder if one of those Top Fuel style fire suits and respirators would be appropriate behind your vessel?

[@sebastienlauzon4502]

For speed we have to put another ponton in the center of your jet ponton ! More float less drag more surface !

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Absolutely! Adding a center toon with strakes now!

[@dakshindachu5929]

@8:09 that sound is just amazing

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Doesn't get old...

[@redstingraycorvette]

This is so awesome man reminds me of the Detroit river hydroplane races miss Budweiser what lake are you on in Michigan

[@LiveLearnProjects]

This was the Grand River that leads out to Lake Michigan.

[@redstingraycorvette]

@@LiveLearnProjects I just sent a couple of my friends your video it is awesome I can’t wait to see more How fast do you think you had it going.

[@politicallyincorrectgrandp1351]

Ok, this might be completely crazy? What about creating bags over the pontoons and closing it in as a Hovercraft. Like the large hovercraft that Canada use to have as transport vehicle. You would need a engine for lift. Easy to find a old motor cycle motor with everything to make it run. But it could also run the river after it has iced up. Just a Wild Ideal from an Old man. GP

[@timoterror788]

Does it make a difference if you give full thust on propeller when you are under turbine ?

[@kraftzion]

That diamond grill has to subtract a significant amount of thrust.

[@billyhighfill]

So pumped bro!!!!!

[@lpmetallica]

Crazy boat! 👍🏻 if Finnegan sent you over! Looks awesome and crazy man!

[@MrBen527]

Cool man! I always wanted to put my pulse jet on a boat.

[@lagopeter]

Split your fuel tank left and right. Get it out of the way and shift the weight forward. Drop the engine to the floor. The more water you grab to push off of the greater your forward thrust will be. Also. Don't drag your trolling motor.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Once it's on plane, the jet will provide downforce on the nose. I don't want too much more weight forward. I'm adding a 3rd pontoon with lifting strakes now to get it up out of the water. A second water test will see what modifications to make next.

[@grower420ed4]

Amazing Content definitely point the engine down towards the water And with the lifters you should be fine🎉

[@Michael-pe4cr]

Does it do anything but make noise

[@LiveLearnProjects]

Mostly noise haha. When I open it up, it will go much quicker. Stay tuned... this was just above idle.

[@surfnaked2143]

Hold on, babe, what? No, I'm just stepping out to buy a jet engine. I'll be right back! 🏃‍♂️

[@djalbar]

You need wings under pontoon connecting tubes, back in Ukrainian we had boats with under water wings, lifting boat couple feet and glide on a wings only!

[@clinicallystonedpodcast2160]

I don’t know a whole lot about jet engines but I have to ask is there an after burner on this jet engine?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

There is not one. I may build one this winter for it.

[@keeganm2482]

My question to you is, how are you steering? Are you leaving the outboard trimmed into the water just for use as a rudder? Are you vectoring the thrust from the jet to steer? My interest is piqued.

[@LiveLearnProjects]

This test the outboard was being used as a rudder. Long term I have a separate rudder to be installed. Thrust is adjustable up and down only.

[@keeganm2482]

@@LiveLearnProjects Awesome! That is what I figured you had going, and it seems to work well.

[@emartin7166]

Excellent video and an amazing project. Please don't kill yourself with that thing 😂

[@moleisrich1]

Dude that may be my old boat. I had a crest 30’ pontoon that was badass.

[@nike12000haha]

That is really cool but really expected it to be much faster. Will be interested to see how it goes as you keep tweaking

[@LiveLearnProjects]

There's a lot of throttle left on the table. Need to make some improvements before going faster yet.

[@ribbs67]

@@LiveLearnProjects with a channel named Live and Learn.. I was almost certain to see a full send right out of the gate! 🤣 I would say props to you guys.. but you seem to have gone a different route! 😁

[@whatsupbudbud]

Love how Americans just build stuff, awesome!

[@LiveLearnProjects]

It's fun!

[@newt2010]

I’m giving it all she’s got captain.

[@jefflittle4013]

Absolutely impractical.

[@tarheelbillyinmaine7737]

So uhh where is the Jet engine Store?

[@LiveLearnProjects]

You don't find a jet engine. The jet engine finds you.