Air boat size

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

What is the reasoning behind the 1 to 1.5 proportions for airboats and is that just a rough guide.

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

I presume that you're talking about the length/beam ratio? Airboats seem to come in all sorts of different sizes – the short stubby ones are going to be most maneuverable, but for carrying passengers they can be made longer – the wiki shows one with about a 3:1 ratio – **LINK**

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Wider not only means more maneuverable, it is also more stable. This is important when you consider that the center of thrust is rather high, and if cruising in a swamp full of alligators, you don't want your boat to tip you into them when you turn. Although steering is done using an air rudder, when they turn, there is a considerable side thrust up high.

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

Hi yes Beam/length just that when I see posts asking about size to build that ratio comes up . Wondered why

[Dodgy Geezer 1Participant @dodgygeezer1]

If you are making one, this may be of interest – it describes a boat of 1:2 proportions… **LINK**

[Empire ParkstoneParticipant @empireparkstone]

Thanks both interesting article no not building probably modify the one I recently got .It had styrene fins/stabilizers fitted either side and she turned very well low and high speed which tally's with wider = stabler.Asked the guy who built it why he fiited them he  said to aid turning at slow speed I took them off and tried her today not very good at turning at any speed,the boat is 28 x 11'' .Am reluctant to fit the fins back on so thinking of widening the boat. Before that want to try something else .It does not have a flat vertical back end but slopes from the base of the rudder at about 30 degrees to water level Might sound daft but thinking perhaps that deflects the airflow away from the rudder a bit so will temporary square that off first

 

Edited By Empire Parkstone on 06/10/2017 23:10:55

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