So I have been quite intrigued by some boat motors ive come across on the net. They are often referred to as "mud motors" or "long tails". They utilize an ordinary horizontal shaft engine between 5 and 35 hp. Basically just couple a long straight shaft to an engine and put a prop on the end. You may have noticed that the prop will run at a bit of an angle, but these props are specially designed for that. This setup is mounted on a shallow hull boat. See photo.
I happen to have a 24 hp Honda v twin. This kind of set up looks relatively easy to make. I need a couple opinions though. First, I think it would be easier to build the shaft using bearings and a small framework, rather than enclosing the shaft in a tube, like seen in this crappy you tube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sJJ3Kw9qv0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
But would the shaft start vibrating to much once you start spinning it at 3500 rpm?
Second, would something like this with a heavy duty mud prop and rock guard, be useable on small rivers?
Share some opinions. Yes I realize it's easier just to go buy something but that's not the point.
Here is an example of one in action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNbL8YjfG_g&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I happen to have a 24 hp Honda v twin. This kind of set up looks relatively easy to make. I need a couple opinions though. First, I think it would be easier to build the shaft using bearings and a small framework, rather than enclosing the shaft in a tube, like seen in this crappy you tube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sJJ3Kw9qv0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
But would the shaft start vibrating to much once you start spinning it at 3500 rpm?
Second, would something like this with a heavy duty mud prop and rock guard, be useable on small rivers?
Share some opinions. Yes I realize it's easier just to go buy something but that's not the point.
Here is an example of one in action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNbL8YjfG_g&feature=youtube_gdata_player