Marinization

[Tom Moss]

Since getting a copy of "Cutwater - Speedboats and Launches from the golden age of Boating" I've been contemplating A-9 Flyer, a 1927 step hydroplane featured on page 73. (sorry no scanner for a picture)

I tracked down the original plans at D.N. Goodchild, Shellbacks Library a great source for a lot of vintage plans.Flyer A 91 Cubic Inch Racer (http://www.dngoodchild.com/5410.htm)

However now that I have the plan I've been thinking about the engine. An original engine (Graymarine, Van Blerk etc.) will likely be too rare or expensive to be practical so I've been looking at the engines currently used in the current 1.5 litre class hydroplanes. The Engine Page (http://www.angelfire.com/yt/onelitre/engine.html)

What I need is some understanding of what required to "marinize" of one of these for pleasure use in fresh water. Particularly plans for cooling, exhaust and a F-N-R type of transmission.

Any suggestion of reference material or resources would be appreciated.

[Paul Pless]

That's a cool little boat. Are you planning on building as shown in the plans or with one of the modern cold molding techniques?

The links on the engine page don't work for me. In addition to the transmission, cooling and exhaust needs, you will also need to look into an appropriate carborater for marine applications. This could be the most important safety issue of the installation.

[Tom Moss]

The plan would be to build as per plans but for sealing the entire hull in epoxy.

The Engine page links didn't work for me either.

P.S. I did a bit more research on marinization this morning. What a contentious issue! Please no flames for what may be a naive question smile.gif

[Paul Pless]

I think you'll be hearing from many people regarding your plan to seal the hull in epoxy. That type of treatment requires a completely different approach to construction. I'd suggest that you go here:

Glen-L (http://http://www.glen-l.com/)

if you want to go the epoxy route. Incidently, be sure you check out the books link at that sight. He offers a book on inboard motor selection and installation, including transmision, v drives, exhaust, cooling, and fuel systems.

There's several guys hanging out here that have built similar boats (tending to be a little larger), you shouldn't have too much trouble getting answers.

Good Luck,

Paul

[Ross M]

As far as marinization of engines goes, I am unaware of a better book than the Glen L. Witt/Ken Hankinson "Inboard Motor Installation"; available at our sponsor's and direct from Glen-L.

I was a bit nonplussed when it first arrived, but over the years I have come to think highly of it.

I would also strongly recommend study of Don Danenbergs "How to Restore Your Wooden Runabout" (formerly Runabout Woodworking) prior to making any decisions vis-a-vis construction and adhesives.

Beautiful boat design you have chosen.

Ross

[ 07-19-2004, 01:22 AM: Message edited by: Ross McDonough ]

[nedL]

There are a number of conversion parts needed to convert an automotive use engine to a marine use engine. Needed are Marine starter & alternator (C.G. regs require these to be sealed/non sparking for marine (boat bilge) environment), carburetor w/ wedge under it & C.G. approved flame arrestor (also C.G. requirement),marine fuel pump (also diff. that auto.), water cooled exhaust manifolds, marine oil pan (shaped very differently)- may require oil pump swap too, self priming water cooling pump, front & rear bell housings, & marine reverse gear. I think these are most of what need to be changed
If you are mechanically inclined it is often a lot cheaper to pick up a shot marine engine & then go to your local wrecking yard and pick up the same engine out of a wrecked car & swap all the conversion parts over yourself.

[PeterSibley]

There was a very good article on marnising a 100 hp Subaru 1800cc engine in WB a while ago. An archives search should find it.Even if you didn't want to use a Subaru its a good guide to marinisation.The Subaru would be hard to beat though....light and compact with a lot of power.

[Paul Pless]

Peter,

IIRC, some time after that particular article there was a revision of it regarding some of the spark arresting modifications.

Paul

[Tom Moss]

Thanks for all the replies. I was lucky enough to get the CD ROMs from wooden boat before they were withdrawn. I'll look up the Subaru option right away.

I'll be off to Glen-L straight away as well.

Wrt. marine carburators, if I was to use a modern fuel injected engine/electric fuel pump I presume the issues with closed circuit venting and dual diaphram fuel pump would be addressed as these systems are very closed.

Any thoughts?