Airboats
Airboat engines and propeller are
enclosed in a protective metal cage protecting it from anything coming
in contact with the propeller. Airboats are flat-bottomed boats with
a large rear facing aircraft type propeller.
The propeller pushes and propels the airboat
forward. Steering is done by forcing air across vertical rudders. This
forceful airflow allows the airboat to be steered.
Airboats do not have brakes and are incapable
of traveling in reverse. Stopping and reversing direction are dependent
upon good operator/pilot/driver skills.
The driver and passengers, are typically seated in elevated seats that
allow visibility over the dense vegetation, consisting of saw grass,
and other swamp related growth. The improved visibility permits the
operator and passengers to observe floating objects, stumps and animals
in the airboat's path.
The characteristic flat-bottomed
design of airboats, in conjunction with the fact that there are no operating
parts below the waterline, permit the vessel to be easily navigated
through shallow swamps and marshes, in canals, rivers and lakes as well
as on frozen lakes. The airboat's design makes it the ideal vessel for
flood and ice rescue operations.
Steering the airboat is
accomplished by turning vertical rudders positioned at the Stern of
the boat. The propeller produces a air flow that pushes the boat forward.
The column of air passes across the rudders, which are directed through
the forward and backward movement of vertical "stick" located on the
operator's left side. The "stick" is attached to the rudders via Teleflex
cable or linked rods. Overall steering and control is a function of
water current, wind, water depth and propeller thrust.
The sound produced by an
airboat's propeller and engine can be loud; the majority of the sound
is produced by the propeller. Modern airboat designs and modern technology
have significantly reduced the sound that an airboat produces. Modern
airboat engines are equipped with mufflers and multi-blade carbon-fiber
propellers that greatly reduce the sound emitted by the airboat.
Airboats vary in size from
10 foot hunt/trail boats, with a two to three passenger capacity, to
large 18 passenger and greater tour boats.
Airboats are a very popular means of transportation in the Florida Everglades,
USA, where they are used for fishing, hunting and eco-tourism.
Airboats are powered by
either an aircraft or large block automotive engine, ranging from 125
to over 600 horsepower. Replacement parts and ease of repair make the
automotive engine the preferred power plant. Also, high octane automotive
gas is less expensive than aviation gas required by the aircraft engines.
An automotive engine powered
airboat generally has more power to push through high grass or carry
heavy loads. An aircraft engine powered airboat may still be preferred
in situations where a light boat or greater maneuverability is desired.
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