Hold my Controller ! :) :wink lol :grinser010::lolhit:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9244a8edd7.jpg

but does it have a flux capacitor!!!!


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...514f6ffe9.jpeg

With something this old that never approached its expectations it is another Spruce Goose. Even if the program was restarted who's left from the original design teams that knows the hydro and aerodynamics of the hull and running surfaces that could contribute ? It's outdated technology like the Blackberry.

Moses,

Not side-by-side, they're not. It they were actually staggered, maybe, where their blade radii actually intersected. But not as long as they have their own lane.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

302,

Records are set to be broken, right?

When asked "how much is enough", J Rockafeller replied, "Just a few dollars more.

By your logic, a boat doesn't NEED turbines, at all. I mean.... How fast do you want to go?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

More drives = more drag. It's why a lot of go fast went to dual motors rather then triples.

Before you talk about the multi engine outboards that is because they are in a way limited on the HP. The Mercury 600 OB are not intended for a fast light hull. The only go fast cat that somewhat recently used more than 2 was the DONZI thing.

Wildman,

Surface drives don't induce much drag, if any, really.

Besides, even with standard drives, each prop overrides the drag induced by its own outdrive, right? There is a net gain for each. Yes, weight is a factor, but that's where turbines shine, right?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

SB,

Nah. Most surface applications use a pistol grip transmitter. :angry-smiley-038:

I did (do?) use Spektrum, though.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Nah man, not doing 250 with that power.

It's still drag to overcome. That is why on fast V's the same total power a twin is faster than a trip.

Yup.
This is from my aviation days but applicable.
"There are three types of parasite drag: form drag, interference drag, and skin friction."

Wildman,

That's true, and makes sense; equal HP, but half again as much outdrive drag. But I don't think anybody goes from twin 750s to triple 500s, do they?

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Not sure what you are saying there Brad, but if you want do a little research for real world one that is real easy would be 47 fountains.

They used to make them in triple 525’s and twin SCI700’s with NXT transmissions and Number 6 drives.

Wildman,

I'm guessing the twin is faster. Same HP (essentially), with half again the engine weight and half again the outdrive drag, the triple will fall behind. That actually makes sense. But what happens when you put triple SCI700s in it? Serious question. I would also have to guess the triple consumed more fuel. I have to wonder what the incentive was to opt for the triple. Kewl factor?

Back to my earlier point.... If I were going to build a quad turbine Mystic (a man can dream, right?) to attempt to challenge the LOTO record, it would have surface drives, which are virtually all thrust and no drag. Simple math says 12K SHP is going to crush a record set with 9K SHP (assuming they were the upgraded T55s, and not the standard 3K SHP units). Of course, this is also assuming the boat stayed on the water. Somewhere between that risk and the cost of doing so is the only reason Qatar still holds that record. As soon as somebody with enough flammable cash and big enough cajones decides it's going down, it's going down. We've seen that what it would take is mechanically feasible.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

I'm thinking the easier path to breaking the LOTO record is to go small with an unlimited hydroplane.

If you guys are going to dream, dream big. Just build a 50' Mystic with a pair of Rolls Royce T-56 turbines with almost 6,000 shp, weigh just under 2,000#s and are 12' long and 27" in diameter. Have BPM custom build a set of drives capable of handling the power and Rolla build you a set of forged props. The turbines alone will set you back $5M, add another $5M for the one-off custom boat/rigging/testing and for a cool $10M you can probably go break Spirit of Qatar's record (if you live through it). I honestly don't think we'll ever see that record broken. I don't think you'll ever see somebody willing to outspend them, or that doesn't value their life enough to chase that record. Basically similar reasons we see other long standing boat speed records not broken (ultimate world speed record and outboard speed record). Interesting thread though!

Think even smaller! Eddie Knox (owner of Problem Child, multiple time record setting and national champion TFH before he quit racing), told me he was seriously considering taking his team back to LOTO and setting the record at one time. He would've put two fuel tanks/fuel systems in the boat, one for alcohol and one for nitromethane. They would run the boat from the start to to about 3/4 track on alcohol and then for the last 1/4 they'd switch over to nitro. They could gear up from their standard drag setup and he figured they could easily break SoQ's record. Seeing as Problem Child had run over 260mph in the 1/4, running at least that speed or greater seemed an easy task, basically having as long as they wanted to gain speed. The big question would've been could they have gotten wind and water conditions that would allow their 4,000#, 7,000HP 20' Bullet hydro to run those speeds.

You've forgotten more about drag boat racing than I will ever know, Dale, but my answer to your final question would be no way. The course would extend the risk exposure for far too long in a tiny, massively powered 20-footer.

All this discussion makes Ken Warby's 317-mph water-speed record that much more incredible.

Eddie's plan was to have the driver run slow (under 100, with the motor on alcohol) to the 3/4 mile mark, then switch to nitro and floor it for what would be a regular 1/4 mile pass for them - just starting at around 100 instead of 0. It would've limited the exposure to high speed to the end of the run. If you've never been to the boat drags and seen the fuelers run down the course, you really should go Matt. The only problem is that with Lucas out of the picture now, the fuelers only run once a year in the west - which is going on this weekend at Firebird Lake in AZ. And I completely agree with you about Ken Warby's record - I doubt it will ever be broken! You know that his shop is in Rio Vista, I've stopped by there before, but he wasn't there at the time.

Matt,

There's the challenge, isn't it? Making it the whole mile in whatever conditions Mother Nature decides to throw at you. The Mystics seem to be the vessel best suited for this.

Ken Warby was riding a rocket and skimming it across the water. Impressive, to be sure, but he wasn't propelling git with a prop in the water.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Personally, I think the easiest way is to start with existing boats and engines that will easily shoehorn into it and don't cost a small country to buy. It's attainable. It's just out of reach for most of us.

"If you live through it"..... Probably the biggest limiting factor, to be honest.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

"If you live through it" is definitely the biggest factor in any of these speed records. Some years ago I seriously looked into building an outboard hydro or outrigger and going after the world outboard speed record (something more in my budget). I'll never forget Peter Hledin telling me it would be way cheaper just to buy a casket, and the results would be the same. Needless to say, I took Pete's advice and I'm still here today. I did still get my hydro fix in though, running an open-cockpit Kurtis 501 Blown Alcohol Hydro to a 5.03 @ 165.4 mph 1,000' best pass. We were the quickest/fastest open cockpit drag boat in the country at the time - 2017! I sold the boat soon after seeing a guy get killed in an open hydro at one of the races we were running at, then putting my hydro on the beach a couple races later. I knew I was rolling the dice with every pass.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...88f9471bf3.jpg

Hydroplanes are not allowed to compete in the Shootout.
They were banned after Miss Bud was on display and then suddenly entered to win and keep the Top Gun trophy at LOTO in 2002.

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Growing up in New Orleans Al Copeland was larger than life. I’ll never forget this race in 1984 , I was 14 and I was hoooked and said “one day “ that would be me . I’m still chasing that day . The race shop I passed every work day on my way to work . This poster is original and is hung in the waiting area where I work . When ever I feel as that day is slipping away I look to that art on the wall . I remember that race as vividly as the day it took place . Thanks Al .

Ha ! Knew my idea was good. Around 2008 they went 220 with Miss Bud somewhere out west.

how exactly does a turbine engine boat promote wildlife conservation?

Qatar did it in a mile, course is now 3/4 mile. Although apparently Qatar was slowing down in the traps.

I was there and it was awesome! I think Dave Villwock ran 199 that day.

Since we've taken a short hydroplane detour, these are hanging in my office. Miss Bud is signed by Bernie Little and Tom D'Eath, Smokin' Joe's is signed by Mark Tate.
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https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c1a92cd6a7.jpg

Display to gather crowds ?

More importantly, How does an electric car promote protect the environment ? :)

it's being repurposed as a bill board rather than crushed and in a land fill so now it is recycling rather than consumerism.

Me too:boat:
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https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f9c176fe38.jpg

I remembered reading it was excessively heavy.

Since Phenomenon is being compared to Mystics.
Anyone know what Spirit of Qatar weighed?

C5000R Mystic dry weight advertised was 10,500 pounds...Qatar was a bit heavier than other 5000R (ie My Way)as the layup was heavier around the cockpit - actual hull was the same layup

I don’t drink the electric car look aid. Im glad someone is doing something with the boat. Saw it in key west when it was finished. Was hoping the boat would meet its goals and get the record. Just seems like a really odd choice of advertising for a conservation group. “Come see the back of the boat. We call these big props manatee back scratchers. Save the animals!”

I lnow this is an old thread, I just saw it. I think some of the twin engine rumors were from me. I contacted Scott who was selling the boat for copeland Jr. I went and looked at the boat a few times we talked numbers with having him install two of the T-55's.
Shortly after we spoke someone else came a long wanting the boat with all 4 engines installed and put a down payment on it. Scott got the boat going again with all 4 engines installed, I was told it was being shipped overseas, but it stayed stateside. As far as I know the boat is running and driving, its owned by a charity now, theyre planning to make lotto one of these years.

I still kick myself in the butt for not giving him a deposit the day I was there, the boat was a steal with two engines.

Last I heard it was heading to Georgia, but that was a couple of years ago and I’m not sure if it actually went or not.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...72bcd8237e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...75b95f3d69.jpg
It's a lot of boat, definitely worth checking out.
These are from Sarasota.

is that a recent pic where did it end up?

No, Sarasota '09