Introduction to Whitewater Jet Boat Racing...

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A breif explanation of the sport:

Eagle is the number one race hull but there are others racing. Kwikraft is a New Zealand hull designed and built by Tony Ward, 19 to 21 foot tunnel. There also is at least one Doug Riddle hull still racing and there are several unique one-offs, the two built by River Wild are good examples. One is a 21 foot B-class tunnel and the other is an 18 foot FX class tunnel.

Bottoms are anywhere from .160 to 3/16ths. Sometimes AR plating is used as an extra layer of protection. Sides are generally .090, decks can be even less than that. Saving weight is very important and the location of the weight in the boat is even more important. Most use spoons, an add on piece in front of the intake. Hulls are generally tunnels although v-hulls have done well in FX class, and River Wild has built two super light "semi-wing in ground effect" hulls that are also quite good. The FX version did especially good in 2001. I believe the Eagle 19 foot Sport step-tech will become a big force in FX class in the next few years.

Since these boats are raced through whitewater interspersed with rocks and logs, they need to have fairly precise handling characteristics compared to other types of race boats. They also need to be very predictable. Bad habits and quirks can put you up in the rocks or worse.

The pumps are obvously highly modified, but based on Berkeley, Legend, Aggressor or American Turbine production pumps. Stainless impellers are almost universal. Full rock grates, although again highly modified, are also universal. On the higher powered boats much attention is applied to supplying the thrust bearing with lots of clean lube. Various methods are used for this including pumps and pressure lube systems. Fabricated steel nozzles are used almost exclusively, and various combinations of wedges. The nozzle replaces the entire piece from the bowl back. It's probably obvious, but maybe it needs stating, the black art of this racing is the pumps and the hulls.

The engines are pretty straight forward. They have to make good horsepower and torque at less than about 6500 rpm, but they have to be able to do this fully loaded down at full throttle for up to 30 minutes. They have to be able to do this reliably at least twice a day (sometimes more) and for two days in a row. That's the minimum requirement to finish and you know the saying, "to finish first, first you have to finish". Rumour has it, and it's only rumour that I've heard, that some of the unlimited engines are over 650 cubic inches!

Engines and pumps are set way back, most of the pump hangs out the back of the boat. Fuel tanks sizes range from 25 to 35 gallons for an FX boat to 60 to 100 gallons for an Unlimited boat. Usually they are set up as saddle tanks, at the very back of the hull.

Most boats have run rollbars in the past and it is now a requirement. Most are made out of aluminum and have double or triple hoops with back braces. Perhaps we may see a move towards chrome moly construction as the anchoring and hoop requirements begin to make them a good tradeoff weightwise. Five point harnesses with lever locks are also a requirement, not to mention a good idea. Race type lifejackets from Lifeline and Security are also used as are fire suits.

All boats carry first aid kits, fire extinguishers, two ropes, paddles, tools, some minor spares and a red flag.

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[iampeeay01]

this sports interests me sooo much... will you be so kind to tell me how much it cost to get a boat that... and am i going to undergo some classes/training to play this sport.. and lastly do i have to get a license for this??? thanks :)

[racing16]

@iampeeay01 Head on over to outlaw/eagle check the for sale forum lots of boats for sale in that site. License no but you do have to be over 18 to compete you can navigate at 16 and get your foot in the door though.



[hepdog17]

:22 is that the Salmon River Inn in Riggins Idaho!?

[racing16]

@hepdog17 Yep it sure was. That's where they hold the show and shine for the races. Sweet hotel too. Been there about 4 times now

[hepdog17]

@racing16 Im right up the road(about 2.5hrs) from there at school! Is there a schedule somewhere so I can know the next time there will be an event there?

[racing16]

@hepdog17 Where are you located? There is a race in August in Lewiston Idaho.

[philip21786]

shut the fuck up. 120 footer my ass. get a life and quit lying bitch.

[speedboxtv]

Cool sport, good shots

[lolahavasuaz]

this video helped me understand the passion for this style of boat competition due the commentary , ... cool sport , and yet soo different than any type of boating competitions here in my hometown , cheer's

Lake Havasu City , Az , usa .

[weldinggod1]

Can you tell me more about these boats, such as engine and drive combinations, horsepower outputs, jet types, hull designs, hull material and thickness, i.e 5052 h-32 @ 0.125", full operating weight, top speed, the depth of water needed to work, etc etc.

I am interested in learning more about these. Is there a source for hull blueprints and drawings?

Thanks so much,

[MrAndyLocksmith]

What the hell is aloooomnum it's aluminium!