Efforts have occasionally been made to use automotive engines, but they generally have not proven competitive.

Starting in 1980, they have increasingly used Vietnam War-era turboshaft engines from helicopters (in 1973–1974, one hydroplane, U-95, used turbine engines in races to test the technology). The most commonly used turbine is the Lycoming T55, used in the CH-47 Chinook. Here is a fine example of how beautiful the Herzog Thunderboat can be when all dressed up...this boat was built by Chris Herzog - Miss Slo-Mo-Shun V As of 2018, Warby's record still stands, and there have only been two official attempts to break it. [2] See also [ edit ] The "limited" classes of inboard hydroplane racing are organized under the name Inboard Powerboat Circuit. These classes utilize automotive power, as well as two-stroke power. There are races throughout the country from April to October. Many Unlimited drivers got their start in the "limited" classes. Both companies do a great job. The guys in FL have been more willing to work with my strict requests more so than Rigo (RC Boatworks) was. No changes have been made to the hulls, we are still using the original molds that my dad and I made. We are also currently working on a new label to go inside the hull.

Shoutbox

May I ask what level and length of experience of passage planning/making, and working tides you are basing it on? Chris signs the transom plate and numbers each one...make sure yours is an original Chris Herzog Thunderboat!

To set the classic thunderboat up for its maiden, I angled the turn fin to 20-degrees and made sure the bottom of the fin was parallel with the bottom of the boat. The strut was given 1 degree of negative and set at a depth of 1 3/4" from the bottom of the transom to the center of the prop shaft. Ellstrom Elam Plus, at the 2006 Madison Regatta. Miss Madison / Oh Boy! Oberto unlimited hydroplane in 2007, with extended air scoop. No-Vac at speed, 1933 Miss Jarvis on transport trailer, 2010 Hydroplane Miss America II on the Maumee River in Toledo, 1920 The Insane Boats Classic Thunderboat is one of only a handful of fiberglass round-nose hydros available on the market. And for those faced with the decision of building one from a box of laser-cut wood or installing a motor and hardware on a built-up hull, the choice is usually an easy one. I've built a few wood kits but the ease of assembly that a fiberglass boat offers wins hands down in my book. The Insane Classic Thunderboat is just such a boat - easy to finish and even easier to set up. In fact, a few evenings of work can have you ready for the weekend and winning races to boot. The prop used was a PropWorks West #395 Classic Thunderboat. I would highly recommend this prop as it is perfect in every way. The finish is spectacular, the balance was right on, and the blades were very sharp. This prop was designed specifically for the classic thunderboat and has proven to be a great match for the Insane.A hydroplane (or hydro, or thunderboat) is a fast motorboat, where the hull shape is such that at speed, the weight of the boat is supported by planing forces, rather than simple buoyancy. With the engine mounted, install your pipe and drill a hole for the transom exhaust exit. You're on your own as far as securing the pipe, and I used a stainless rubber clamp bolted to the engine rail, which is available through McMaster Carr. The offset no-leak flange is a nice addition to the Dominator Pro pipe. There's no need for close-quarters hex wrenches anymore because both fasteners are exposed and easy to get to. I set the pipe at 11" from exhaust window to the band as a starting point and so far it's been right on...no need for adjustments. The Ted Jones-designed Slo-Mo-Shun IV three-point, Allison-powered hydroplane set the water speed record (160.323mph) in Lake Washington, off Seattle, Washington's Sand Point, on June 26, 1950, breaking the previous (ten-plus-year-old) record (141.740mph (228.108km/h) by almost 20mph (32km/h). Donald Campbell set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964 in the jet engine hydroplane, Bluebird. One of the earliest examples can be seen in the May 1935 Popular Mechanics issue. "Mile A Minute-Thrills of the Water" tells the story of the No-Vac by LeRoy F. Malrose Sr. aka. Fred W. McQuigg (pen name). [1] Malrose was the lead design illustrator for Popular Mechanics magazine, which at the time was located in Chicago. The No-Vac design and build actually began in 1933, when Malrose conceptualized an airfoil hull surface design which proved to produce far less drag than conventional "V" style boat hull designs of the time. In June 1933 the No-Vac was put to the test with professional racing driver Jimmy Rodgers at the helm. That day the No-Vac set the world water speed record for an outboard powered boat of 78 miles per hour (126km/h). The Herzog Classic Thunderboat is sold exclusively through CC Racing Engines. The hulls (as the one reviewed in this article) were initially being laid up by RC Boatworks, but a decision was made by Chris to change manufacturer. The hulls are now being laid up by Richie and Paul at Rico Boats in Florida. When we asked Chris about this change, here is what he had to say: