PWC Design

[Alan H]

Hi everyone, I am Alan. I am about to start a project on building a two person Jet ski. I am a begininer in boat design. I want to know where to start.

I have pro engineer CAD program at home, would that be appropriate for PWC design?

What kind of material should I use for the shell?

What should I consider when I draw the plan?

If I want more information, where can I find it?

I am a real newbie. Any information about building PWC will help. The more the better....Thanks

[CGN]

"pro engineer CAD program at home, would that be appropriate for PWC design?"

Yes, if you have the surfacing module the better, but that's not all you need you also need, stability programs and know how to do it (calculations), some hull resistance software to have an idea of the performance of your PWC, you don't want to build it and find out that it floats upside down and that you need 500 hp to "drag" the PWC.

"What kind of material should I use for the shell?"

fiberglass there is many exotic stuff, but Fiberglass will do the trick.

"What should I consider when I draw the plan?"

everything, how do I want it to float?, what looks I want?, does it fit comfortable 2 persons?, do I have enough room for an engine?, OB. or jet prolusion? to name few.

"If I want more information, where can I find it?"

Principles of yacht design, Elements of boat strength by Dave Gerr, I remember seeing a thesis on the Net about a personal water craft design but I can't recall the link

And a word of advice, test the craft yourself chances are that it will be a dangerous toy.

good luck

[marshmat]

Stability's really important to a PWC. Definitely read up on this a lot. Virtually all PWCs are fibreglass, but since virtually all PWCs are also mass-produced the tooling costs are more spread out. Get a hull shape first and then pick a construction method. You'll need to do a lot of sketch, draw, calculate, redraw, recalculate etc. So start by learning how to draw and analyze designs, then you can start tossing ideas around. Good luck.

[lewisboats]

Check out Wild Thing at http://glenl.com This will give you another something to look at while you are considering, pondering and musing.

Steve

[Alan H]

Thanks CGN, marshmat, lewisboats. The suggestions gave me some direction to go. And I am thinking now that I am really lacking of knowledge to do this project. So, I am thinking to do some voluteer work with Jet ski repair shop or boat builder to learn something. Do you guys think is a good way to go? Or else, what is the most direct way to gain knowledge on how to put the components together and how to build the hull so it doesn't sink? I can't really find any information about building pwc, Do you guys know where to find the builder or shop or books?

Thank you

[marshmat]

In general, PWCs are mass-produced. You won't find many small shops building craft like this. Something like the "WildThing" (Glen-L) mentioned above is suitable for a beginner; if you're thinking along the lines of a Sea-Doo or a Jet-Ski then I would suggest picking up a damaged one and rebuilding it. It's tricky to pack all the machinery into such a small space and still have it stable and safe.

[Alan H]

Does any one know where I can find a 28 hp electric start Evinrude engine that under 130lb?