Tiny hydroplane plans, First build

[Submarine Tom]

I have survived the need for speed for 48 years now and what I found

recently is it doesn't have to be fast, just feel fast.

Tom

[Jimboat]

Submarine Tom - yup! i understand you....SPEED can be a completely relative thing....sometimes the thrill comes from getting the most out of a small hydro and a 7hp motor!

[messabout]

Matt; For what it is worth, you should know that Jimboat is one of the ultimate authorities on go fast boats. He is being polite enough, here, not to appear too commercial. Consult some of his books for the real low down on fast boats.

[Philco]

One of the first performance small boats I saw in my youth, was an 8' hydro, with a small outboard on it, the guy was having a ball with it, I always wanted to have one, and I am on the hunt for the same thing as him, I have looked at the Super Spartan, and believe that is what I want, but is it the best design for what it is, any more current ones that have the same style? Better handling, better ride, and safety?
Phillip

[Yellowjacket]

As Jimboat noted in another post, most of the plans available like this are pretty old. Hull technology has come a long way since the Super Spartan was designed over 40 years ago.

Depends on what you want. If you want a "vintage" boat and max speed isn't a concern then the SS is fine. Note however that the older "shovel nose" boats were a bit more prone to blowing over or nosing in and newer "pickel fork" hydros are a lot safer. Tunnel hull technolgy has really surpassed the older three ponters in terms of ride and safety, but again, it depends on what you want to use it for.

[Philco]

Originally Posted by Yellowjacket

As Jimboat noted in another post, most of the plans available like this are pretty old. Hull technology has come a long way since the Super Spartan was designed over 40 years ago.

Depends on what you want. If you want a "vintage" boat and max speed isn't a concern then the SS is fine. Note however that the older "shovel nose" boats were a bit more prone to blowing over or nosing in and newer "pickel fork" hydros are a lot safer. Tunnel hull technolgy has really surpassed the older three ponters in terms of ride and safety, but again, it depends on what you want to use it for.

Exactly, in looking at the SS, it looks like it would kite, and stuff easily, I would like a hydro, and a pickle fork looks great, I don't care for the tunnel looks, where can I get more info on the new designs of a pickle fork in about the same size as the SS. I want to use it for calm, to 2-3 inch chop in fairly protected waters, with as much speed as possible from a small ob, 40-60 mph with the opportunity to put a faster motor on it in the future.
Phillip