Jet power

[Andrea Gail]

Hello!

I`m going to build a small "wakeboard vessel" as a graduation project at my school.

This vessel is going to be about 2m long and have a width of about 1m. It`s unmanned and will tow a wakeboard rider. Steering and acceleration will be controlled through a waterproof panel on the handle.

The Hull is going to be built from scratch and will be similar to a jetski hull. The engine is going to be a 15hp outboard engine, which will be striped and placed inside the boat where the axle will support a waterjet.

The Clutch will be taken from a compressorwheel, which has a magnetic function, so to engage the system, it needs 24v. If power dies in the boat or the ride fall the clutch will just cut off the jet and the boat will stop immediately. That gives the rider a chance to swim to the line and start once again.

I`m also thinking about constructing a waterproof transmitter that makes the boat stop when it´s more than 30fot away from the boat?

So basicly, what I`m asking for is all kinds of ideas and solutions for both engine, hull, steering and everything else!

All answers will be taken with great consideration!

[marshmat]

You've got some good ideas going there.

Engine- If you're wakeboarding, 15hp will not be enough. A 15hp boat can only just pull a 70lb kid on waterskis. Wakeboarders create far more drag and want more wake, thus they need more power and weight in the boat.

Hull- Take a look at jet-skis for inspiration.

Steering- Perhaps a waterproof joystick on the tow handle? Use a pump from a jet-ski and put an electric solenoid on the tiller arm? You'd end up with wires in the tow line though.

Legality- I am not sure what Sweden's laws are, but in Canada a craft such as you describe is expressly prohibited and can not be used under any circumstances. Our laws require a human driver and a human spotter in all watersports tow boats. Even if your laws do allow this there are some very serious safety concerns involved that dictate the presence of live people in the tow boat. Look into this before you go any farther.