Why are my rudders so ineffective ? (pwc converted to propeller)

thanks

Yeah, it was just a smaller version of what rambat shared with us. Just a steel wedge that I had lathed to a point at front and welded on the turning pin.

It was by far best effort yet and was reasonably stable for such a small craft

 

Sounds like a pretty exciting project! Be careful and enjoy blazin a new approach.

I hope to have it sorted out by May, as I want to enjoy riding it this summer, not just working on it.

 

avi8r, great project. Glad you're ok. As a barefoot water skier, I know what the water feels like up to about 45 mph.
Above that, you're like a human cannon ball!

How are your knees doing? I used to jump skis in the surf and had to give that up, couldn't take the compression. I imagine hitting a chop at your speeds would feel like a 20 foot wave jump.

 

Ahem

Before this forum is downloaded by your next of kin as evidence in the case of your untimely departure. I must state that there is no more dangerous of an environment than high speed transit over the surface of open water. We lost about half of the early 100+ mph offshore race boat club members in the late 80's.

I officially recommend remote control of your water rocket until the set-up proves stabile in chop, I am sure you could rig it. Even a gradual increase in your top speed as training will not prepare someone for a unknown tipping point in the set-up dynamics.

 

Chutes

Before you even think about getting back into the water, get one of those drag chute jackets Fed Exed to you.

 

Radio Control

Radio control on the repaired Tempo Alcoa saved Les Staudacher's life.

 

I really appreciate your sentiment, and know that it comes from genuine concern, but if I have to wear drag chutes and remote controls to be safe, I will just slow it down a bit and enjoy the sunset.

This ski isnt being built for high speed runs or any records, just my everyday rec ski... 90% of its life will be spent cruising at speeds under 50mph...

I just like taking a walk on the wild side every now and then.

Last project I did was take my wifes 21 cougar and remove the one 280 engine and install 2 engines with 150 nitrous each..... 900hp on 900lb (bare hull) boat. Very seldom did I take it over 115, but it was nice having the acceleration and ride an occassional wheelie

If this feels ok, I willl sqeeze the throttle a bit, but most time will just enjoy the ride doing something different. The information you have given me on rudders has been very valuable and I appreciate that and the concern.

my last project

 

On second thought, maybe you oughta go all out on your speed quest.

Don't worry, if anything happens, we'll comfort your widow.

Just curious, does she still have the boat.

Just kidding, the one I have is all I need and I hope she doesn't see this post.

Lance.

 

OMG hahahah she just read this thread and what you wrote and asked if you would post a picture

 

Cool

I appreciate your approach to the speed issue and it is surely some type of a first in the PWC world. The other project looks fantastic and the boats not bad either.

 

Why would she want me to post a picture?

Does she like short fat guys?

You're a lucky man, having a wife with a sense of humor. That sounds like something my wife would say.

Lance.

 

Here's one...

I Keep mine well fed.

Lance.

 

Im looking ---- I dont see it--- So what did you make up in the workshop last Sunday then?

 

Beautiful, smart, and has a sense of humor ... If I were you, I'd be wearing that safety gear.