Water drive alternative

[oztrax]

I'm still going ahead with my jet drive fit to my Max 4,

After searching thru this forum, previous jet drive and some propellor fit outs
Don't seem to have yielded large improvements in water speed.

My Max 4 achieving 7 kph in saltwater (GPS speed) with 26 inch Terras pretty
Good it seems.

One theory I have is the Max floats higher in saltwater, eg in freshwater I'm not far off
The top deck , haven't done a good GPS run in fresh yet,
In saltwater definitely floating higher, like 3-4 inches below the top deck.

In simple terms, salt means less drag because less of the wheels are in the water .

Another water drive alternative would be an Arneson surface drive.
Considering 6x6 is likely to go into weeds, swamps, water with grass etc
The Arneson (also called the weed chopper) would excel where props and jet drives
Block up.
Also as a surface drive doesn't have to be totally submerged , it would mount higher on
The rear of the vehicle.

I looked some web links and small surface drives are available.

Have a look and see what you think.

Mind you I wouldn't be walking behind an AATV with one........

Regards
OZ

[oztrax]

Looks like these are the best choice ,
Small surface drives 10-60 HP:

LD 170


Few generic photos of surface drives below

image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg

OZ

[oztrax]

Here is a DIY option :

Mud Buddy - Best and Most Powerful Mud Motors

Props right down to 7 inch

image.jpgimage.jpg


Regards
OZ

[oztrax]

These mud buddy drives look pretty good,
Check out the videos on the mudbuddy.com site.

The model that would suit a 6x6 is the mini HD sport,
Runs a 27 HP Kohler or Kawasaki twin, the same as my Max 4.
Belt drive to prop shaft.

The go would be to run the drive from your existing engine vie a 90 degree gearbox
Or similar.

If my jet drive doesn't work out , I am going to try one of these.

image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg


OZ

[allwheeldrive]

What kind of water speed are you trying to achieve? I believe people have put 15hp out boards and gained little. A secondary water drive from what I've always assumed was best suited to just keep wear and tear down on running your entire drive train for extended periods to move in the water.

These machines are VERY hydrodynamic slow. The best example was Top Gears amphibious Toyboata with 225HP it could only go a few mph. Just so much resistance in the water. The Max IV with stock tires seems to be the most efficient speed to power used.