Since the original idea was to use the engine off a 'cycle that was
"totalled", is it possible to find a wrecked jetski, buy it with the
salvage tag, then strip it for your larger boat? I assume that you
would have to alter it for the larger payload/ more drag issues (etc),
but I assume that a lot of the 'extras' and "little pieces" would save
time trying to find them to retro the cycle engine in the first place.

Or, (to play devil's advocate) are jet ski mishaps "just total
write-offs", and not worth trying to salvage (due to submersion, etc)?

good luck w/ the research, I'll be the row-boater you pass with the
5horse John deere hidden in the "picnic cooler".

On Mon, 07 Feb 2005 20:41:30 GMT, ewan wrote:

this is more of a theoretical question more than anything else but a
couple of mates and i were chatting about boat building and engines in
general.

basicly ive heard a lot of engines are based upon marinised car
engine based but i got to thinking how simple it would be to use a shaft
drive bike engine {1} since theres a wide range of shaft drive engines
from 550s to 1100cc especialy the 900cc yamaha diversion engine which is
dirt cheap. i know the engines wouldnt last as long but sing they start at
£80 from breakers{2} means it could be treated as disposable item like
petrol.

im just posting to see if there is any serious flaws in the idea such as
not enough torque or other variables



{1} i guess i would have to work out the forces and calculate propeller
assuming the revs arent to high

{2} breakers tend to sell all the stuff that breaks in a crash like
plastic and bits that rust leaving them with the engine which most folk
dont want to replace