January 27, 2017
From Chevy Truck to Jet Boatโฆ
To manoeuvre the fast-flowing waters of the Aratiatia Rapids we need dependable power and lots of it! Rapids Jet boats are powered by a powerful 500 hp 496 Chevy V8 connected to a 212 Jet Unit.
Rapids Jet Boat engines are a 496 Chevrolet. 500 horsepower 8.1 litre v8s. Although the Rapids Jet Boats are kiwi made (kwikkraft)we import the engines from the United States. ย The Chevy V8 is found in Chevy trucks all over the US. We import them from the US, make some modifications internally, bolt on the marinising gear n away we go. Will push the boat along at 100kmph empty, full of pax 80 kmph.
This engine drives the Hamilton 212 jet unit & will pump 400 litres per second out the 6-inch nozzle to provide the jet thrust. Moving the nozzle side to side creates the steering.
CHEVY V8 THE POWER BEHIND RAPIDS JET
Here is a link to some History of the Hamilton Jet if interested in the amazing Kiwi company that started Jet propulsion
