Aeronautical Engineering/Vintage Hydroplane

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Expert: - 7/14/2009


Question

Mike's Hydroplane
Hello, Paul, I am considering building a vintage hydroplane from 1962 Science and Mechanics Magazine. In 1962 I think it was ahead of it's time in design and appearance..and would like to bring it back to life.
    It is only a 2 place boat @ 13 feet 7 inches. I would like to add 1 foot to the length and make it a 4 place. I do not plan to race around pylons, etc, just some crusing with an " Old New Machine"
    All of the web sites I visited say this is a no- no, don't even think about it! Any thoughts on this as I really like this design.
    What makes me think this is possible is that in the same year, Popular Mechanics Magazine featured a Hydroplane which was only about 6 inches longer and it was a 4 place machine -the design is similar, it just looks Old School....Mike

Answer
Mike
I'm no boat designer, but I don't think your length increase should be a problem.  Adding weight and changing the weight distribution may affect stability and control not to mention ability to fly.  I assume you are moving the Center of Gravity forward.  That is something you should check on, but I don't know enough about the boat to say what could happen.  If the thing really planes, the C.G. must be critical.  With a forward C.G. it may try to nose in or something.
Paul
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 6Clarity of Response = 8Politeness = 10
    CommentPaul, thanks for your timely response and input..I'm still gathering infomation for the project..Mike


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Paul Soderman

Expertise

Aeronautics, Fluid Mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Noise Control, Muffler Design, Wind Tunnel Research.... I know nothing about India - do not ask about schools, jobs, application requirements, career choices, etc. for India. Please, no text message verbiage; I prefer full words in full sentences. Thanks.

Experience

38 years as research engineer at NASA

Publications
AIAA, NASA

Education/Credentials
B.S. and M.S. Aeronautical Engineering - U. of Washington Graduate work Standford U.

Awards and Honors
AIAA Associate Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

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