Posted by on Feb 27, 2014 in Boating | 0 comments

Contrary to what its name implies, Unlimited Hydroplane Boat Racing does not actually involve hydroplanes that have unlimited power or speed. What it does mean is that the unlimited hydroplane boats used for these kinds of races have fewer restrictions than traditional (limited) hydroplane racing. This is because these 30 foot vessels primarily use T 55 L7 turbine engines which generate approximately 3000 horsepower (with restrictions), and the average output of the T 55 L7’s power plant allows it to create high-speed rotations, which is then transferred via gearbox at about 50 percent reduction of the engine’s turbine to propeller RPM. What this basically means is that unlimited hydroplanes are designed to produce speeds of more than 200 miles per hour as well as the qualifying average lap speed of around 130 to 165 miles per hour.

Aside from their speed, unlimited hydroplanes are also constructed to have very durable boat propellers and hulls made from composite materials. Fiberglass, honeycomb aluminum, stainless steel as well as carbon fiber are some of the materials which are commonly used in creating the boat props and hulls of an unlimited hydroplane.

With regards to engines, it’s worth mentioning that unlimited hydroplanes use all kinds of engines. In some cases, they can even be outfitted with an aircraft’s piston-power engine. Furthermore, certain parts and components of an unlimited hydroplane, like its boat propeller for example, can be modified or replaced with less conventional parts in order to increase the vessel’s speed and performance. However, due to the sensitive nature of these parts, upkeep and maintenance for unlimited hydroplanes tend to be a little difficult to manage.

The main racing circuit for unlimited hydroplane racing is the H1-Unlimited. Its active season usually runs from the middle of February and lasts all the way through to September. In 2014, there is a scheduled event in November in Doha, Qatar. The racing circuit traditionally consists of about six to eight races per season, and takes place throughout the United States and certain regions in the Middle East.

Unless you are racing hydroplane boats, Dan’s Discount Boat Propellers offers hundreds of great performing modern boat props at the lowest prices for all modern name brand engines.