Why would it be better to have a Belted Reduction Drive Unit?
Airboats can use belted reduction drive units to increase torque. By using a 2 to 1 ratio belted reduction, the auto engine will rev up to 5,200 RPM’s while allowing the propeller to turn at 2,600 RPM’s for more torque and greater power. With this belted reduction drive unit you will get the maximum torque transfer to turn your propeller. An engine with a belted reduction drive unit will swing a bigger propeller, a propeller with more blades, and a greater angle of attack or (more pitch). A wider, longer propeller turning lower RPM’s will produce the same if not more thrust as a small propeller at high RPM’s and produce far less noise. The key to a quieter airboat is to keep your tip speed as close to or under .6 mach. To calculate your tip speeds use the following formula: Diameter x RPM’s 256,000 = mach Example: 82″ x 2000 RPM’s 256,000 = .641 mach A belted reduction drive unit is the most cost effective method to use the horsepower produced. The performance of the airboat will incre
