This looks like fun

[Squisher]

http://www.wimp.com/jetboat/

I don't think I've ever seen this form of racing.

 

[Skitzer]

Woo Hoo ... I could see myself doing that!

 

[coxmaster]

That is the strangest sounding (and looking) "jet" engine ive ever seen.. Also it looks like the video is sped up to me, not sure why

 

[TecHNooB]

Now if only they could find a way to hide the motor (such that you can land on other boats with your boat), enclose the driver's section, and make an awesome race course with ramps, spirals, etc.

 

[Kadarin]

That does indeed look like fun! :thumbsup:

 

[Alone]

That's amazing.

 

[zinfamous]

i want to do that.

 

[Duder1no]

that's fucking AWESOME!

 

[Mike Gayner]

You've never seen jet boat racing? Hmm it's pretty popular here.

That is the strangest sounding (and looking) "jet" engine ive ever seen.. Also it looks like the video is sped up to me, not sure why

Jet boats = powered by a jet of water, not a jet (turbine) engine. Also, not sped up at all - just ridiculously fast boats.

edit: Uh I see from the Wikipedia article these were invented in NZ. Explains their popularity here.

 

[grohl]

I've been on one. Terrifying and awesome at the same time.

 

[lxskllr]

You've never seen jet boat racing? Hmm it's pretty popular here.




Jet boats = powered by a jet of water, not a jet (turbine) engine. Also, not sped up at all - just ridiculously fast boats.

edit: Uh I see from the Wikipedia article these were invented in NZ. Explains their popularity here.

Looks dangerous for spectators. Do the boats ever leave the track?

 

[Mike Gayner]

Looks dangerous for spectators. Do the boats ever leave the track?

Boats come off the track fairly routinely but don't normally fly far. The tracks are generally well designed for safety.

 

[lokiju]

Ever see swamp buggy racing?

This sort of stuff is somewhat popular in FL.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Better link

 

[Duder1no]

Ever see swamp buggy racing?

This sort of stuff is somewhat popular in FL.

that looks like the slo-mo version of this type of racing

 

[Duder1no]

Better link

lmao

win!

 

[cKGunslinger]

Woah - it's Cobra Triangle!

Text

 

[Eos]

The corner it takes at 01:30 IS AMAZING. It must be doing 80 mp/h.

 

[coxmaster]

Jet boats = powered by a jet of water, not a jet (turbine) engine. Also, not sped up at all - just ridiculously fast boats.

edit: Uh I see from the Wikipedia article these were invented in NZ. Explains their popularity here.

I know its not sped up, thats just how fast it looks

And doh, I'm an idiot. Tired+sick, I was thinking turbine not water jet

 

[destrekor]

Yeah jetboat racing is pretty neat!

I've never seen it in person but it's fun to watch videos of the sport.
The agility is insane.

And LOL at expecting turbine engines. :biggrin:
But honestly, I actually did too until I saw the first glimpse of the boat, and then I wsaid to myself "oh yeaahhhh, water jets you idiot!"

These are basically mini-boats that are more jetski than boat. They aren't quite as agile as a jetski, but the whole concept is more entertaining as a form of racing imho.

It's one of the awesome rare approaches to racing where "moar power!" is precisely the thing needed for proper cornering.

 

[coxmaster]

And LOL at expecting turbine engines. :biggrin:
But honestly, I actually did too until I saw the first glimpse of the boat, and then I wsaid to myself "oh yeaahhhh, water jets you idiot!"

Yeah, somehow I didnt make that connection tonight. Turbine powered boats are pretty awesome too though.. cant deny that :awe:

 

[DaTT]

Woah - it's Cobra Triangle!

Text

I just watched part 1 and 2 of that video. Brought back memories.

 

[vshah]

is there "thrust vectoring" on these boats? or does the water jet always point straight back and all steering is with a rudder?

 

[destrekor]

is there "thrust vectoring" on these boats? or does the water jet always point straight back and all steering is with a rudder?

all jet-propelled watercraft accomplish steering by changing the direction of the nozzle.

 

[Mike Gayner]

Yup changing direction of nozzle - and they perform their sweetest manoeuvres by shutting off the throttle while they change the nozzle direction.

And LOL at expecting turbine engines. :biggrin:
But honestly, I actually did too until I saw the first glimpse of the boat, and then I wsaid to myself "oh yeaahhhh, water jets you idiot!"

I don't see any practical reason why the boats couldn't be turbine powered - but not in the existing racing classes obviously.