THE LAKE-BUGGY SINGLE SEAT AIRBOAT


(View Of Single Seat Design)

Now you can quickly and easily build your own airboat for about $500

Go HERE for ordering options.

Plans are only $12.50

The LAKE-BUGGY was developed to fill the need for a small, simple, home built boat for recreational use. The airboat design was incorporated to make it versatile (can be operated in shallow and vegetation filled waters), and to reduce cost. The entire boat can be built from all new parts for about $500-$800, and much less if you buy used parts for the prop and motor. Although the LAKE-BUGGY is not much good for hunting alligators, it does have the ability to travel through shallow waters to before inaccessible fishing holes. Another reason for the airboat design, is the out and out fun and excitement of operating an airboat; this is something you must experience to appreciate.

A great deal of time went into the DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS of the LAKE-BUGGY so that the construction materials would be as common as possible, making it easy to purchase them locally. Not only are the materials common, but the tools needed to assemble the boat are ordinary hobby shop tools. Most people interested in building the LAKE-BUGGY will probably already have the tools needed to build it. Several parts were redesigned many times to eliminate the need for welding or machining. All work can be done with the following tools:

* 3/8" drill * Handsaw * Hacksaw * Screw drivers * Wrenches * file * Vise * Saber saw
* Sandpaper * Paint brushes * Hammer * Knife * Gluing clamps or C-clamps * A tape measure


After years of experience with small engines (2 cycle and 4 cycle) and propellers, it was found that the 8 H.P. Briggs & Stratton and the 10 H.P. Tecumseh motors are suitable engines for the LAKE-BUGGY. Because these, or similar motors, are simple lawnmower motors you can find them new or used just about anywhere.

  • The reasons are many:
    • Low noise level
    • Minimal vibration
    • No gas/oil mixing
    • Reasonable prices
    • Self contained (fuel tank, carburetor, starting system, etc. on motor)

And even though it was realized that a 2 cycle engine the same weight would provide more thrust, either of these two (4 cycle engines) provide plenty of power for an airboat of this size.

"It looks so simple, why should I need a set of plans?"

The LAKE-BUGGY as it appears in the plans was the result of months of testing and changing. It was discovered that small changes in the center of gravity and engine location for example, makes large changes in speed and handling performance. The developers would have gladly spent only $12.50 to get it right the first time, because it would have saved them much frustration and a great deal of time.

There is no doubt about the superiority of fiberglass and marine plywood for boat building. However, for a boat as small as the LAKE-BUGGY that is easily removed from the water when not in use, it's defiantly felt that a standard grade plywood is more than satisfactory for this project, and a heck of a lot cheeper!

There have been many requests for complete kits. However, because all of the materials are so common it would be a waist of your money to purchase one. Also, when you figure in shipping costs and our time to make the kit up it would be impossible for us to make one available at a reasonable price, which is what this project is all about in the first place. Besides, they are just plain fun to build and you own the braging rights if you build it.

Specifications List

Go HERE for ordering options.

Gra-Fx2 Productions assumes no liability in connection with this product or your use of it should you decide to build the airboat. We are only providing the plans as an educational material. All rights to the plans are reserved by Gra-Fx2 and protected under United States Copyright Laws.

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