Turbine jet boat

Turbine jet boats use relatively small engines that belie their awesome power. They can accelerate from 40 to 80 miles per hour in just three seconds. This is almost like a bullet and a wall of water foam and a huge flame accompanies the dramatic acceleration from the after burner. The boats use reduction gear to maneuver at low speed for docking and at the end of the ride. The boats are reasonably fuel efficient when at constant speed for long periods, going for an hour at fifty miles on a gallon of kerosene. It is able to produce 1370 horsepower at 6000 rpm. This is equivalent to 1200 pounds per foot of torque. The after burner is only for visual impression-it does not have a role in the operation of the craft. The boat roars through the water, making a sound like a jet aircraft.

Turbine jet boats are not in regular production but a Canadian firm, Nye Thermodynamics, has built a few prototypes from US army surplus turbine engines and helicopter reduction gear. Gas turbine engines are expensive, as they have to withstand extremes of temperature and movement. A gas turbine has three components: the compressor, combustor and the turbine. Compressed air is mixed with fuel and burnt under constant pressure. The resultant hot gas provides energy for the turbine. The hot gas spins the turbine. Such engines have a better power to weight ratio than reciprocating engines that run on diesel and other such fuels. A heat exchanger may be used to heat the air before it enters the combustor. This regenerating system improves productivity. Turbines with high-pressure ratios may use an intercooler to generate additional power.

The visual impact of a Turbine jet boat is very impressive and its performance is staggering for its relatively small size. It may have a role in reaching the site of an emergency very quickly, but it is largely valuable for its technical innovation and spectator appeal. Turbine jets are suitable for constant load but are inefficient when idling. It is not practical to produce them for regular boat operations.