Dobbertin HydroCar
Yes, we’ve all seen the Amphicars, built back in the 60s, they were an attempt to make the road to water transition easy, and they did their job as well as could be expected, but exciting they were not. Rick Dobbertin, who’s built some pretty impressive customs in the past, 2 Hot Rod cars of the year, in fact, decided to build an amphibian, so you could be sure it wasn’t going to be some mundane runabout with wheels.
Dobbertin HydroCar stern view
For starters, the Dobbertin HydroCar is powered by a fully dyno-tuned World/Merlin all-aluminum roller-cam 572 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, producing 762 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm and 712 foot pounds of torque @ 4,200 rpm. Stainless headers and exhaust terminate in Supertrapp racing mufflers. [click to continue…]
The MV Beluga Skysails began its maiden voyage using the new SkySails kite towing system. The 160 square meter kite helps pull the ship with the wind, decreasing the need for engine power. As further testing continues and the size of the SkySail is increased, savings of as much as 20 to 30 percent are anticipated.
We’re coming full circle and returning to the age of wind power. Very interesting!
Link: MV Beluga SkySails
Sure you like boats but what if you like motorcycles, too? If you have an old motorcycle lying around and you’re reasonably handy with tools, you might want to think about building a waterbike. Maryland pizza shop owner, James Garlitz, did just that with an old Yamaha and the finished product looks pretty cool. A 9.9hp Nissan outboard gives it go, hydrofoils on the homemade aluminum floats give it lift and the whole thing gives Jim a lot of smiles.
Link: Yamaha Virago Waterbike