Do all Airboats use aircraft engines?
Before 1980, 90% of the airboats were built with aircraft engines. 90% of airboats built since 1990 are built with automotive engines. The primary reason for this is ease of maintenance. Almost any mechanic can work on a Chevy V-8 and parts are readily available. This is not the case with aircraft engines. To match the high torque and low rpm performance of an aircraft engine, an automotive engine must have a new cam installed or use a reduction drive. Most American Airboats are fitted with either small small block 350 cu. in. or big block 454 cu. in. Chevy engines. Horsepower depends on performance options.
Before 1980, 90% of the airboats were built with aircraft engines. 90% of airboats built since 1990 are built with automotive engines. The primary reason for this is ease of maintenance. Almost any mechanic can work on a Chevy V-8 and parts are readily available. This is not the case with aircraft engines.
