This is what a drag boat looks like when the prop breaks at something over 160 MPH. It broke into two pieces. The capsule came loose on impact, so Mickey didn't have to worry about releasing it. He was not hurt and climbed out on his own. He's purty sore, but otherwise OK.

 

You can see where about 1/2 of a blade broke off the prop. My friend Jack, and I'm sure everyone else, checked their props real close before their next run.
They're going to recover what's left of the engine from the lake today.

 

Big Boyz, Big Toyz, BIG $$$$$

Have they found the seat cover yet?.............

 

Since im not realy a drag boating expert, how did that 1/2 blade coming off cause all that damage? Did the boat crash because of it and thats why its destroyed?

 

When the prop broke, it put the whole drive system out of balance and caused total loss of control, and will usually turn a boat sideways. It's the same as when a pleasure boat hits a rock and bends a prop or shaft. The higher the RPM, the more the vibration. These things run on high powered racing fuel and turn RPM's similar to a dragster. They are also like a dragster in construction......they look good, but except for the cockpit or capsule, they're pretty flimsy.

CR

 

A little digging in Yahoo produced this:

from
http://www.dragracingonline.com/race...atdrags_2.html

A Top Fuel drag boat engine puts out about 4,500 to 5,000 horsepower, a little less than their land-based counterparts, primarily because of slightly smaller fuel pumps. The engine turns at about 8,000 to 9,000 rpm and gearing in a V-drive transmission boosts propeller rpm to roughly double that speed. A two-bladed prop can push the boat to more than 230 mph in just over five seconds, and the prop lasts only about 10 runs before stress cracks render it useless and dangerous. Losing half the prop at speed can easily lead to disaster.


A prop turning at approx 18,000 rpm and losses 1/2 of the mass on one side of the balanace point...........mmmmmmmm, could cause a little problem

 

Thanks Ed.

This was a sanctioned race by, I believe, the SBDA and may show up on their website. I saw one of the taped replays, so I know it exists.

 

My semi jet boat....Its a sleek craft broke a A- prop and sent us sliding sideways across the water. But thank god my boat doesnt go over 80mph. It can hit 80 real quick but after that the Olds 455ci gets hot cause its running at 7200rpm.

 

I'd expected a pic of a boat. This looks like somebody emptied the shop trashcan on a trailer.
The guy must feel lucky to have got out of this.

AlpineRAM

 

I concur...