We do not know what engines air boats typically run but we assume Nevin Jenkins’ air boat is pretty unique. Powering the two carbon fiber fan blades is a twin-turbo 632 ci Chevy big-block V8 built by Nelson Racing Engines. The engine makes 2,500 horsepower on 93 octane fuel.
Source: American Car Craft via Nelson Racing Engines’ Youtube channel
I knew of one used by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries folk that had a Nitrous injected Big Block, teflon/nylon lined bottom, and soap injection. The biodegradable soap and water was injected under the hull for going overland. I saw it pass over a 4 lane highway (Airline Hwy between St, Rose and Norco) rather quickly.
Airboats often either have an aircraft engine (time rated out of service for aircraft, they are reliable, air cooled, don’t need a speed reducer for the props, but not all that fast) or a hotrod of some sort. Lots of 383 SBC in the ones I have seen.
Thanks JP. I didn’t know that they use aircraft engines. That’s wild the boat shoots soap on the hull to cross land.