Gas Turbine Sunseeker Mexico

Pennpromo · 30-08-2012, 12:35 PM

So does anyone know anything about the gas turbine Sunseeker Mexico seen testing off the drystack on Tuesday evening?
Sounds terrific, almost better than Cinzano !

nitro9 · 30-08-2012, 01:05 PM

That'll probably be this one then.. like the aircraft guages and the exhausts!.. hopefully he'll put a movie up of it at speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCgW-...1&feature=plcp

Gasturbine59 · 22-09-2012, 04:16 PM

Hi that 'll be me!, here we are cruising!, have some mods to do including changing the prop, but seems ok, I was

quite nervous crossing the Solent but arrived in Cowes without incident!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v==youtube_gdata_player

larby · 22-09-2012, 07:06 PM

Hiya!

Great to see someone trying something new! What mods have you done to the turbine to make it survive the sea air?

I've quite fancied doing a turbine build for a while but have been scared off by the mods required!

What's response like? Does it take a while to build up power (say if throttling off after a big wave)?

Cheers, James

Gasturbine59 · 22-09-2012, 07:57 PM

Hi James, err .... Could be a problem, not sure what one can do other than water wash compressor, I have a very dry engine bay at present!, hopefully it will stay dry, all air cooled, no marine water coolers at all.
I am fitting an air intake system now which should help cool air supply but wont help sea water pick up issues,
The response is fine, but not pushed it yet, the Bravo 2 leg needs to take 6000rpm input for full 400hp!, need more sea trials! I'll let you know soon Rgds Paul

larby · 22-09-2012, 08:29 PM

It'll be interesting to see what the future brings then! Keep us updated!

Cheers, James

nitro9 · 22-09-2012, 11:25 PM

Terrific!.. Liking the low-key exit from Cowes.. wha..what!!... and the ear defenders.. absolutely superb!

fritz · 23-09-2012, 12:08 AM

can't wait to see more about this!

TURBINATOR · 25-09-2012, 10:55 PM

One piece of advice, make sure you run containment around the N2 section.
If you are running anything over 90% on the N1 and you have a drive failure the N2 governor might not be able to react fast enough to prevent catastrophic failure.

sinkunit0 · 26-09-2012, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TURBINATOR

One piece of advice, make sure you run containment around the N2 section.
If you are running anything over 90% on the N1 and you have a drive failure the N2 governor might not be able to react fast enough to prevent catastrophic failure.

Have you done anything with the turbine you had and the shed of boats. It's been a while since I saw you
Dan

Gasturbine59 · 13-10-2012, 11:42 AM

Hi Turbinator, sound advice, I dont have containment mods at all, hopefully the old Sunseeker hull is thick enough to resist?!!, Our helicopters use an electronic phonic wheel speed detector on N2, operating a fuel shut off solenoid valve....."quickly enough"......you hope,
like the sound of your 3 engine rig!!!, .....Yanks for you....Lol

Gasturbine59 · 13-10-2012, 10:39 PM

Gasturbine59 · 14-10-2012, 08:14 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge665...feature=relmfu

TURBINATOR · 18-05-2013, 08:46 PM

I used a similar system one on over temp that shuts a solenoid in the fuel system, and another that brings the engine to idle in an N2 over speed situation.
The reason for the blanket was to contain any of the turbine stages in a drive failure at high engine speed, if you lose the connection between output shaft and the drive at anything over 90% the emergency system wont be able to react fast enough and the natural momentum of the engine could take the N2 past its safe limits.
This is the reason why the unlimited hydroplanes in the USA use containment, one teams had a failure prior to this and the turbine disk went over 800 yards into a parking lot and lodged itself into the side of a car.

This is what happens when a T55 lets go! bear in mind the turbine wheel is only around 14" in diameter.

Cheers
J

TURBINATOR · 18-05-2013, 09:18 PM

Hi Dan mate, Turbine boat is about 80% complete all the gearbox and drive systems are installed, electrics and engine but never got round to completing the interior or cockpit.

Work and family commitments slowed things right down along with the enthusiasm to use the boat in the UK, weathers always crap and fuel prices are crazy.
I now do most of my boating in the US and there no comparison to the UK, loads of really nice people with similar interests and more high performance boats than you can imagine.
Most weekends at Fort Myers beach there are a load of high performance boats to be seen.
Took part in a couple of poker runs over there and just bought a 38 cat for a weekend toy to accompany the Sunseeker.

Catch up with some time.
J

TURBINATOR · 18-05-2013, 09:21 PM

New Years Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6EbAMN2DpM

TURBINATOR · 18-05-2013, 09:53 PM

This is the Kevlar containment blanket I used.
The tractor pulling guys use these around there turbines and diffs for containment after a turbine let loose in Europe injuring spectators.

Tris · 18-05-2013, 11:55 PM

Loving the noise when iv seen you go out of the medina.
I think I even put a leaflet on your boat about Christmas time.
If you need to haul out somewhere in Cowes to do anything give me a shout.
I am right next to east Cowes marina with full slip and yard facilities.

PJC · 19-05-2013, 02:30 AM

Cool powerplant, we are currently fitting a pair or T53's (1850hp each) into a 50' cat to race in America in the SBI series, should be on the water in tow or three weeks

Wofforduk · 10-06-2013, 07:30 PM

Wow these look amazing... you have to let me know when your going for a spin!! I have always wished for a turbine powered boat, they'd love it going down the Dart during regatta weekend!!