In the mid-1980s, small, high-speed, exceptionally maneuverable motorized vessels under the general name "water bike": "jetski", "waterboat", "jet ski" were widely advertised on television screens in many countries. They immediately conquered the hearts of water sports fans, displacing windsurfers, water skis and some water sports.
However, it is rather difficult to repeat the design of a jet ski at home due to the high power requirements of the propeller group of vessels (at least 35 - 40 hp) and the complexity of reproducing hydrodynamic surfaces. For those who are fired up by this idea, it is better to turn to simpler designs. For example, to get acquainted with the publication on the watercolor painting in No. 6 of the magazine "Modelist-Constructor" for 1991. If, for a number of reasons, this scheme is not suitable, then you can try to design the machine proposed below. It consists of a frame, two pairs (front and rear) of floats, a windshield, an engine and a steering gear.
Materials required: foam of any brand (better packaging), some plywood, old skis, several steel pipes, any motorcycle or moped engine, epoxy glue (3-4 liters), fiberglass (4-5 m2), tools and ... patience.
On a flat surface (it is possible on the floor), you should depict the structure of the jet ski in two projections (scale 1: 1) and cut the material (pipes and foam) along them.
Floats require special attention during manufacture. They are made from foam bars, plywood root ribs and power fasteners by sequential assembly-gluing. Then, with a hacksaw and emery bars, they are brought to the desired shape, pasted over with thin paper and applied in one or two layers of fiberglass impregnated with epoxy glue (the bottom to the cheekbones - in three or four layers). The floats are attached to the frame using cross beams made from ordinary skis (we used semi-plastic ones) and reinforced with lower duralumin shelves. These beams reduce shock loads while driving. In case of insufficient strength or heavy loading of the vessel, they should be replaced with metal ones.
The frame is welded from seamless steel pipes (Ø 70 mm) under protective gas and reinforced with transverse gussets. In the absence of pipes of the required dimensions, small diameter pipes (30 - 40 mm) can be used, only in this case the structure of the power frame will have to be made spatial, which will somewhat complicate the work.
1 - front float, 2 - frontal fairing, 3 - steering device, 4 - gas tank, 5 - engine, 6 - seat, 7 - frame, 8 - rear floats, 9 - outboard engine installation option, 10 - exhaust pipe, 11 - transmission shaft, 12, 13 - transverse beams. 14 - fiberglass covering, 15 - root rib of the float (plywood, s5 ... 6), 16 - filler (foam bars), 17, 18 - power float fastening elements (plywood. S5 ... 6).
1 - pads (St3, sheet, s3), 2 - support for attaching the front floats (St3, pipe Ø32), 3 - footboard (D16T, sheet, s2.5), 4, 5, 6 - brackets for attaching rear floats (St3, sheet, s3), 7 - frame details (steel 45, pipe Ø 70), 8.11 - gussets (St3, sheet, s3), 9 - M8 bolts (6 pcs.), 10 - rear transverse beam for fastening the floats (shown conditionally) , 12 - pad for fastening the footboard (St3, sheet, s3).
1 - lower beam shelf (D16T, sheet, s2,2), 2 - upper beam shelf (ski), 3 - M4 screw, 4 - pad (D16T, sheet, s2), 5 - bracket (D16T, corner 80x80x2.5 ), 6 - reinforcement of the float (plywood, s5 ... 6).
1 - bolt М5, 2 - fork (D16, pipe Ø32), 3 - rudder blade (D16T, sheet, s2,2).
The steering device can be installed under the stern of the jet ski in the classic version, or, as we did using bicycle parts, directly on the same shaft with the steering column, which is much easier. True, this significantly increases the effort on the steering wheel. The shape of the rudder feather is usually chosen close to a square. However, you can also operate the device with your feet, just like it is done in speedway or road circuit races on motorcycles.
The engine, and it can be almost any (even from the launcher, but with a capacity of no more than 18 hp), is mounted in the lower part of the frame near the driver's feet. The propeller is driven through a shaft connected to the motor by a bevel gear. You can use any other gears, it is only important that the propeller shaft rotates no faster than 3000 rpm. The gas tank and other engine accessories will fit from an old motorcycle or moped. The attachment points to the frame for various engines (for example, PD-8M, Sh-62) are selected locally, but at least at three points. The best solution would be to use an elastic mount through shock absorber blocks with rubber-metal pads.
The exhaust pipe is positioned for convenience and safety, insulated and secured to the frame with yokes. Thermal insulation includes asbestos sheet, three to four layers of fiberglass and a tin casing. But you can do it easier and abandon the exhaust pipe if you arrange the cooling of the exhaust pipe with seawater. In addition, the supply of water under the cooling jacket will significantly reduce the noise level, especially for two-stroke engines.
Homemade jet ski - is it possible?
At first glance, it seems that only a madman will dare to make a homemade jet ski. The idea is quite feasible if you have enough experience and good wit.
Making a water bike by hand takes a little time and effort. For substantial fuel savings, it is best not to use a water jet. If you take an ordinary outboard motor, you can expand the functionality of the unit and provide it with good speed. Correctly selected screws for speed is already half the success.
What do you need to create a jet ski with your own hands?
The materials required to create a jet ski depend on the type of its construction.
- 2 float jet ski
- 3 float bike
- Boat type bike
- Frame
- Transom board
- Installing stringers
- Hull plating
- Sheathing of the remaining sections of the bottom, side and deck with fairings
- Pasting the body with fiberglass
- Payol
- Sitting
- 1 - locking loop of the left lid of the bow trunk hatch;
- 2,3 - nose boot hatch covers;
- 4 - transom (foam);
- 5 - transom board;
- 6 - bow handrail with support (titanium, tube 18 × 1; sheet s3);
- 7 - nose luggage compartment fairing;
- 8 - right oblique pads;
- 9 - side walls of the aft trunk;
- 10 - end wall with a hole for the steering rod;
- 11.40 - bulwarks (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 12 - deck (foam);
- 13 - left transom handrail (D16T, pipe 25 × 2);
- 14 - frame No. 8;
- 15 - frame No. 7;
- 16 - frame No. 6;
- 17 - bottom stringers;
- 18 - keel bar (D16T);
- 19 - keel bar "crust" (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 20 - bottom;
- 21 - deck covering (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 22 - transom board core (s5 plywood);
- 23 - outer layers of the transom board (plywood s 12);
- 24 - transom plate overlays (D16T, SHEET S 3);
- 25.27 - gluing the transom board (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 26 - trapezoid (gluing fiberglass s5);
- 28 - right kerchief (D16T, sheet s3);
- 29 - keel part of the bottom (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 30 - nose boot fairing shell (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 31 - "crust" of the upper stringer (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 32 - upper stringer (foam);
- 33 - bottom shell (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 34 - left side stringer (foam);
- 35 - "crust" of the side stringer (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 36 - bottom stringer (foam);
- 37 - "crust" of the bottom stringer (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 38 - seat mounting bracket (oak, bar 65 × 20);
- 39 - hole for the steering shaft;
- 41 - left bulkhead (polystyrene);
- 42 - pasting the bulkhead (one layer of fiberglass each);
- 43 - longitudinal steps (polystyrene);
- 44 - redan "crust" (2 layers of fiberglass);
- 45 - left deck support (foam);
- 46 - pasting the transom (4 layers of fiberglass);
- 47 - hole for draining water from the body;
- 48 - bonnet lock;
- 49 - filler (foam);
- 50 - sheathing (2 layers of T-10 fiberglass);
- 51 - rivets with a diameter of 3;
- 52 - hook (D16T. Profile s l, 8);
- 53.55 - handrail mounting brackets (titanium, SHEET S3);
- 54 - rivets (steel, pipe 8x 1)
- To reduce fuel consumption when riding a homemade and original jet ski, it is necessary to replace the jet system with a propeller one. The speed will be slightly slower, but it will not be felt too much.
- Change the control system so that you don't have to master the transport first. You need to choose the scheme you like and adapt it for your comfort.
- To create a cool jet ski with your own hands, you will need to study the drawings. It is better to choose a drawing in advance, decide on a model, and then purchase tools and materials for the future scooter.
- Follow the safety precautions carefully. The product will have to be registered, so it must be safe and compliant.
To assemble a jet ski from the material at hand, and even do it yourself, you need. This bike is easier to assemble, it is conceived on the principle of a catamaran. The design includes a seat, several floats, a lever, control. A float made of foam is always of high quality, you should give preference to this particular material. It is necessary to revet it with fiberglass on epoxy glue. It is better to put five layers of strong fabric inside the floats, and three layers are enough along the sides. What is the right way to make jet skis to optimally distribute the weight of the tourists? It is necessary to place the wooden frames in the seat anchorage points.
For the manufacture of floats, you will need polystyrene, plywood ribs and a power mount. Ski beams can become cross beams. For this, ordinary skis are suitable, which provide load distribution. In addition to skis, steel pipes can be used.
If you want to return to the classics, you should understand how this type of jet ski is assembled. This model is made without floats, but is not inferior in functionality. The structure is made in the form of a frame sheathed with plywood. For control, you can take the steering wheel from the motorcycle.
Transport can be used for swimming or fishing. Lovers of diving can climb onto the hull without fear. Excellent stability will allow you to stay afloat even when the boat sails by. Reliability does not affect speed. You can use a powerful motor and put the unit on planing. There will be one drawback in this scheme - an expensive trailer.
A self-made jet ski can lose a little to finished products in several ways: appearance and low speed. But, if you get down to business wisely and spend enough time, then the water scooter will be powerful without overpaying for the brand. So, we collect a homemade scooter.
When making a jet ski with your own hands, the quality of the case is important. This is a stringer frame sheathed with plywood. On a sheet of plywood, you need to draw the future body. For future frames, pine slats are prepared in advance. It is necessary to tighten the plaza with polyethylene so that the frames can easily separate from it without damaging the surface. The slats are attached to the plywood with small nails. Later, kerchiefs should be cut out of plywood and fixed with epoxy glue and screws. Separate the frame from the plaza and install the kerchiefs on the other side of the frame. The resulting holes are recommended to be laid with foam.
Such a frame should be sheathed with plywood on all sides, and the motor mounting points should be covered with pine blocks. Frames that have been prepared in advance need to be fixed to the board using small nails. You should take care of symmetry and carefully set the frames. The speed and course of a self-made water scooter depends on symmetry.
They are fixed in the grooves of the frame with epoxy glue. When the resin hardens, the structure is cleaned with a rasp and plane. The ribs that protrude are brought together relative to the surface of the body.
For convenience, it's best to start at the bottom. A board with a thickness of 4 mm is required. Ideally, the workpiece should be slightly larger, and the excess material is then removed. After that, the remaining sections of the bottom, sides and deck with fairings are covered.
To sheathe the author's self-made water bike, made by hand, you need epoxy glue and screws with a special head, called "secret". Better if they are brass. With glue and screws, it is necessary to attach the longitudinal steps to the rail body. To round out the cheekbones, you need a putty.
The bottom of a homemade jet ski is pasted over in four layers. If there is no such fabric, any thick one will do. When curing begins, the flap can be cut and rubbed to the surface. This trick will allow you to get a surface that does not require additional processing.
Collected from screws and glue. It is vyskurivat and impregnated with several layers of drying oil. Then they are covered with oil varnish.
It is a box with a lid, pasted over with a layer of polystyrene and foam rubber. The top is sheathed with leather or leatherette.
Homemade jet ski drawing
Homemade jet ski body:
Video
Some secrets and usefulness:
After studying the diagrams and instructions, we can conclude that it is quite possible to make a homemade water scooter with good parameters. Patience will be rewarded the first time you ride your creation.
Alexander and Ivan Lipatnikovs from the Vishkil village of the Kotelnichsky region worked on the apparatus called LANI for about a month. The other day on the Vyatka River, a jet ski was tested.
The name "LANI" is an abbreviation made up of the names of brothers and father: Lipatnikovs Alexander, Nikolay, Ivan
All perfectly. It runs quickly, - 25-year-old Ivan noted, smiling, right after the break-in. - True, a lot depends on which engine costs. We put it on 9.8 horsepower, pulls well. We think to try at 30.
According to the brothers, they dreamed of their own jet ski for a long time, but could not afford it. No joke, in a store such a unit costs from two hundred thousand and more. In a word, they took it and assembled it themselves.
A homemade jet ski was made almost entirely of plywood. Plus, fiberglass was used inside and, of course, spare parts that were found in the garage. 
I must say that it is not a novelty for brothers to make appliances with their own hands. Often their father helps them in this. The craftsmen have already built seven amphibians (hovercraft) built with their own hands, six of which sail across the vastness of different Russian regions: Arkhangelsk, Vladimir, Krasnoyarsk, Murmansk and other regions.
By the way, according to the elder of the brothers, 33-year-old Alexander, their jet ski is in no way inferior to the factory counterparts, and in some respects it is superior.
There is more adrenaline here, - the interlocutor shared. - An ordinary jet ski has a good speed, you can make sharp turns on it, but it will not be able to stand up with a candle, it will not work on its hind legs, but ours can easily, as it is more maneuverable.
In addition, the Lipatnikovs said, their apparatus is even lighter: not 200 kilograms, as in the store, but only 60. If others need a trailer, he put this in the trunk of the car and drove where needed.
The masters admitted that they have big plans: to build an impressive boat with a cabin for six people, so that you can travel along the river without fear of bad weather.
Attention! The video contains obscene language.
Get your sled ready in summer, and… a jet ski in winter - why not? Alas, not everyone can afford to buy a jet ski, but since you can't buy it, let's try to assemble it yourself. This will not take as much time and effort as it might seem.
Let's renounce the use in advance, even though industrial models are usually made on this basis, the fuel consumption is too high - water travel on such a unit is very expensive. It is best to use a boat motor - here both cost savings and a sharp increase in functionality: even on a long journey, even on water skiing, and the speed promises to be exciting. All you need is to select the screws for the best RPM for the selected mode.
It's easier than ever to assemble a jet ski according to the system - two floats, a seat, a speed control lever, a steering wheel, a cable control. Please note that a good float is always made of foam, and externally lined with fiberglass with epoxy glue. At the bottom of such floats, 5-6 layers of fabric are laid, on the sides - no more than three, this is enough. Special wooden frames, located at the attachment points of the seat and the catamaran, distribute the weight of the riders and the structure.
You can experiment a little, for example, equip your brainchild with a third float or work a little on the design - many "garage" developers get very nice waterbikes, moreover - high-quality ones.
3 float jet ski
The floats are made of polystyrene, load-bearing elements, plywood root ribs. The most common cross-country skis act in the role of cross beams - simple, durable, good damping of the load. Here, of course, at your discretion, you can replace them with either seamless steel pipes or duralumin pipes.
Classic jet ski
It is not necessary to use floats, you can also make a model that will look terribly like expensive "Yamahas" - after all, it's more pleasant to ride like these, right? The structure itself is a frame-stringer frame, sheathed with 3-mm plywood, after glued with fiberglass.Lever cable control system, just like the outboard remote control kit. However, it uses a motorcycle handlebar and a rotating motorcycle handle serves as a throttle lever.
Such a water horse can be transported on the roof rack of a car - the weight and dimensions allow you to save on an additional trailer.
Boat type jet ski
Such a creation can be used, for example, for fishing or swimming, going around the water area. The wide body will not allow the jet ski to roll over, even when an adult climbs it. Quite good stability will help you stay afloat if a boat or boat suddenly floats by. On this transport, diverging waves are not at all terrible.
Remarkably, stability doesn't slow down too much. The body is wide, but some jet skis of this type can be put on planing using motors from 8 horsepower for one person, more powerful motors (Whirlwind) for two, and even a water skier behind. Impressive, isn't it?
But here it was not without a minus - you have to fork out for a trailer. However, to load / unload a homemade jet ski will require the strength of only two people.
Pick up a drawing, buy material and try it - until summer is still so far away, but time will fly by unnoticed by creating a water bike with your own hands. Fast and reliable ride for you.
DIY boatA jet ski is a very good summer entertainment, you can rush around the pond, ride girls, have fun on it. Of course, a home-made jet ski is not, it does not have such spaciousness, but, on the other hand, it is more preferable for entertainment on the water surface.
Commercial jet skis have a propeller based on a water cannon to ensure safety. However, the jet has poor performance in terms of fuel consumption, especially at low revs, so it is expensive to use an industrial jet ski for water travel.
Another thing is a homemade jet ski!
Having made a homemade jet ski on it, you can make a wide variety of tours. And what? Quite a summer trip!
When making a jet ski with your own hands, you can use a more economical option and equip a homemade jet ski with an ordinary outboard motor. This approach will allow the use of a jet ski for high-speed trips "with the breeze", water skiers, and for long-distance water travel. It is enough just to change the water propellers by selecting them for the optimal speed of the given operating mode of the outboard motor.
The simplest type of homemade jet ski is to use a dual-float catamaran system. In fact, all you need to do is install the seat, steering wheel, RPM control lever and cable control.
Catamaran floats are made of polystyrene with their subsequent facing with fiberglass on epoxy. 5-6 layers of fabric are placed on the bottom of the floats, 3 layers are enough for the sides. In the places where the catamaran is attached to the seat of a home-made jet ski, additional wooden frames are placed, which distribute the weight of the structure and riders.
Another interesting project of a self-made jet ski is the project of a 3-float do-it-yourself gyroscopic bike.
You can follow the link at the end of the article.
The design of a 3-float jet ski is simple, the floats are also made independently from foam, plywood root ribs and power fastening elements. Conventional cross-country skis are used as cross beams. They are strong enough and absorb the load well. However, if desired, they can be replaced with seamless steel or duralumin pipes.
Another design is more familiar in appearance, this self-made jet ski is assembled on the basis of classical technology: it is a frame-stringer frame, sheathed with plywood 3 mm thick and then glued with fiberglass.
A few words about the control system. The control is a lever-cable type, the same as that comes with the kit for remote control of the outboard on boats, the only difference in control of a homemade jet ski is that it uses a motorcycle handlebar, and instead of a throttle lever, a motorcycle rotating handle.
The dimensions and weight of a homemade jet ski allow you to transport it on the roof rack located on the roof of any car. This means that there is no need to purchase an additional trailer for transporting a homemade jet ski from storage to the reservoir.
Download drawings of a homemade jet ski can be found at the bottom of the article.
The third type of homemade jet ski allows you to use it as a small boat for fishing or swimming and for driving around the water area. The wide body of a do-it-yourself watercraft does not allow it to tip over even when an adult climbs onto it from the side. The same excessive stability allows you not to worry about boats and motor boats passing by, diverging from their waves will not be able to overturn your homemade jet ski.
Despite the rather wide body, the built jet ski is very playful, with one person it goes on planing even with an eight horsepower engine! And after the installation of a more powerful Whirlwind, this home-made jet ski easily went to gissing with two passengers and dragged a water skier along with it.
The only drawbacks of this design of a jet ski is that a trailer is needed to tow it. But the loading and unloading of the jet ski can be carried out by only two people.
In general, it is up to you to decide which gyrocycle to build with your own hands. Maybe, based on the ready-made drawings of the gyroscopes, you decide to build a self-designed jet ski and share your information with us.
Download jet skis drawings can