Hydroplanes could be described as the “open wheelers’ of boat racing. These boats are specifically are designed to go fast! They do not particularly have any other purpose.
Hydroplanes are designed to ride on a cushion of air. The sponsons on either side of the boat create an air trap under the main portion of the boat. As the air is trapped under the boat, the resulting pressure effectively lifts the boat out of the water, causing the boat to “plane” on top for the water. These boats are very spectacular to watch as they dance over the waves.
Hydroplane classes range from 1.6 litre restricted up to the supercharged Grand Prix Hydroplanes. There is also the class of Unlimited Hydroplane which includes such power plants as Rolls Royce Merlin engines and in the past has included Jet Turbines.
For more information and illustrations displaying the anatomy of a hydroplane, visit the NSW Hydroplane Club’s website.
WASBC members currently races 4.2, 5.0 & 6.0 litre Hydroplanes.
These classes are the most active hydroplane classes in Australia at this time:
| 6000 cc. Hydroplane | This class is only bound by engine capacity. The most prominent engine is the 350ci Chevy V8. |
| 5200 cc. Hydroplane | This class is only bound by engine capacity. The most prominent engine is the Holden 308ci V8. |
| 4.2 Litre Stock Hydroplane | These boats run a stock 4.2 Litre / 253ci Holden V8. Some modifications can be made in regards to running a 4 barrel carby, camshaft selection, but it is essentially a stock engine. |
