Preview: The Grasshopper Experiment, Russell Brown’s Fuel Efficient Motor Boats

26 Responses So Far to “The Grasshopper Experiment, Russell Brown’s Fuel Efficient Motor Boats”

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  Philip Prather says:

  This is awesome! I love how nicely all of these boats move through the water. Sliding through, with minimal displacement. I love the things you do, Russel Brown. you amaze me.

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  Brendan Meyer says:

  Is there any more information about the outrigger motor boat? I would love to see some drawings or perhaps a kit available.

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  John Swansey says:

  I am intrigued by the outrigger boat. One could put a stiletto-style bubble canopy to stop the spray, and a trampoline between the hulls to lay the air mattress on to sleep.
  like the creative thinking.

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  Ben Hudson says:

  Looks great! What about his Pt. Townsend Skiff? I always was interested in the design, and would love to hear why it is kit is no longer sold.

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    Nate Rooks says:

    The PT Skiff is a very cool boat, also with great efficiency and seakeeping.

    I believe the skiff might be getting a few redesigns and perhaps be available again down the road.

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  jeff byers says:

  Yes this Russel Brown is an interesting designer (boat guy). I too am drawn to the outrigger more than the grasshopper. I’d like to know if one out rigger is good why not one on each side?
  Perhaps with pivoting outriggers, that could swing up vertically to allow the boat to fit into a standard marina boat slip?

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    Nate Rooks says:

    I believe it’s just not necessary – the boat is stable as is, and another outrigger would only be more drag.

    It fits well into marinas as is.

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  Craig Hamm says:

  Fantastic efficiency. I would love to see more on the outrigger. Thanks for a Great video !

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  Capt. Peter Reich says:

  Very cool! Have you ever considered a small electric drive for each hull?

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    Nate Rooks says:

    Peter – I’ve been thinking about that for GH. For now, it seems like the biggest issue is battery weight. Grasshopper is very weight-sensitive, and even if you put the heavy batteries in the hulls, it would probably be a lot.

    That said, if you have any good suggestions please let them fly! A solar-sailing Grasshopper would be the dream someday.

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      Rick Zablocki says:

      The new LIPO batteries weigh a good bit less than AGM’s, and 1-2 with solar panel supplement and a large trolling motor might work, or a newish Torquedo pod in each hull?

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        Michael Wheatley says:

        LIPO batteries are probably not a good choice for boats. They are great for model airplanes with the best power to weight ratio but they are delicate and prone to self destruct if not treated with the greatest care. LiFePO4 batteries are probably a better choice for boats. The trick is finding a trustworthy source in China.

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  Ben Emory says:

  Congrats on featuring some boats where minimizing fossil fuel use is a priority. In this era of our facing a climate change crisis, too much of the boating world is headed in the wrong direction — faster and faster, bigger and bigger engines, more and more outboards hung off the transom, etc. We all need to wake up and enjoy our on the water time in ways that are as sustainable as possible with as little impact on the planet as possible. OCH, keep bringing us innovative boat ideas suitable to this time in which we live. Thanks for bringing us this video!

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  Neal Carriker says:

  I love the Grasshopper! Currently boating with a Maine Cat 22 it came with an 8 hp 4 stroke with modified propeller and bracket up from a 5 hp. I eventually went with a Suzuki 20 hp further beefing up the bracket and increasing the height gradually 2” because of the spray this greatly helped but still spraying I’m afraid that more height will cause more cavitation. When I saw your fairing it was a revelation! If you could provide some guidance in replicating your work it would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

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  steve schwartz says:

  That outrigger design looks super. I would love to see more about it.

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  Sean Hogben says:

  I’m frequently asked about a boat suitable for moving a few folk quickly and cheaply to a distant surf break. Needs to be shoal draft, balanced in a seaway, beachable, efficient and cheap to build. This is a thread I will definitely follow. Great innovations from a careful craftsman willing to chance an idea. Love that outrigger.

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  john marks says:

  please can we have more videos on converted fish boats?

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    Nate Rooks says:

    John – here here! We’re working on it, and have some great things simmering in BC…

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      Miles Partridge says:

      Russell,
      I really liked the Grasshopper idea. A friend mentioned it when I told him about my concept for something similar to use on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria Australia. A 20 degree dead rise planing hull consumes 1.2 litres of petrol per nautical mile at 18 to 22 kt. Which is fine in flat water but in a 3 ft chop is horrible. Trouble is that at 12kt it consumes 3 or 4 litres per nautical mile and it sits with the bow pointing to the sky.

      A long narrow displacement cat with foil assistance should achieve similar fuel consumption without the planing hull hump and slice through the chop comfortably at 12 to 15 kts.

      I am thinking narrow wave piercing bows with high flares to keep dry and prevent submarining. I cant find any off the shelf designs so am interested in your follow on design after Grasshopper Russel.

      Regards,
      Miles

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  Ian Thomson says:

  Speaking of a ‘lash-up, it would be very interesting to put Grasshopper together with the down under propeller from Peter Sewel’s Whio

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    Nate Rooks says:

    Ian – This has definitely crossed my mind. WHIO’s propeller wouldn’t fit with the current motor, but I would like to experiment with further efficiency-minded modifications in the future…

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  Grant Yewell says:

  Learning again, from the relax and ease of Russell Brown.

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  Eric J Nelson says:

  My 4 y/o says, “Dad, we really need a grasshopper!!” I agree, what a fun and cool boat from a cool guy. I love watching Russel Brown vids.

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  Bill Saunders says:

  Very interesting! Russel Brown always has some very unique ideas. Also, I am always interested in low-power efficient power boats. More please! Great video!!

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  Jim Mathieson says:

  Brilliant !
  Loved it!

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  David Tew says:

  Bieker Boats (who built Grasshopper/Skeeter) has done a lot of other interesting work on efficient types: http://biekerboats.com/project/nemo-ultimate-30-conversion/