Huge land yachts

[Angélique]

Originally Posted by Tiny Turnip

The Wp article makes up for vagueness with a splendid picture of the sail car:


click pic to enlarge

(links added in quote)

It says . . . - ‘‘ Author Unknown ’’ -

I see it's a mirrored, colored and a bit rearranged version of a part of the original by Jacques de Gheyn II, so the only question is who mirrored, colored and rearranged it . . . .

Cheers,
Angel

[P Flados]

Yacht to me implies the ability for at least a small family to live on board.

For a land yacht (say the size of a moderate motor home) able to make way across both paved and unpaved surfaces, I would probably go with a wind turbine generator, a battery bank and electric drive.

An existing motor home conversion would make a good prototype, or even a low dollar solution.

More than normal ground clearance, all wheel drive, bigger / wider tires to not bog down, air shocks with individual cab controls (for side to side leveling), bumper mounted winch and other such items would probably be worth the effort.

The above would work, but probably at a pace that would only fit the most leisurely of life styles. However, the wind turbine would be a big plus when not moving. There are a lot of modern goodies that most would still want out away from civilization.

[land yachter]

Originally Posted by Angélique

It says . . . - ‘‘ Author Unknown ’’ -

I see it's a mirrored, colored and a bit rearranged version of a part of the original by Jacques de Gheyn II, so the only question is who mirrored, colored and rearranged it . . . .

Cheers,
Angel

Great images. Common in that era for multiple versions of these types of works to be produced - either by the artist themselves, employees in their workshops or someone else. Most likely the former two. There's probably a few more kicking around somewhere.

[land yachter]

Originally Posted by P Flados

Yacht to me implies the ability for at least a small family to live on board.

Understood - my goal is something that would support a single person over several days and several hundred kilometres. Perhaps sailing as part of a team of 2 or 3 craft. So cart/dinghy/buggy is probably more accurate but the 'yacht' term has stuck in the sport I guess.

Rather than hijack this thread I should probably start a new one?

[land yachter]

Originally Posted by P Flados

For a land yacht (say the size of a moderate motor home) able to make way across both paved and unpaved surfaces, I would probably go with a wind turbine generator, a battery bank and electric drive.

An existing motor home conversion would make a good prototype, or even a low dollar solution.

The above would work, but probably at a pace that would only fit the most leisurely of life styles. However, the wind turbine would be a big plus when not moving. There are a lot of modern goodies that most would still want out away from civilization.

I kind of like the idea of an enforced slow pace when touring like this - waiting for the batteries to charge means you might take in more than you would otherwise. Complicated build though.

[hoytedow]

Imagine if the Autobahn or Interstate system had lanes in suitable country reserved for these.

[P Flados]

The conversion approach is actually not really that hard. There is a small industry producing the parts & pieces needed.

The choices would make all of the difference.

If you wanted to stick to nothing rougher than dirt roads suitable for motor homes, you could simply focus on enough turbine & battery capacity for a couple of hours of on road battery travel with a four hour typical recharge.

This would be get up in the morning, confirm there will be wind at your next stop, stow the turbine, pack up and drive somewhere for lunch. Park and deploy the wind turbine for charging. Spend a little extra time walking / biking around the community. Stow the turbine and put in another couple of hours to the next stop.

For entirely off the beaten path travel, the turbine could probably be left up adding to your range.

If your choice is for rougher terrain, the conversion would focus on not getting stuck even if going slow is the price you pay. Still, most all the parts & pieces needed are probably out there.

A minimal consumption of fuel (even at a slow pace) is not going to come cheep. A used Motor-home with a dead engine might could found at a bargain price. The turbine generator, batteries, electric drive and controller are all "in demand" stuff that will add up fast. Then you are going to have to engineer the turbine to be stowed when needed for on-road but quickly deployed when you park in order to charge. Depending on how much you want to put into this, going for a couple of smaller turbines (9' diameter and 3 blades can be laid down and without extending over the sides of 8' wide surface). It would also be small enough to be manhandled up and down.

[hoytedow]

After studying the artwork I came to this question:

Not seeing any brake shoes, how did the Zeilwagen stop?

[tspeer]

Originally Posted by hoytedow

After studying the artwork I came to this question:

Not seeing any brake shoes, how did the Zeilwagen stop?

Most modern landyachts don't have any brakes, either. You stop the way you stop any sailboat - sheet out and head into the wind.

[Angélique]

I think Tom is right how it works in general on the beach or what ever place where is space. But in this case blowing up the pic a bit it shows the aft guy holding a chain or something like that. Can't see the other end but there must be something attached to it which could be an anchor....


click pics to enlarge

If so, let's hope it drags a bit before stopping . . . . .

Cheers,
Angel

[hoytedow]

Let's hope it doesn't catch hard on a rock and then let fly!

[Tiny Turnip]

Some images of interest from http://www.landsegler.de







and from http://www.seabreeze.com.au/