Pedal Powered Boats

[Submarine Tom]

Rhinox,

I'm thinking a used kayak with the potential for pedals.

You could get a surf ski if you think you could learn to balance/paddle/pedal it.

I know you're a very capable guy but do you think you're up for that?

It would make a great pedal boat candidate down the road.

[Coach Dave]

Originally Posted by Rhinox

Hi everyone.

I've stalked this thread for years, always fantasizing about when I'd have the means to build one of these amazing machines.

Suppose that time was now, what is the best way to get started, some of the decisions I'll have to make, and the general process from conceptualization to execution to the lake? Do you guys mostly just build stuff and see how it works now, or do you still try to optimize the hull/prop/drivetrain to the "motor" specs and maximize performance?

I know Rick W did a lot optimizing stuff, but I also know he hasn't been around here in a long time.

Thanks!

Hi Rhinox,

Good to hear from you again. Now that you have your input power estimated at 200 watts and you are thinking of building your own boat you have some key design decisions to make.

1) What is your total displacement goal (weight of you, hull, drive train, seat). Are you making a solo, tandem, tandem + dog + food/drinks + gear?

2) What hull configuration do you want? Mono, cat, tri? I am fond of narrow stabilized monohulls for reasons already discussed on this thread.

3) Do you have size constraints where you store the boat limiting its length?

4) Do you want to optimize for short sprint speed, a 1/2 hour run, several hour or all day cruise?

5) Set an efficiency goal - maybe 75% of input power becomes your effective propulsion power.

Once you specify these basic parameters you can use Godzilla to optimize the hull(s) and answer some "what if" scenarios.

Dave

[Submarine Tom]

Originally Posted by Rhinox

Thanks. I checked out the site and googled and found lots of other really nice options. Lots of good stuff out there, but it's all so expensive. I'm not really willing to drop that much $$ into a boat right now. Even if I could build a plywood shell for free, the sculling rig and oars are gonna push me out of my desired budget.

I'm thinking like, under a grand is where I'd like to be, and I don't think I'm gonna get there without DIY and pedal power, or finding a really extraordinary deal on something used.

DIY often costs 2 - 5 times more than planned in money, time and collateral damage (emotional).

Most don't make it all the way through to fruition.

[portacruise]

Rhinox:

There's no shortage of great, but idle HPboats for sale at discount prices- but connecting with the owners is the issue. Maybe post a "boat wanted" with your $1K limit to see what comes up on the HPB list:

http://hupi.org/archives/hpv-boats/2012q2/date.html

There was recently a Yamaha lakerunner posted for sale. Greg K's ocean boat is for sale and there have even been hydrofoils posted.

Hope this helps.

Porta

"The pleasure of buying a boat is only surpassed when it is finally sold" :-)

Originally Posted by Rhinox

Thanks. I checked out the site and googled and found lots of other really nice options. Lots of good stuff out there, but it's all so expensive. I'm not really willing to drop that much $$ into a boat right now. Even if I could build a plywood shell for free, the sculling rig and oars are gonna push me out of my desired budget.

I'm thinking like, under a grand is where I'd like to be, and I don't think I'm gonna get there without DIY and pedal power, or finding a really extraordinary deal on something used.

[I57]

Tom
I agree with your comment about cost of DIY. Also when estimating time to make it, take your worst estimate and multiply by 4.

Rhinox
Make your drive system first and then get a boat or build a boat to suit.
Its a lot harder to get a hull and then try and get a drive that will fit and work.

Ian

[Submarine Tom]

Thanks I57.

I included time as part of my 2 - 5X cost estimate, same with mental suffering which comes in all forms of course.

It's not true for everyone but is, unfortunately, common.

Rhinox has agonised for years over what to build and hasn't even started yet!

I see it as a real shame as this takes away from the time he could be spending on the water.

He'll find his way.