Propulsion question please help

[justinDesign]

I am curious as to if anyone has ever used a Voith Schneider propeller in a small application, like on a small less than 16ft. inland fishing boat, and if it is possible to do so. I am trying to figure out a way to power a small boat in very shallow water without having motor drag. Please offer suggestions, pictures or websites. I would prefer electrical propulsion. Thanks.

[Tim B]

If you're going to move something in a fluid you will have drag. I believe Voith-Schnieder propellers have been built for model boats, but they are considerably more complex than a standard shaft drive. By comparison, even a contra-rotating Z drive looks simple.

My advice would be to use an electric outboard. It is a simple, self-contained unit. If you feel like stepping up the tech another notch, something like an electric version of Volvo's IPS might work. It depends wha you're after.

Tim B.

[tom28571]

The Voith-Schnieder is definitely not the right drive for either shallow water or a small boat. Complex, expensive and you would not want to deal with running aground, even just a little bit.

A tunnel drive may be your best bet. Flats boats use tunnels and a jack plate for very shallow water. Robb White's inboard tunnel drive skiff "Rescue Minor" is said to run in 6" of water.

http://www.robbwhite.com/rescue.minor.html

A jet is also an option. You can get jet drives on outboards too.