what you guys think about this new pedal boat?

[joco]

ok not a boat a new design to make a canoe or wathver going forword wit pedals.

there is a few on the market now.

ok hobies are hard to beat.

but few like natives propel and now this one.


http://www.h2proped.com/index.htm

one more way to get that boat moving...i do like the ideal.

joco what you guys think.?

[portacruise]

Thanks for the link. I always like to see new developments in this area.

First one based on this concept I have seen over many years.

Positives over existing prop systems: modular unit, ergonomic, adapts to any canoe without fasteners.

Negatives over existing prop systems: bulky volume- takes up pack space, heavier than twisted chain/gear box/hobie drives, efficiency lower due to sheathed cable drive losses, one hand steering needed-not hands free, no way to reach/clear prop of weeds/debris-stranding you, not for shallow water draft without backup paddles, low portability factors.

Porta

Originally Posted by joco

ok not a boat a new design to make a canoe or wathver going forword wit pedals.

there is a few on the market now.

ok hobies are hard to beat.

but few like natives propel and now this one.


http://www.h2proped.com/index.htm

one more way to get that boat moving...i do like the ideal.

joco what you guys think.?

[padilac]

It seems that this system would undoubtedly work on a number of craft. Its strong points would be little in the way of permanent alterations to the craft.
But it seems to me to be quite wasteful in energy, i cant help thinking that it has substantial losses built in.
In the Pedal Powered Boats thread, this is covered to great length.
For example, the drive belt to the propeller is running in water it seems, and the tube for the propeller is unfaired. this leads to unneccesary resistance. the energy is changing direction three times, first from pedals/fisrst belt to flexible shaft, then to second belt, then to propeller. This means friction and losses.
Since the power at hand (foot) is so low to begin with, this shoots the system in the leg so to speak... Bad pun, I know.

A little more research, tweaking out some of the losses, and this is probably a viable alternative. If it will be a comercial succsess Im more unsure of.

Personally I would not pay this kind of money for something not fully developed. I am by no means an expert, and when I can see easy improvements I dont really trust it to be worth the effort...

Having said all that, Im looking for pedaling options too. The Mirage drive is ridicully expensive in my country, so not really an option. I can get a reasonably new 2HP petrol engine for less. Not to mention a Minn Kota Riptide.
The Native Watercraft Propeldrive is looking up, beeing made by a reputable bicycle manufacturer and all, but it too requires a well in the hull.

hmm. Still looking I guess.

regards,
Padilac

[Squidly-Diddly]

I'd make it 8lbs heavier, but make it with chain drive(running through 2" PVC?) or shaft and gear.

Make the shafts collapsible to adjust to different seat-to-stern lengths.

Might need to use older style chains with master-link and do a one time custom fit for different boats, and have adjustable base.

But I bet one size would fit 90% of canoes, so just ship that as default.

Yes, would need provision for de-weeding while still in boat, as that is where all the action is with a canoe.

I'd like to see the whole unit be able to be taken in or out as a unit, and have an inverted 'vee' of sorts to settle onto the stern and hold it more or less in place on the boat.

[hoytedow]

I like the cable drive. Less fuss and bother than the chain drive.

[padilac]

For a easy-fix I agree. But it sucks energy out of your legs, and dont spit it out through the propeller.. So for any kind of distance a sheated flex-shaft will cost and cost you.

I dream of greater practical distances than with pure paddles. All the extra weight and money has to pay back, or its just more things for Murphy to choose from i think.