This is MERELY a Mental Workout

Originally Posted by daiquiri

It is impressive but not unexpected to me. Kids have much more imagination then we (adults) do.
If we could have their fancy and creativity, plus our knowledge, I'm sure that some really revolutionary and marvellous stuff would come out of that mix.

Sure mate! I follow Mikes threads since the very first post now (and there is a regular PM traffic too), and was never bored to contribute, or reply to even the most "out of the way" thoughts.

[shugabear]

if you could work out a proto type even in the one hundreds scale that would be something to see i think its a great idea 21st century

[FAST FRED]

A friend once came close to your idea , but his was for power generation.

In NYC the tides run strong , so his experiment was to power a reefer while at anchor.

He obtained an auto front wheel mounted on a spindle , and bolted it to the dock. Then he obtained about 100ft of old (free) fire hose , and made flaps the width of the hose and about 2 inches wide of 1/4 ply/

The flaps were drilled to be sewn to the hose every 6 inches or so.

Simply dropping a continuous loop of this hose over the bare car wheel and the stream tension stretched it out.

The little flaps stuck out into the current leaving the wheel, and folded flat for the return trip.

When the tide ran over 2K the force of the spinning car wheel was very strong , hard to stop from spinning with mere foot force.At 4K it was really impressive!

Sort of sails underwater , but for a different purpose.

Sorry to say he did not finish the experiment although he did obtain an old wind generator head , and drilled a Hockey Puck to ride on the wheel rim, like a bike generator. Winter set in , free cold in the food locker.

FF

[yipster]

never done a crossing but know there are tabel books with tradewinds and tides, most people use the winds

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by mgriffin

I have always wondered if you could somehow make a propulsion system based on an underwater "sail" system.

There's nothing mental in this regard.. Carthaginians (or phoenicians whatever ancient traders) used uw "kite" in deep counter current to sail against the surface current by the Pillars of Hercules..
But that was a bit different solution..

[daiquiri]

Originally Posted by TeddyDiver

Carthaginians (or phoenicians whatever ancient traders) used uw "kite" in deep counter current to sail against the surface current by the Pillars of Hercules...

That's why I love this forum.
I'd like to learn more about it, do you have some link with more info to share?

[TeddyDiver]

I read that one ages (=decades) ago.. don't remember the source anymore.. sorry!

[shugabear]

Originally Posted by mgriffin

I have always wondered if you could somehow make a propulsion system based on an underwater "sail" system. I know the idea sounds stupid, but the sails are not going to be made of cloth, but you probably figured that out. The boat that can use these sails will not be shallow draft. I just made sketch of what it might look like when not on the hull of the boat. I got this idea thinking that the ocean has currents, and you could just stick to the currents that you want to follow. I posted a picture of ocean currents so you could see what I'm getting at.
REMEMBER: THIS IS JUST A MENTAL WORKOUT!

i found this today thouhgt you may want a look at ithttp://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6694910/claims.html check it out dont think you are the only one who has thought about it maybe it will help

Originally Posted by shugabear

check it out dont think you are the only one who has thought about it maybe it will help

But maybe the only one at the age of 13?

[shugabear]

thats great you have such tanasity so young i wasnt implying harm but help

[mgriffin]

You could also use sails if the current is unfavorable.

[SamSam]

Underwater sails... There is also a recent patent for one that is adjustable for depths. Apparently surface currents can go one way and not too far down they can be going 180 degrees opposite.

[thudpucker]

During the Salmon Season, Fish n Game might call it 'drift net fishing'

I used a big home made sea anchor in the straights of Juan De Fuca on my 22' Cedar boat.
I'd run out the straights, drop that Anchor and let the current take my back to Sequi about the same speed as the Salmon run. It worked very well, but dealing with that Sea Anchor was a pain.

From that experience, I dont think a Bigger Sea Sail would do any more for you than a much smaller Sea Anchor.