Pedal Powered Boats

Hi Ian
Your new boat looks good, how long is it.
Do your new twin rudder give good stearing control

Dennis

 

New Boat

Hi Dennis
Had the boat out today for another test run at the rowing course. Wind picked up plus some power boats were running up and down, not the best of days. Have fixed the dipping rudders so they are both clear of the water when not being used. Steering is not as positive and the turning circle is large, as the boat doesn't run true due to wind and waves, you are constantly dipping the rudders up and down. They take a bit of getting used to and if I need to turn tighter I put the paddle in the water. Also have raised the outriggers so they are just skimming the surface, feels faster but a bit unstable.
After the first run up and down I removed the skeg and had the shaft hanging free. Made it a lot smoother but harder to get in and out of the water.
Boat is 4.8m long and 200mm beam, outriggers are 2m long and 100mm beam.

Ian

 

Sounds like an easy way to retract and release the flex shaft might be in order. Perhaps something like the skeg you now have but that can be rapidly engaged/released for the short time of launch/retrieval. Perhaps some kind of hook that is guided and easily finds its way to the shaft. I was thinking maybe something using a strong magnet could be devised to capture the shaft into a hook, then pushing down forcibly could be used to break the force when release is needed. Hope this is of use.

Porta

 

Flex Shaft

Porta
The skeg I had enabled me to raise and lower the flex shaft but doesn't allow the shaft to run smooth and rattled around a lot. Might try having it in the raised position with a piece of cord and then releasing it in deep water. As for coming back in I'll have to get wet. The proa I could reach down and lift onto a beam for launching and coming in. With this layout thats not an option so will try the cord, on the plus side the boat is lighter, easier to setup and faster. Getting a bit wet is worth it for the better performance.

Ian

 

I don't care for getting soaked beyond my shins, just too uncomfortable riding with soaked swim trunks especially in salt water. Of course you will get some spray while riding so close to the water, but that is not quite the same thing. You've given this some thought already, so I'm sure something will work out for you eventually. My gadget is a lot shorter, lighter and slower being meant for fishing and such, so I can launch/retrieve anywhere without even getting my ankles wet sometimes. I guess that's why the quick release shaft and pivot works in my case....

Porta

 

Hi Ian
Your new boat is vertually the same size as mine but I think mine has slighlty more rocker. I look forward to seeing some performance fiquires of yours once you get it sorted.
I have at pressent a rudder problem, caused by it being side mounted and have to do 40% of my steering with a paddle.

Dennis

 

New Boat

Dennis
Out on Lysterfield lake today and boat performed well, having the shaft hanging free makes for better performance but a bit harder launching and beaching. Used a cord to release the shaft in deep water then spent the next 5 minutes trying to coil and stow it. The dipping rudders are going ok but need a bit more angle on them as at the moment it turns like a battleship.
The shaft is 8mm steel and when cranked up to full power started to feel a bit rubbery. Going to replace it with a 12mm aluminum shaft which will be a bit stiffer and give me a bit more speed, max. speed was 10kph.
Have you thought of a hinged rudder over the stern using elastic cord.

Ian

 

New Boat

Ian
I agree the rudder should be at the stern on the boat and I will work on this over the winter as I plan to make it a major job.

Dennis

 

New Boat

Had the boat out on Saturday with the new prop shafts. First one I tried was a 12mm aluminum tube, felt smooth at low speed but was rubbery when tried to go fast. Next was a 16mm aluminium tube, this felt better with a lot less flex. Cranked the speed up and max. was 11kmh, conditions were a bit windy but there is a lot of room for improvement.
First the boat trims slightly by the bow so need to move the gearbox and seat back a bit.
The prop was designed for the proa which is a slower boat, felt like I needed to go up a gear. Have to make another prop but only slightly bigger. The outriggers are just skimming the surface, they can be raised but only if calm conditions. The dipping rudders I am still getting used to, when going fast boat tends to track one way or the other resulting in constantly moving rudders up and down. When going fast it feels like I am always putting on the brakes to keep going straight. Might fit a small trim tab for straight running and use the dipping rudders for turns.

Ian

 

Hi Ian
Great vidio, it show very little wave formation I think that the boat design must be spot on.
Re dipping rubbers are these at a fixed angle with no steering rotation.

Dennis

 

......

 

Guest, this is a shot in the dark, are you John or David H.?

 

Your website has nothing on it? And do you have a spot tracker? It would be nice to follow along. I love that! Did you leave yet? details, we want details! and good luck .....

 

Neither, it would be Rick W.

 

Ultimate Florida Challenge Boat

I plan to enter the 1200 mile Ultimate Florida Challenge in March 2012
http://www.watertribe.com/

Below is my first model/mockup of my design, a freestanding biplane rigged folding catamaran. In the first pic you'll see my oars but I'd like to set up a peddle prop drive.
In the second pic the boat is setup for the 40 mile portage.

Some competitors walk this route and push/pull their portage carts while others use a bicycle to tow it. I want to tow it, if i can.

Or, I'd like to use the same parts for both the prop drive and for the bike, or turn the boat into a bike, or some combo of this nature.

If I left the bike whole, and the bike was always ready to go, when I re-provision for water/supplies then I'd have an instant and quick ride. Towing is easy this way? and maybe set it up like some of the water bikes for while on the boat?

Anyway, I got a few different ideas rolling around but my plan A is to use oars and the bike to tow. A prop drive would require a bunch of designing, testing and cost .... I've been on the thread quite a bit, and studying it a lot .... but I'm willing to accept all advice and suggestions!

I might have to make a separate thread for this, but I wanted all that are subscribed to this thread to see my request .
edit: ok here's the link to this thread:
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/ultimate-florida-challenge-boat-2012-a-35041.html