Micro liveabord cruiser

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Silvertooth, Nov 8, 2016.

  1. Silvertooth
    Joined: Nov 2016
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    Great little design I'm looking forward to following progress
     
  2. rwatson
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    rwatson Senior Member

    ...... Ignore the 175 kilos of lead :)
     
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  3. JamesG123
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    JamesG123 Senior Member

    .... and the 2~3 ft. of draft
     
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  4. Squidly-Diddly
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    Squidly-Diddly Senior Member

    I've been playing around with just the 3 part (minus the legs and armrests) of one of these Zero Grav chairs as a chair that can also lay completely flat for a semi-proper bed. Basically a poor man's 1st class airline recliner seat/bed. Once out of the frame/legs the 3 sections are free to lay flat (or any shape).https://www.walmart.com/ip/Caravan-...-2G9_1tobcwY-juv2nXrEfne7fmgyD4kaAtbhEALw_wcB

    I like the general aspect of the thing. Light and hygienic, great for drying damp stuff. Folds into itself 3X for about 3" total thickness.

    Pro-tip: the fabric is fastened to frame with bungie cords on each side for "give" but you can run paracord through same loops under fabric left to right for more support if needed and to make it a better flat bed. Mine started giving out at the seat so I ran para-cord under fabric at that spot and much better.
     
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  5. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    There could be two handles protruding from the stern to use as handles to push the entire vessel like a wheelbarrow.

    This micro house boat is really just a glorified stand up paddle board that you can push to the water and do some fishing on.

    Technically it can sailed, and be paddled like a paddle board. It can also be peddled like a peddle boat, and again technically it could be peddled on land. But it won't do any of these things very well.

    But it can be made very comfortable to sleep in, and for exploring inshore water ways.
     
  6. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    IMG_2990.JPG These pictures don't do it justice in the flesh she is amazing
     

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  7. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    These are very crude additional options
     

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  8. JamesG123
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    JamesG123 Senior Member

    If you make the fwd wheels large (~30") skinny tired and solid wood and then on eccentric pivot offset from the wheel axle, that can rotate thru either fully extended or only protruding below the hull a few inches (or none at all I guess) they can act as leeboards more effectively while still being able to be withdrawn and not require the boat to ride ridiculously high when rolling on them on land. Transmission of power does start to get complicated though, you'd have to have some kind of chain drive from pivot to axle. Or drive from the rear wheel (rudder?) one instead, which means you'd need to use a winch or come-along to haul out, but then I think you'll need to do that anyway.
     
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  9. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    Thanks sounds great but my be a little too complicated. I want to keep mega simple.

    A direct drive, just peddles is enough for me.

    It's so lightweight.

    I also talked earlier in the thread about a power drill to drive the rear wheel, it won't be fast or have long range but it will assist in your peddle power.

    The power drill also can have a propeller attachment to assist when in peddle boat mode.

    Keep it stupid simple
     
  10. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    image.jpeg Trying to work out a way to incorporate a powerful electric scooter as the rudder system. Not to drive it in the water, that will be from a power dril with a propeller

    But the scooter will be the drive system along with peddling when on land, and to be able to steer from inside the cabin
     
  11. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    Maybe just take the front wheel off the scooter nd attach it to the rudder posts and rig up the steering lines
     
  12. JamesG123
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    JamesG123 Senior Member

    No where near enough torque.
     
  13. Silvertooth
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    Silvertooth Senior Member

    There are some scooters that are powerful enough
     
  14. trip the light fandango
    Joined: Apr 2018
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    Location: Rhyll Phillip Island Victoria Australia

    trip the light fandango Senior Member

    I'm enjoying this thread, the micro cruising movement really appeals to me, mainly because everything is lightweight, cheap and practical, it is a treasure trove of ideas for a small tri, which also has to stay light. I 'm having trouble with the pedal concept though, the ground must be different to what I have experienced so far, The only ground that I can think of that would carry 120 kgs with a load bearing traction foot print of 2 large bike wheels is specifically low tide on a flat beach with a little recent rain or overcast, . And that would also bog with any variables in the sand. A land yacht has very specific criteria, any friction, wind strength and weight of the craft, lift, and surface. A micro cruiser would be very compromised and complicated trying to achieve this in part wouldn't it? Your body weight is a problem, but it all works on a made road /footpath.A friend has a chinese electric bike motor the same , they really don't like water but they are good things.
    Inflatable fender sausages anchor warp and a hand winch with a battery drill fitting mb and driving in stakes[battery drill?] if there is no solid tie point,should work well, which was mentioned in part earlier.
    Really fat inflatable tyres that stow could change the foot print/traction issue. A separate unit that attached to the rudder like a powered jockey wheel while you push is another approach.
    Being able to sail in only a few inches of water can be so much more elegant, right next to the land often,and accesses areas that only a kayak or canoe could go, that is special enough/unique in itself.
    It is annoying when people just heap problems they read and think they foresee, but it is part of the armchair question/ criticism experience I have found. so I'll mention something more positive.
    A removable peddle station pod clears precious space when stowed, and maybe a whipper snipper shaft for the battery drill, a bit safer and easier to clamp.
    Have you seen the little wood fired burners that are a double skin tin can ,which the unburnt gases from the top of a stick fire are sucked in and released at the bottom of the fire, cleaner ,more efficient burn. ,they have a little battery that runs a tiny fan. I like the cut off look of a micro, these little craft are fascinating, thanks and good luck.
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2018
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  15. Silvertooth
    Joined: Nov 2016
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    Silvertooth Senior Member


    What a positive encouraging post. Thanks so much for that.

    Yes everything is a trade off. It’s so easy to pick faults with absolutely anything no matter what.

    There is no such thing as a perfect boat.

    But there can be a best boat for you and that’s what I’m AIMING for.

    Yes I’m going with 2 plywood wheels/leeboards with a removable peddle shaft on the inside.

    A single plywood jockey wheel/rudder on the stern.

    This option is not a serious amphibious transportation because as you say many surfaces just wouldn’t work, and in these situations I will just get out and push or pull.

    Even on surfaces that the wheels won’t dig in, it’s still only going to work very short distances. For example when I sail to a new island or shore, and pull her up, it may be an option to cycle a short distance to a good camp spot.

    If it’s really cold and wet outside then to stay in the warm cosey cabin and be able to move around a small amount, even slip her back into the water without even getting out would be amazing. It yes you may get stuck and have to get out and push, so what no big deal.


    Yes there are good options for a little hobo stove to keep the inside nice and warm and cosey, make a brew or even do some cooking.
     

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