Converting Bicylce to Pedal Boat

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Equalitude, Jan 2, 2009.

  1. Equalitude
    Joined: Jan 2009
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    Location: San Francisco

    Equalitude New Member

    I was wondering if it was possible to use the pedals, gears, and drive chain of an already set-up bicycle to power a single blade propeller. Has anyone done this before and are there vendors online that can offer the parts to accomplish this?
     
  2. Guest625101138

    Guest625101138 Previous Member

  3. tinhorn
    Joined: Jan 2008
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    Location: Massachusetts South Shore.

    tinhorn Senior Member

    Attached Files:

  4. Equalitude
    Joined: Jan 2009
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    Location: San Francisco

    Equalitude New Member

    Thank you guys for your help. Both posts have definitely been very helpful.

    I have a more specific question as well. Do you think it's a crazy idea to modify the bicycle wheel itself by adding some paddles to it so that all you have to do is dip the wheel in water and have it propel the boat? I like that patent image but it seems like there are two sets of gear systems and drive chains which almost defeats the convenience of just using a bicycle.

    Finally, are there some retail stores that can sell you parts to accomplish this task? I don't have any welding experience nor do I have access to a machine shop.

    Thanks guys!
     
  5. Guest625101138

    Guest625101138 Previous Member

    The key items for a really nice boat drive are a right angle gearbox and a propeller. It is a challenge to make a good system without shop facilities but not impossible.

    The best right angle drives I know of are Mitrpak:
    http://www.mitrpak.com/product_datasheet.php?product_id=31
    The one shown is OK for moderate power input. If you really want to sprint hard then go up to the 1/2".

    I have suggested the 2:1 so you can use a model plane prop. You can get these from here:
    http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/..._15x13_/_381_x_330mm_Poly_Composite_propeller
    This prop would be run around 8x cadence. So 4:1 from crank and 2:1 in the rightangle drive.

    There is one readily available boat prop that is OK. It is not too bad but needs to be run about 5X cadence and will only suit an easily driven hull. It is a 15 X25 Bolly boat prop about half way down the linked list:
    Bolly Products - world performance propellers http://www.bolly.com.au/models/glasstwo.html

    You can get a prop collet from Hobby City as well:
    http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/...aft_adapter_to_suit_8.0mm_motor_shaft_(collet)

    For the frame you butcher an old bike. Just cut out the bottom bracket with about 14" of frame tube on either side. This is inverted and mounted onto the boat. It is easy to weld or braze mounting plates but if you do not have the facility then get some epoxy resin and fibreglass tape. The frame and seat shown in the attached photo does not have any welding in it. It is all made from carbon fibre cloth, Klegecell foam sheet and Epoxy Resin. It weighs under 5 kilograms including the crank and gearbox.

    You can also buy metal brackets that can be riveted or screwed to the frame and then glassed over. You would need a hand drill for this.

    I buy resin and cloth from here:
    http://www.solidsolutions.com.au/
    http://fgi.findnearest.com.au/findnearest.asp?submittopage=locatorresult.asp&log=1
    I am sure you can find places near you with the same materials.

    The set up shown on the attached photo is about the best you can get. The offset thrust from the side mounted prop requires negligible effort to correct with small rudder angle. It avoids holes through the hull and the prop can be reached for cleaning off weed. I usually detach the shaft for transport. It is held in place with two thumb screws.

    Finding a source of aluminium sections for bits and pieces is handy. I have 5 locations within 20 minutes drive of my home. You can use machinable aluminium rod for the curved prop shaft similar to what I have shown. Aluminium and glass/epoxy work well together. A glass/epoxy wrapped joint is likely to be stronger than a weld if done properly.

    I use this supplier for other bits and pieces:
    http://www.smallparts.com.au/catalogue/
    There are smallparts locations in the US as well that supply quickly.

    Sitting up on a bike is not the best position for a boat. Your centre of gravity is high and you are more likely to roll it. A recumbent position is best for boating.

    Fitting paddles to a bike wheel is not all that easy. To be effective they need to be about 4ft wide so dinky little ones a few inches across that can run through the frame will do nothing.
     

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    Kirk likes this.
  6. Guest625101138

    Guest625101138 Previous Member

    This clip shows a boat almost identical to mine in operation and some close-up of the drive system:

    Greg did the 1000m in just over 4 minutes so close to 15kph. He is 48yo and a mid level professional athlete who specialises in marathon events. The boat is really not intended for sprinting and was not conditioned for it at the time of making the video. I expect he was holding around 270W over the 1000m.

    I have hit 18.2kph on mine with the best sprint set up.
     
  7. Equalitude
    Joined: Jan 2009
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    Location: San Francisco

    Equalitude New Member

    Wow thanks! That was probably the most help ever.
     
  8. Kirk
    Joined: Feb 2022
    Posts: 52
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    Location: Peoria Illinois

    Kirk Junior Member

    Daang nice post!

    I'm aware it's 13 years old.

    The right angle gear box is pretty pricey.

    Anyone suggest anything cheaper?

    And anyone have inexpensive airplane prop for 7 by 10 pontoon pedal boat?

    Thanks
     

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  9. waterbear
    Joined: Mar 2016
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    Location: Earth

    waterbear Senior Member

    Here's the cheap route. I believe the cheap plastic apc prop is about 95% of the efficiency of a custom propeller. You may need a different pitch prop depending on your boat.

    images.png
     
    marine_plug and Kirk like this.
  10. Andrew Kirk
    Joined: Jul 2021
    Posts: 97
    Likes: 68, Points: 18
    Location: Chorley UK

    Andrew Kirk Pedal boater.

    My pedal powered boat was easy to build and can reach hull speed. I can cruise for miles. I fancy making a catamaran with paddle wheel and sail assistance this year. I weld but the steel could be replaced with wood. Paddle wheels are of similar efficiency to props but in many ways it's easier to construct a paddle wheel boat because you don't have the tricky problem of twisting the drive through 90 degrees. Here are 2 blogs about the final incarnation of my long development program!
    https://mountainbiker.online/2021/10/26/cross-training/
    https://mountainbiker.online/2021/10/21/returning-after-a-cold/
     
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  11. Kirk
    Joined: Feb 2022
    Posts: 52
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    Location: Peoria Illinois

    Kirk Junior Member

    Thanks! That looks like least expensive solution I've seen.
     
  12. Kirk
    Joined: Feb 2022
    Posts: 52
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: Peoria Illinois

    Kirk Junior Member

    Love the lines on your boat & the paddle wheel looks super cool.

    2 mph before the change to gearing? As a kid i got stuck in middle of lake on a paddle boat. Wind picked up & waves were not letting paddle get much traction. River near me has a 1 mph current. Altho i think a canoe does 3 mph. & I'll always head upstream to start.

    Using the bike i bought it's a 21 speed. So gearing i should be able to get to something. Altho someone else mentioned gonna be high center of gravity.
     

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  13. Kirk
    Joined: Feb 2022
    Posts: 52
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    Location: Peoria Illinois

    Kirk Junior Member

    Couple other ideas i came across :

    This guy does a trainer & a block of wood & car alternator (loud!) . I could do that & trolling motor. Although Illinois charges taxes/registration as soon as motor is added & not as satisfying imo as pedaling & some losses as one poster mentioned & loud!

     

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  14. Kirk
    Joined: Feb 2022
    Posts: 52
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: Peoria Illinois

    Kirk Junior Member

    Another guy did this but he ends up not securing the prop & loses it & his is a tv show so more geared at a good story/entertainment. He never mentions how fast bike/boat go.

     

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    clmanges likes this.

  15. Andrew Kirk
    Joined: Jul 2021
    Posts: 97
    Likes: 68, Points: 18
    Location: Chorley UK

    Andrew Kirk Pedal boater.

    The problem with pedalling an alternator to run a motor is the inefficiency. If a fit cyclist generates 200 watts then by the time you get to the prop you've already lost a big part of that.
     
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