Need Advice_Electric Jet Drive

Discussion in 'Jet Drives' started by john zimmerlee, Sep 30, 2012.

  1. john zimmerlee
    Joined: Apr 2006
    Posts: 36
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 39
    Location: Atlanta GA

    john zimmerlee Junior Member

    We have a patent on a foot controlled dual propulsion steering & control system for a fishing/rescue boat.

    We need recommendations on an electric jet drive system, but we'll also need an efficient reverse ability for our boat as follows:
    * 116" long, 44" wide, 15.5" high (6" draft)
    * Dry weight with battery & drives 160 lbs approx
    * Passenger capacity 525 lbs
    * catamaran style hull with propulsion mounted midship in each sponson

    Clamshell reverse is too noisy and inefficient. We may need a custom design or 2 systems for froward and 2 for reverse.

    The boat needs to operate in very shallow water without danger to passengers or others in the water nearby.

    For years , we have tried trolling motors with shields but the prop diameter and attachment which are not satisfactory. We also tried screw drives, but could not achieve the speed or efficiency of the standard prop.

    Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!

    John Zimmerlee
     
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    What is the patent number? That will make it easier to answer your question.
     
  3. john zimmerlee
    Joined: Apr 2006
    Posts: 36
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    Location: Atlanta GA

    john zimmerlee Junior Member

    Patent 7556544

    It consists of two propulsion units, one on each side of centerline using differential thrust to steer and change direction . . . similar to a powered wheelchair or zero turn lawn mower.

    The patent is on the foot control which is intuitive and allows the operator's hands to be free for fishing, hunting, photography, etc.

    John Zimmerlee
     
  4. johneck
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Location: New England

    johneck Senior Member

    The answer depends on how important efficiency is. There are several designs for thrusters that have vectorable thrust using a vertically oriented pump with rotating louvers to steer. I have also seen axial jets where the discharge nozzle has a bend and can be rotated. Both these ideas will work, but offer far less efficiency than an open prop or even a standard WJ, though probably better thrust than a WJ with the reversing buckets.

    The idea of having separate ahead and astern drives sounds interesting, but the losses involved in having the units in place seems extremely inefficient, not to mention costly.

    Maybe this is a good application for paddlewheels!
     
  5. john zimmerlee
    Joined: Apr 2006
    Posts: 36
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    Location: Atlanta GA

    john zimmerlee Junior Member

    Okay, you got my attention . . . though you may have been kidding!

    Is there a way to make paddlewheels efficient and quiet?

    John
     
  6. johneck
    Joined: Nov 2011
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    Location: New England

    johneck Senior Member

    Sorry, I was just kidding.
     

  7. Submarine Tom

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    They can be surprisingly efficient and if you "herring bone" (slant or angle their angle of attack) they can be quieter.
     
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