6.5kts With 150 watts

I tested my latest boat today. It ended up heavier than design so a tad more power required than design. The WL beam is more like 480mm than the design 440mm with the extra weight.

Basically it verifies Michlet again. (Many thanks Leo) I am able to do 6.5kts with 150 watts. I had an issue with the capstan drive unit that prevented full power test but hope to sort it out and see what full power can get in a couple of weeks.

The KM as-built is 340mm and my KG is about 280mm so it is quite stable once I am seated. It leans into turns and feels like I could roll it if I steered hard at any speed over 5kts.

Rick

 

Rick, you have peaked my interest. I would like to know more about your capstan drive set up and the boat. I visited your site and found some great pictures but nothing on this boat.

Gary

 

Gary
The capstan drive was developed by a fellow HPB enthusiast. Each of the two tiny capstans are fitted with a roller clutch. The wire that wraps on the capstans is connented to foot pedals that swing from a pivot at the front of the cockpit like pendulums. When one wire is pulling the other is retracting. A bungee cord at the front of the pedals ensures slack side tension on the rewinding capstan. It is a simple system that does not require precision engineering.

Most of my previous boats have used cycle cranks with right angle drive. I have also used oscillating foils for propulsion. The idea with the pendulum arms was to keep my legs low to reduce the KG. This way I could build a reasonably efficient hull that does not require outriggers for stability.

Rick