Experimental Drive Systems

[SS MAYFLOAT]

I have been curious to know what types of systems have been tried to propel boats other than the props, jets, and paddle wheels.<br /><br />Awhile back on TV there was a pontoon looking thing that the pontoons were like a big screw. It would go anywhere. Water, swamps, sand, snow etc.<br />Thinking that it would be great for pontoon boats.<br /><br />Anyone heard of any other strange setups? Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

I have thought about rigging a savonius rotor to drive a prop to make a "sail" boat that could go any direction, regardless of the wind direction.<br /><br />Never did anything about it, though.<br /><br />I guess Popiel will be selling them on TV soon and I can whine that I never got a patent.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

JB,<br /><br />Savonius Rotor? Great idea. Produces high torque in very low windspeeds. Needs to be made of ultra light materials though, to keep boat centre of gravity low. <br /><br />Of course, if your boat was travelling directly away from the wind, you'd have a loss of power.<br /><br />Maybe the best way to transfer power to the prop is to use hydraulics, and then prop speed or rotation could be varied independent of rotor speed by bridging the hydraulic flow and return lines with a variable valve.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

Don't forget air boats, powered by a prop pushing air. Pretty popular in swampy areas.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

Have you guys heard of the Vovo Penta IPS? It's wild!<br /><br /> http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/global/en-gb/# <br /><br /> http://powerandmotoryacht.com/engines/0205volvopentaIPS/

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

How about the Walker Wingsail?<br /><br />Anyone seen one, been aboard, or tried one?

 

[alden135]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

My boat is propelled by money.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

What was the propulsion on the trimaran at the beginning of waterworld called? That looked kinda neat-if it was real and not computer graphics?<br /><br /><br />The IPS looks like a better derivative of an outdrive to me-good idea but hardly revolutionary.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

I have often wondered if hydraulics could be used to drive a prop. However the USCG would probably frown on the idea of an oil leak. Imagine no universals, gears, shafts, boots, and cables. With the hydraulics a veriable pitch prop could be utilized to aid in the performance.<br /><br />I checked out the IPS unit. Seems like they are more for the larger watercraft than the runabouts. The system makes me wonder how often the props would get destroyed. At least a skeg helps prevent some mishaps.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

ralph- several manufacturers are building new models specifically for the ips. in my opinion, a few years from now deciding on power will be between ob, i/o, ib, and ips.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

My boat is propelled by money

Hey mine too! The oldest form of propulsion known to man ROFLMAO!<br /><br />Ya, IPS is pretty Wild Matt. I watched a show a few months ago where they explained it and showed it being installed and then they did a head-to-head with two exact same boats, one IPS one inboard and the IPS was way better<br /><br />You're right SS - it's really for 35'+ class boats right now

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Experimental Drive Systems

I think we'll see more boats with "pocket drives" like the power vent which is sort of a inboard/tunnel with a surface piercing prop kinda deal, and others like ZF's "ring drive" here in the near future...<br /><br />Probably see quite a few more jet pumps in larger boats (20' and up) as well..<br /><br />IPS is a neat deal, but IMHO I don't expect to <br />see IPS hanging around long.. Volvo makes some good stuff no doubt, but I think the Volvo engineers went off the deep end on that deal.. <br /><br />Oh.. SS Mayfloat... Forget about the IPS props.. The IPS drive is designed to shear off in the event of a severe strike.... <br /><br />Plenty happy with my straight shafts, thank ya all the same..