NB Esk Posted July 21, 2019 Report Share Posted July 21, 2019 How is the drive arranged in a narrow boat type stern wheeler? Assuming something like a "Radicon" style reduction gear. Also, presumably the rudder blade only directs a part of the wash, is that correct? Do they steer okay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tacet Posted July 21, 2019 Report Share Posted July 21, 2019 3 hours ago, NB Esk said: How is the drive arranged in a narrow boat type stern wheeler? Assuming something like a "Radicon" style reduction gear. Also, presumably the rudder blade only directs a part of the wash, is that correct? Do they steer okay? I doubt there are enough stern wheeler narrowboats for there to be standard drive, bit I recall Jethro Tull was chain driven to a large sprocket at one end of the paddle wheel. Steering was by two rudders linked together in a parallelogram fashion and operated by a tiller that reached over the stern wheel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NB Esk Posted July 21, 2019 Report Share Posted July 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Tacet said: I doubt there are enough stern wheeler narrowboats for there to be standard drive, bit I recall Jethro Tull was chain driven to a large sprocket at one end of the paddle wheel. Steering was by two rudders linked together in a parallelogram fashion and operated by a tiller that reached over the stern wheel. Interesting, thanks. Now trying to visualise how to make the slot/ holes for the chain watertight but yes, can see how the linked rudders would work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted July 21, 2019 Report Share Posted July 21, 2019 57 minutes ago, NB Esk said: Now trying to visualise how to make the slot/ holes for the chain watertight All above the water line, surely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 21, 2019 Report Share Posted July 21, 2019 2 hours ago, NB Esk said: Now trying to visualise how to make the slot/ holes for the chain watertight No need. A chain drive can be routed well out of the water. You don't want the chain in the water anyway, It needs lubrication, not drowning. Only the paddle blades are in the water, any deeper and you are wasting power. Think mill wheel in reverse: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NB Esk Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 11 hours ago, David Mack said: All above the water line, surely. Wouldn't imagine anyone thinking it might be below the water line but won't there be holes through the hull, right next to a splashing paddle wheel?, especially in astern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murflynn Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 1 hour ago, NB Esk said: Wouldn't imagine anyone thinking it might be below the water line but won't there be holes through the hull, right next to a splashing paddle wheel?, especially in astern. not necessarily - if the boat is designed as a stern-wheeler .................. although the only reason anyone would want to do that is to control or navigate through surface vegetation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 Just now, Murflynn said: not necessarily - if the boat is designed as a stern-wheeler .................. although the only reason anyone would want to do that is to control or navigate through surface vegetation. The other, obvious reason would be that you are making an existing pontoon into a boat, as is the case with the stern wheelers under discussion here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bizzard Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 What's wrong with installing a complete tractor in a narrow boat. Ferguson T20 would do. With the back wheels removed to fit paddles instead. You'll then have a complete unit ready to go, no messing about. Engine, steering wheel, hooter and of course the seemingly sought after iron tractor seat, the cold thing that can bring on piles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murflynn Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 31 minutes ago, Mike the Boilerman said: The other, obvious reason would be that you are making an existing pontoon into a boat, as is the case with the stern wheelers under discussion here! can't see why - easier just to hang an outboard off the back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtB Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 3 minutes ago, Murflynn said: can't see why - easier just to hang an outboard off the back. Honestly, some people here have no sense of style..!!! ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mack Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 2 hours ago, bizzard said: What's wrong with installing a complete tractor in a narrow boat. Ferguson T20 would do. With the back wheels removed to fit paddles instead. You'll then have a complete unit ready to go, no messing about. Engine, steering wheel, hooter and of course the seemingly sought after iron tractor seat, the cold thing that can bring on piles. I remember seing a full length wooden butty motorised in that fashion back in the 70s. Rear wheel drive car back axle cut into the stern, original car wheels with paddle blades welded on, car propshaft, engine and gearbox installed in the boat all in the same relative positions as in the car. Probably had three forward gears too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 4 hours ago, NB Esk said: won't there be holes through the hull, right next to a splashing paddle wheel?, That is one reason that my design has the engine/gearbox above the paddle wheel. No holes whatever in the hull. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 3 hours ago, Murflynn said: the only reason anyone would want to do that is to control or navigate through surface vegetation. Also means you can go on very shallow lengths, without wrecking your propeller. 2 hours ago, Murflynn said: easier just to hang an outboard off the back. Fuel consumption, weeding up, and just looks wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 22, 2019 Report Share Posted July 22, 2019 3 hours ago, bizzard said: What's wrong with installing a complete tractor in a narrow boat. Ferguson T20 would do Even a Fergie would be heavy and need ballast in the bows, then you have a hogging situation. You could use a Field Marshall and pretend it's a Bollinder. shake everything to pieces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 23, 2019 Report Share Posted July 23, 2019 If I was building a paddle boat today, I would go for a hydraulic drive - engine could be anywhere. No rusty chain, no blue sparks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 25, 2019 Report Share Posted July 25, 2019 In the case of a paddle driven boat, is it easier or harder to stop than a propeller driven boat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 25, 2019 Report Share Posted July 25, 2019 6 hours ago, catweasel said: In the case of a paddle driven boat, is it easier or harder to stop than a propeller driven boat? Mine didn't have astern, but just stopping the paddle wheel seemed to achieve a rapid halt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 25, 2019 Report Share Posted July 25, 2019 29 minutes ago, Chris Williams said: Mine didn't have astern, but just stopping the paddle wheel seemed to achieve a rapid halt. A water brake! I like the idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Williams Posted July 25, 2019 Report Share Posted July 25, 2019 5 hours ago, catweasel said: A water brake! I like the idea. Certainly better than a screaming outboard. And I never hit anything, well, not hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murflynn Posted July 26, 2019 Report Share Posted July 26, 2019 flaps down - full reverse thrust !! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now