Quote:
Originally Posted by redshift200
I would like to be able to use pedal power to push the boat and/or charge batteries. It seems that this may be a tall order.
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here is an interesting alternative to pedal/ propellor power...
Hobie Cat Dealer Hi-Tempo White Bear Lake Minnesota On-Line Catalog, Hobie Kayaks, Hobie Fishing Kayaks, Hobie Float Cats
Kayaks Why not use a propeller?
~Human-powered propeller drives are typically smaller and therefore less efficient. We compared the performance of the MirageDrive to a propeller drive, and found the MirageDrive to be faster and more efficient.
~Studies on tuna and penguins show that oscillating foils such as the MirageDrive are more efficient than propellers. Oscillating foils can make use of vortices that are naturally shed from anything going through the water to offset the vortices that would normally be generated by fins. This equates to less turbulence in the water.
~The MirageDrive fins "feather" into the flow when not pedaling and create very little drag; a propeller creates significant drag when it is not spinning.
~The back-and-forth motion of the pedals provides a long, smooth stroke.
~Pedals that go in circles on a boat have a much different feel than pedals on a bike. On a boat, there are portions of a circular motion that are more difficult, so the cycle is not smooth.
~The back-and-forth motion allows the pedals to be positioned much lower in the cockpit.
~The MirageDrive allows any length of stroke desired, and performs well with both short and long strokes.
~The pedals easily adjust to accommodate different size pedalers.
~The oscillating motion allows the use of a simple chain and cable system that is unaffected by sand and dirt, without the use of complicated seals.
~The fins shed seaweed because they do not make a full rotation.
~The MirageDrive fins fold up next to the hull for beaching and in shallow water by simply putting one foot forward.
With the different views I have included someone with a bit of skill could do a knock off of the mirage drive... I think a boat this wide would need two side-by-side for control, but it would always have to have two people then.. and the wheels added to the boat for towing is cool too....
