On Wednesday 19 January 2005 21:42, Paul Schilter wrote:

Y,
Modern cruise ships use the Azipods. They've had them for quite a few
years as I remember.
Paul




They say they have compact versions starting at 500kW, which would be great.
But I guess I got a little overexcited about the possibilities today, I read
that just about now the first superyachts are being equipped with
this kind of propulsion. That probably says it all looking at price.

Frankly I don't really get the 'podding' idea. Why not simply replace
the diesel engine with an electrial motor, add the required electronics/
control systems and be done?
Why should they opt for an (imho) very ugly POD bungling down there,
doing nothing good for drag? I also think they might be too easy to destroy.
Yes I suppose you get amazing manoeuvrability in return but not everyone
is interested in that.
Could be that by podding the engine they have a more expensive package to
sell. Or perhaps there actually is some pressing technical reason.