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#11
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Paddleboat using a riding lawn mower drive train.
"Robin" wrote in message ... Seems to me the engine/transmission combo out of an Argo would be ideal. Could you give me a site? |
#12
posted to rec.boats.building
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Paddleboat using a riding lawn mower drive train.
In article 1,
says... "Dan Listermann" wrote in : "Jim Willemin" wrote in message .131... "Dan Listermann" wrote in : I need a boat for a very shallow river. Paddles, especially with stiff rubber tips, seem like a good alternative and a riding lawnmower drive train would give me reduction, reverse and a variety of gears. Anybody know of some experience? seems to me you'd almost be better off poling. Lawnmower drivetrains are kinda heavy, forcing you to either a deepish draft or a huge boat, and paddles just don't seem like they are all that efficient. On the other hand, something like a longish jonboat and a nice 8 foot pole should take you most anywhere you want to go... I intend to use a 14' johnboat. As for poling, it might be an option, but the river can get deep too. Interestingly, the guy down the street has a decrepit John Deere electric riding mower. Batteries weigh a lot too, but it would be quiet. Speaking of weight, this is a big concern because the boat will need to be hauled up a 10' bank. well then - an 8 or 10 foot pole and some 9 foot oars. In either case, I suspect you'd be as fast as a paddle-driven boat, and you'd get your exercise too . Especially if you already have a 14 foot johnboat and have to haul it up a biggish bank, I'd strongly consider the human-powered option. On the other hand, though, I suppose you could get a 20 foot comealong and a couple of 2x4s for skids and just ratchet up whatever weight you wind up with when it comes time to beach the thing. Good luck! Your idea sounds ingenious, actually - I'm just something of a Neanderthal luddite... I was thinking about this once.. I would build a tunnel type hull and have a drive similar to a snow machine under the boat. It could propel you over rocks, and even drive over shallow spots like a tank track. I still have some things to work out, but think about it. |
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