That makes me wonder if it would be possible to keep the engine
air-cooled and exhausted through a dry stack, perhaps by fitting a
bigger radiator and using forced-air cooling ducts.

To get around the gearbox problem, why not couple the engine to a
hydraulic pump and use a hydraulic motor with a thrust bearing to drive
the prop shaft? With a short run of hose, I don't know if the energy
lost would be great. You could use your main engine to power a bow
thruster that way, too.

Just a thought.

-Max Camirand


Terry K wrote:
It's been talked to death.

you will need a foreward and reverse thrust bearing, wrong gearing,
spark proof alternator, and a wet exhaust system.

If you can get 2 or 3 old 318's, run 'em till they burn out, and
rebuild the dead ones over the winter.

With any luck, thay won't last long enough to rust or electrolyze out.

Terry K

max camirand wrote:
snip

To get around the gearbox problem, why not couple the engine to a
hydraulic pump and use a hydraulic motor with a thrust bearing to drive
the prop shaft? With a short run of hose, I don't know if the energy
lost would be great. You could use your main engine to power a bow
thruster that way, too.

Just a thought.

-Max Camirand


Sounds like a good plan, but I think the cost will bite you. You will
need to engineer the pump, motor and prop combination. You might best
fund a college research program, or ask around the fishing docks.

Oh yeah, all that pumpery will be heavy.

Terry K