Interesting. It's amazing to watch a vessel equipped with a VS drive --
they really can go in any direction with full thrust.

I'd worry about efficiency -- the end plate is a larger problem in a small
one than in a large one, a VS is not as efficient as a propeller, and you'd
probably have to go diesel electric or diesel hydraulic in order to retract
it, and both are lossy.

Do you know what it costs?


--
Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com


..
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:JDPqb.10756$62.1728@lakeread04...
I don't think it is quite ready for prime time yet but here is an
interesting idea. A small retractable Voith-Schneider drive like those
used on modern tugs. Retracts flat into the hull and when extended will
deliver thrust in any direction. http://www.spw-gmbh.de/en/hb/

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com