If I might be so naive as to assume the come home power question was
semi-legit,I'll
throw in my two or three cents worth.....On a twin engine boat I have
found that a third shaft,on centerline,works well with a genset PTO or
an auxillary engine...But in a single engine config. such as in many
trawlers,etc.,there are some inherent problems with a wing engine
configuration, most notable is the tendency to yaw excessively making
navigating tedious at best; the exception would be a deep full keeled
hull such as in the Nordhavens, and similar, or boats with fin
stabilization. Otherwise I think the mechanical link to the genset is
more manageable (in open water) but you do sacrifice any close-quarter
control...
The comprimise to this is a third option...a pto driven hydraulic pump,
connected to a hydraulic motor with a similar chain and sprocket
coupling to those used in many genset get home set ups...the advantages
are that with some not too complex plumbing you can retain some
throttle capabilities, as well as directional control. On a side note,
some guys in my area are doing active test and evaluation on a Catalina
36 with an electrical drive, powered by hydrogen fuel cells...on the
surface ,seems like no big deal, but here's the rub... they are
extracting their hydrogen in real-time from seawater,using wind,
photovoltaic, and a water-driven alternator for the hydrogen extraction
energy.
It's not perpetual motion, but close enough to raise a lot of
interest...(takes a lot of interest to get Frank Butler to donate a 36
Catalina for Any purpose) Could have all sorts of interesting
applications..I think they are able to make way at a sustained 5 knots,
and are shooting for 7....stay tuned..
regards,
markvictor