Hi,
When it comes to shoe string budgets, count me in!
How about considering that, seeing as the boat is so small, the power
requirements are also small.
Then, that allows the drive train to be light in construction and power
transmission capability. You might not need an outboard unit.
Have you considered a serpentine belt, I believe it is called, the type
with multiple grooves, that are used on power steering on cars?
(Toyota?) They are about maybe 5/8" wide, but perhaps more flexible than
common vee belts.
With a belt drive such as this, the axes of the shafts need not be in
line, of course. It would mean sideways offset of the motor, but that
could be balanced by battery location.
Another way to save space, if that is a goal, is to mount the prop shaft
high on the transom, so that the sloping part is behind the boat. In the
case of appearance being critical, you can even create a false stern.
The slope down and back of the top part of a curved tugboat transom
might lend itself to hiding a shaft that is mounted with a fairly steep
angle. I am going to be using ABS sink drain pipe for my shaft tube for
a dinghy, maybe stiffened with angle iron if needed. But that is a whole
different subject.
Before guessing as the the effect using a trolling motor, you might try
building the boat, then trying a borrowed motor. There is always the
option of doubling up and using 2.
How about an electric bicycle motor?
It really depends on the project importance, the tightness of those
shoestrings, and the fiddling around that you are prepared or able to
do. I for one am finding that dreaming up stuff from scratch is very
time consuming, so it might depend whether the fun will be gained from
using the finished boat, or from building it. You might need to check on
the weight of golf cart motors, and the continuous duty capabilities of
starter motors, before committing to either. Don't underestimate the
thrust that even a 3" diameter prop can supply, or overestimate the
power required to drive it. Try some (careful of safety!) tests using a
rechargeable power drill!
John
5a. homemade Z - drive
Posted by: "jallen72@sbcglobal.net" jallen72@sbcglobal.net
jallen72@sbcglobal.net
Date: Thu Jun 23, 2011 7:59 am ((PDT))
Has any body ever tried to make a homemade Z or L drive out of a
discarded small outboard lower unit? any pics ? I want to build a
mini tugboat for my kids that is also big enough for me and my wife
( perhaps 12 feet or so ) but it has to be on a shoe string budget
with as many things as possible repurposed or scrounged from junk. I
think it needs a little more power than a trolling motor. I was
thinking of a golf cart motor or some kind of car starter or
something. any ideas? Oh also. The drive wouldn't necessarily have
to turn, I could mount it fixed and use a rudder if it's easier (
and cheaper ).thank you.
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