Unusual propulsion system

[Dunaruna]

[colour=blue]Came across this little gem at my local marina. No reverse gear, the entire pod rotates to achieve reverse. Maybe not an earth shattering discovery except that - it was built in 1968!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

maybe its an optical illusion but I cant see enough fwd clearence for the pod to rotate 180+ degrees.
there used to be a fleeet in bayou Labatre AL with 2cylinder lathrops that just shut the engine down and restarted it the opposite rotation for reverseing.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

I remember (vaguely) reading about this setup. Unfortunately that's all I remember. Reversing an engine was a cheap way to get reverse in that era. I was In Germany in the early 1960's and Messerschmit (sp) made a two seat (fore-aft) car that required switching off the engine, flipping a lever, and starting the engine in reverse to back out the driveway. Reverse the process to go forward. Looked like a coffin with a bubble top on wheels. No reason the technology wouldn't work in this application. A little slow to respond if you approached the dock a little quick.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

[colour=blue]I agree, it doesn't appear to be able to swing 180.

I have just found out who owns the boat, I'm hoping to take a much closer looksee next weekend.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

man
that engine box looks like a nightmare from a maint standpoint.

I look fwd to more pics and information .

 

[danpemby]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

I could not imagine trying to wrench something in there. I guess we know why it never hit the mass market.

 

[QC]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

There are some Ferries in British Columbia that operate like that. I was working on a Dual-Fuel repower for a pair of them that are already CNG now :% They hum along at 100% power and simply spin 'em around to stop . . .

 

[salty87]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

does that whole red 'barrel' rotate? seems like that would be real tough on old hoses. not to mention take a bunch of room just for operating clearance.

plus, if that pod jams for whatever reason, you lose steering?

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

I remember (vaguely) reading about this setup. Unfortunately that's all I remember. Reversing an engine was a cheap way to get reverse in that era. I was In Germany in the early 1960's and Messerschmit (sp) made a two seat (fore-aft) car that required switching off the engine, flipping a lever, and starting the engine in reverse to back out the driveway. Reverse the process to go forward. Looked like a coffin with a bubble top on wheels. No reason the technology wouldn't work in this application. A little slow to respond if you approached the dock a little quick.

SkiDoo snowmobiles reverse the engine for reverse gear. Easy to do on a two stroke.

 

[triman]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

Most ships are direct drive, that is the engine/shaft/propellor is one fixed unit. To go astern the engine is stopped and restarted backwards. Works with both the big 2 and 4 stroke diesels.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

i'm wondering if this isn't what's called a saildrive?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

[colour=blue]

does that whole red 'barrel' rotate? seems like that would be real tough on old hoses. not to mention take a bunch of room just for operating clearance.

plus, if that pod jams for whatever reason, you lose steering?

It looks as though the red circle at the top is a fixed bracket for the pivot pin. The two radiator hoses look fixed - but I'm not sure.

The guy sitting on the swim platform assures me that it steers very well ( I showed a lot of scepticism!). It was manufactured by 'Ramsay Boats' in the 60's.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

[colour=blue]Nope, I'm wrong, the whole thing pivots.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Unusual propulsion system

Wrong forum for this... 8)