Question:
I have a small pontoon boat(16 ft.) with no motor. I was
wondering if anyone could give me any info as to just how feasable it
would be to put a paddle wheel under the deck, between the pontoons,
powered by a small gas or diesel engine. How efficient would this be?
What kind of engine would be best? And so forth. I'm 18 and a novice
when it comes to boats. ANY info on this would be appreciated very much.
Thanks to everyone for bearing with me.
Answer:
Minimum is a 6Hp engine. Obviously, a horizontal shaft is going to work for
you. Figure the wheel needs to "roll" about a third faster than the boat
will travel. Larger diameter wheels are more efficient, 4' is the minimum
which is OK for you, this puts the paddlewheel shaft at the deck level. Vee
belts are fine. You may have to reduce the speed twice, using a jackshaft
between the wheel and engine. Expect a cruising speed of 6mph unless you
start adding lots of horsepower. There's more information at:
http://www.coe.wvu.edu/~venable/asa/padlboat.htm
