Early petrol engine motorboat

[nickboat]

I'm trying to find some information about a cousin of mine - Edward Butler. He patented the first motorcycle in 1894, but unfortunately didn't get much further due to the restrictions on motor travel at the time. It seems that in 1896, his motorcycle was scrapped, and he sold the patent, but his engine "continued to be built and used for motorboats."

He is credited with inventing the spark plug, magneto, coil ignition and spray jet carburettor, as well as inventing the term 'Petrol'.

Does anyone have any information on early motorboats, likely to be one of the first to use 'Petrol' engines?

Clutching at straws, but hey, there's some pretty knowledgable folk out there. Thanks a lot.......Nick

 

[Casey]

Two places to try one of which may be of some use is the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or the National Motorcycle Museum in the midlands. Because of his motorcycle connections you may develop a source of information from one or other of them.

A google search for either will elicit the correct postal addreses.

 

[mainmarine]

A friend who renovates vintage motorcycles suggested this site to ask for info
http://www.brighton-early.com/peugeot.html
Malc

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm trying to find some information about a cousin of mine - Edward Butler. He patented the first motorcycle in 1894, but unfortunately didn't get much further due to the restrictions on motor travel at the time. It seems that in 1896, his motorcycle was scrapped, and he sold the patent, but his engine "continued to be built and used for motorboats."

He is credited with inventing the spark plug, magneto, coil ignition and spray jet carburettor, as well as inventing the term 'Petrol'.

Does anyone have any information on early motorboats, likely to be one of the first to use 'Petrol' engines?

Clutching at straws, but hey, there's some pretty knowledgable folk out there. Thanks a lot.......Nick

[/ QUOTE ]Do a google on "Edward Butler petrol" for all you want to know about the Butler 2 stroke engine, tricycle and motorcars.
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