hydraulic drive

[bobbyv]

Hi,
I`d like to re-engine/re-transmission my 27`displacement motor boat with hydraulic drive.
Where do I begin?
Any info,links etc. would be gratefully received.
I really am at the start of my quest for knowledge!
All help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob Vince

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[Chris_Robb]

Why do you want hydraulic drive - you loose a lot of power?

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[charles_reed]

Expensive, heavy and inefficient.

Do share with us why you want to do it?

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[charles_reed]

I don't know of any sites who offer it for marine use - but can probably point you in the direction of companies who make the drives - though they'd probably refuse to advise on your proposed application.
E-mail me via the BB if you still want to investigate it.

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[jonjo]

Try the canal boat sector or follow some multi-hull links because it makes more sense for them.

If you want to be really progressive go diesel-electric.

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[kgi]

Vetus do a hydraulic drive system look in their new catalogue..........keith

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[qsiv]

And gain lots of extra noise ..

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[mtb]

Re: To start with

You lose 30% efficiency .
Expensive unit but outway that against a gear box, but you need control valves safty valve large tank filter
You can install the engine where ever you want and run the pipe work to the unit .
No problems re shafts misalignment and so on .
Unless you are off your head you wont bother .
Cheers
Mick
PS
you can get second hand parts from building plant re dumpers and stuff


<hr width=100% size=1>smile you'l be on your boat soon ;-)
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/</A><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by mtb on 23/02/2003 12:51 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Bobbyv,

I was aboard a charter catamaran some years back, it had a ford lees 110 Hp diesel I think, anyway it ran a pump the supplied the two shaft drive motors. The big advantage according to the owner was the ability to spin the props faster when motor sailing. With all the refrigeration, hot water, water maker etc, etc, I thought the motor would have to run all the time just to supply the rest of the boat. Interesting when berthing though, just two levers, hardly any change in engine reves and very smooth, also very little vibration: engine was mounted mid ships behind the saloon with very good access.

It has often been said that any boat is in fact a collection of compromises, how true that is when you look around at a few.

Avagoodweekend Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

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[pvb]

This is getting to be regular!

Didn't you ask the same question a year ago?

Hydraulic drive is used on lots of boats - most commonly on inland waterways. It offers some advantages, and some disadvantages, but on balance it probably doesn't merit some of the responses you've had.

Inherently, it's less efficient than a mechanical transmission. However, it does allow you to run the engine at its optimum speed - which should help to maximise fuel economy.

One big advantage (and the main reason it's used in many inland craft) is that it gives you complete flexibility over engine position. You probably wouldn't benefit from that though.

Another big advantage is greatly reduced noise and vibration. The engine can be fixed on much softer mounts, and can be more easily cocooned to minimise noise.

It's also possible to drive other power-hungry devices from the same hydraulic system - for example: bowthruster, fridge compressor, high-output alternator, etc. But again, you probably wouldn't benefit from this possibility.

If you're really interested in hydraulic drive, why not talk to some of the guys at the Norfolk Broads hire-boat fleets? They've been using hydraulic drive for many years, and their viewpoint as users might be valuable.

In terms of suppliers, there are a few which might help you. In Norfolk, you could try A R Peachment in Brundall. Also have a look at the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.claymoore.co.uk/thornycroft/index.htm>Claymoore Navigation website</A> which has some pricing info on hydraulic drives.

Let us know if you go ahead.

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[snowleopard]

2 good reasons...

a) single engine/twin drive for cats (e.g. heavenly twins)

b) put engine amidships for optimum weight distribution in racing boat

if you are going for that solution, be sure to get several quotes; i was put off by a horrendous quote, only to discover later that there are much cheaper alternatives

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[Strathglass]

You will loose so much power it won,t be worth it. I replaced the engines in a cruiser about four years ago.
It had twin bukh DV36 and the owner had managed to blow one of the engines ( a 'friend' had derestricted them ) it had a top speed of nearly 6 knots.
There was a hydraulic pump on each engine and a hydraulic pump on each prop shaft.
I fitted a pair of Ford XLD engines probably giving about 55 BHP and this lifted the performance considerably. It could almost reach seven knots. Special clutch adaptor plates and bellhousings were required.

The craft was 34 feet long and weighed 13 tons.

On a separate ocasion on the same cruiser I built a bridgedeck and fitted an additional steering position. It was not an inexpensive job, the price for the parts was very high.

The steering was slugish with no feel. It was better to steer it with the throtles than trying either wheel for precision positioning.

IMHO I would not recommend using a hydraulic drive system.

Iain

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by iainsimpson on 23/02/2003 17:50 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[bobbyv]

Re: This is getting to be regular!

Thank you for your reply.
Yes I did ask this question a year ago,but due to various personal reasons,life has been on hold.I`m starting from scratch again.
I appreciate your time,
Regards ,
Bob V

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