Is the wing engine now dead?

[milltech]

It's funny but years ago one often came across single engined wooden boats of the type that appeal to me with the comfort factor of a wing engine. Looking through the ads these days for MFV types I cannot remember the last time I came across one.

I'm no engineer and the last MFV I had, even though she had a Gardner engine, always made me a bit worried by what might happen to me if it stopped. However I also know that a single engined boat of this type is much easier to handle than a twin installation, so one would think it would be seen more often and might even be used on new build displacement craft.


<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[miket]

I was talking to a salesman on the Halvorsen Gourmet cruiser at LIBS. The standard engine in their 38 is a single 450 hp. I said I liked the idea but would be concerned in the event of a failure.
He responded that they were trialing a wing engine that would act as a generator or auxiliary drive.
Nice idea I thought.

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[Saucy_Sue]

My Boat is a Danish Pilot boat built in 1967 with a main Perkins engine 4236 and a 4108 as a "wing engine". Takes a bit of getting used to but excellent for turning about and a comfort to know you have a back up. I agree they do not seem to have them anymore.

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[milltech]

Yes that is a good idea, if one used hydraulics for the wing drive one could also use it as a bowthruster powerpack, and/or windlass.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[milltech]

Your post suggests you use the wing for manoeuvring, is that right? I suppose it cuts down on the prop walk astern if it's on the correct side and counter rotates. Is it a regular prop or have you got a Brunton auto prop or similar to reduce drag?

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Wing engines are still used in long distance displacement cruisers like the Nordhavn. Have a look at their website particularly
http://www.nordhavn.com/design/full/power.htm
for info on power choices. Interesting opinions on the twin v single debate

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[hlb]

Single engined boat, easier to handle that twin
....Splutter!! /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>Specializing in marine sanitation since 1997.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[milltech]

Yes certainly! You get your turning moment from having two ram rudders directly astern of the props, for example with the pontoon to port, you would come off at the stern by turning the wheel to port as if driving into the pontoon to get maximum turning effect from the forward going engine.

But larger round bilged displacement boats generally have two engines outboard of a centrally hung rudder. The result of this mismatch together with a heavy hull is that the rudder doesn't help at all until you've got a few knots under your belt and if wind or tide is acting against you sometimes the engines won't turn you at all. I have been against the quay in the outer harbour at Fecamp with the wind blowing me onto the quay wall and with one 178 hp flat out ahead and the other astern absolutely nothing happened, we ended up springing her off which worked fine.

However a single big prop directly ahead of a nice big spade rudder means you can get loads of turning moment without much forward movement so manoeuvrability is much easier. I am not saying the same applies to lightweight planing hulls with two engines for the reasons stated above.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[milltech]

They're not bad looking boats at the smaller end, a bit too much like a wedding cake in the longer models. I must say I still prefer the trad designs, (see my Herd and Mackenzie post of recent days). I can honestly say that armed with the cash I'd rather go for Leonor II (Astra Volante) then the Nordhaven even if she is 45 years old!

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Not saying they're pretty just fit for purpose! Tend to agree with you though

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[rich]

My Aqua Star 38 Fisherman had a single diesel. with a wing engine. the boat was built in 1984.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.jersey-harbours.com>http://www.jersey-harbours.com</A>

 

[milltech]

I bet you think it's a good idea too!


<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[rich]

I started work in marine engineering in 1966, a lot of boats had them, I now own the boat i first worked on in 66! the wing engine in my aquastar had not been looked after and was a lump of rust....

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.jersey-harbours.com>http://www.jersey-harbours.com</A>

 

[milltech]

Does that mean you're about to lay a new mooring, or have you replaced it already?


<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Saucy_Sue]

The wing Perkins 4108 is off set and has a regular drive but a contrary prop turn to the main. Becaus it is not behind the rudder (set to starboard) you have to have a certain amount of way on before it is effective but used in conjunction with main turns the boat OK.

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[tritonofnor]

There is an ex-fire boat for sale in the marina here at the moment which has a huge DAF main engine, and an old Lister wing, which powers two outboard props through a hydraulic drive. makes her very easy to turn at low speed as wing props can be controlled independently of one another and are nearly 10 feet apart. With one ahead and one astern she'll spin in her own length very nicely!

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[trawler]

Hi, Milltech
I am reading your comments about "wing engine" a little bit delayed.
I am the owner of Leonor II (Astra Volante) since seven years ago, and I could help you in your doubts.
Regards.