novel steam marine drive

[reeac]

A company called Pursuit Dynamics are claiming to have produced a novel steam powered marine drive aimed initially at the low power end of the market [40 bhp]. Appears to work on the same principle as those old fashioned toy boats which had a candle inside them. Means no prop., propshaft, stern gland, crankshaft, pistons etc. but I think that it must require a supply of fresh water as well as fuel. See details at pursuit dynamics.com.. I have no vested interest but think that forum members might be interested.

 

[steve_cronin]

OK but....

( & I was a child of the 60s when these little boats - vibrating plate and about 5" loa and running on naptha or metaldehide were commonplace - I think that Nauticalia still sell them ) On a full size boat, just trying "a bit of reverse" to bring you to a stop before you hit the dock - it can't.

Sorry it isn't free or even cheap propulsion; it needs a major heat source which is highly dangerous in a cruising boat.

Steve Cronin

 

[reeac]

Re: OK but....

I wasn't claiming that it needed no fuel - in fact I stated that it would presumably need a source [tank] of fresh water as well as fuel but your point about no reverse may be valid - the website gives little detail. The heat source might be diesel fuelled - like a high output boat or lorry heater - and they seem to be accepted as safe.

 

[boatmike]

Re: OK but....

I have seen the data on this before. Can't add too much as confidentiality is involved but it is a viable system. Like all things though I believe it needs a lot of money spent on development to make it cost effective. In theory the steam generator need not be huge, and the associated water supply is not enormous either. It does not need much more than a big "eberspacher" diesel water heater to make it work but throttle control is an issue. Good for cruising but not for manouvering in a marina I think! Bit like a waterjet without an impellor. Would you fit a waterjet on a sailboat? No. A fast powerboat? Yes! In my opinion this needs an established waterjet manufacturer like Hamilton to develop it. At the moment I believe it is a solution looking for a problem....