Opinions please...

Let's say that a human can produce about 100watts by turning a handle while in a dinghy. The bit about gears is a smokescreen.

A 4 horsepower outboard is very nearly 3000 watts.

Do you need to do the maths to a high degree of accuracy ?
 
sarabande said:
Let's say that a human can produce about 100watts by turning a handle while in a dinghy. The bit about gears is a smokescreen.

A 4 horsepower outboard is very nearly 3000 watts.

Do you need to do the maths to a high degree of accuracy ?
Click to expand...

I was once told an energetic human can develop nearly 1 kW. No idea if the device works, but cannot see why not. Similar really to a pedalo I would guess, so not particularly effective on larger boats.

Possible advantage over oars would be ability to work in a confined space. But I think oars are probably more fun.
 
CornishJohn said:
I was once told an energetic human can develop nearly 1 kW. No idea if the device works, but cannot see why not. Similar really to a pedalo I would guess, so not particularly effective on larger boats.
Click to expand...

I think your informant is mixing horses and humans. 100W is a good steady power output for hom. sap.
 
Last year, on the Kennet & Avon canal at Bradford on Avon, there was a canal boat with a bicycle mounted near the stern that drove a single paddle wheel, and looked like the boats only means of propulsion. Granted, it didn't move very fast, but it looked a great way to keep fit, and environmentally friendly. :)
 
CornishJohn said:
I was once told an energetic human can develop nearly 1 kW. No idea if the device works, but cannot see why not. Similar really to a pedalo I would guess, so not particularly effective on larger boats.

Possible advantage over oars would be ability to work in a confined space. But I think oars are probably more fun.
Click to expand...

I'm a pretty strong cyclist and I can sprint for 10-15 seconds at 1kW - My average over a longer period is more like 250W. I certainly wouldn't want to punch into wind or tide using a crank handle.
 
Rustyknight said:
Last year, on the Kennet & Avon canal at Bradford on Avon, there was a canal boat with a bicycle mounted near the stern that drove a single paddle wheel, and looked like the boats only means of propulsion. Granted, it didn't move very fast, but it looked a great way to keep fit, and environmentally friendly. :)
Click to expand...
Based on the Rattler v Alecto trials in 1845, connecting the bike to a screw rather than paddles might work better but setting up the gear train and shaft would be more complicated.
 
I remember bicycle dynamos for lighting. An awful lot of effort was required for not a lot of light. It made me realise the power of machines compared to man. I can't remember if there was a back up battery for stopping at traffic lights.

I enjoy rowing where the mechanical advantage pays off.
 
LONG_KEELER said:
I remember bicycle dynamos for lighting. An awful lot of effort was required for not a lot of light. It made me realise the power of machines compared to man. I can't remember if there was a back up battery for stopping at traffic lights.

I enjoy rowing where the mechanical advantage pays off.
"I can't remember if there was a back up battery for stopping at traffic lights. "

There wasn't. A work colleague was killed going home on his bike on a dark wet evening, run over when waiting at a junction with no light displayed.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

Canopy Locked
Transom strength
Replies
10
Views
365
Canopy Locked
Canopy Locked
F
Non starting outboard
Replies
4
Views
227
spannerman
S
N
Integral Battery Electric Outboards… with MORE POWER!
Replies
11
Views
742
ontheplane
O

Share this page

Top