[2068]
...
Who on earth would want to go back to a method of propulsion rendered obsolete by the invention of the Aquamatic in 1959 ?
Just in case anyone is thinking of going back to coal fires, smog, the workhouse, and consumption, a quick reminder of "What did outdrives do for us anyway"...
- 1.) The thrust is pointing in the right direction, rather than trying to stuff the bow, and it's adjustable
- 2.) Much lower drag at higher speeds than shafts and brackets
- 3.) Higher speed & better efficiency for any given engine size
- 4.) Shallow water capability (props attached to shafts have a nasty habit of punching holes in hulls when running aground).
- 5.) Shafts vibrate like hell if not balanced, wreck the gearbox if not aligned, dampers and anodes come loose if not checked, the ropecutters wear out in a couple of seasons, the glands and stuffing boxes always leak, but of course, there's no maintenance...
I agree that if you can only do 16 knots flat out, they aren't the best option... you need bigger engines, and outdrives.
dv.
<hr width=100% size=1>
Just in case anyone is thinking of going back to coal fires, smog, the workhouse, and consumption, a quick reminder of "What did outdrives do for us anyway"...
- 1.) The thrust is pointing in the right direction, rather than trying to stuff the bow, and it's adjustable
- 2.) Much lower drag at higher speeds than shafts and brackets
- 3.) Higher speed & better efficiency for any given engine size
- 4.) Shallow water capability (props attached to shafts have a nasty habit of punching holes in hulls when running aground).
- 5.) Shafts vibrate like hell if not balanced, wreck the gearbox if not aligned, dampers and anodes come loose if not checked, the ropecutters wear out in a couple of seasons, the glands and stuffing boxes always leak, but of course, there's no maintenance...
I agree that if you can only do 16 knots flat out, they aren't the best option... you need bigger engines, and outdrives.
dv.
<hr width=100% size=1>
