Would this work........

[RutlandMike]

Never sailed so don't know nuffink about it but all that tacking stuff I've heard about sounds like quite a kerfuffle. What about mounting mounting a few of these or similar linked through a clutch/gearbox to a prop or two? That way, a boat could manoeuvre in any direction regardless of where the wind is coming from - or is it an old idea that's never worked and I'm just being hairbrained?? (patent pending!)

 

[tillergirl]

Been done back in the 80/90's. Fitted to a 26' cat as I recall, it would do 6 knots direct to windward - that's direct into the wind. I think that was done by ICS at Maldon and there's been others since.

 

[RutlandMike]

And there I was thinking I was being clever, never mind. I'll have to keep looking for my million dollar idea!

 

[JasB]

Don't some survey vessels and tugs use that design as a propeller? I think there is a new minesweeper using it as well.

 

[Channel Ribs]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't some survey vessels and tugs use that design as a propeller? I think there is a new minesweeper using it as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes and yes.

I shall see if I can find links...

 

[homa]

I've seen this on Tugs and river ferries (Holland) the propulsion is called a Voith-schneider propeller. Do a search on Google and you'll see what it is - sorry i'm not clever enough to add a link.

 

[Black_Pearl]

a bit like this?

 

[mikemonty]

Waterworld - Kevin Costner

Regards,
Mike

 

[Lakesailor]

Now I wonder if that would overcome the 10 knot speed limit on Windermere which only applies to power-driven craft?

 

[Grajan]

There was a wooden keel boat converted to "prop" drive about 20 years ago I saw it at Tignabruich Boatyard but don't know what happened to it.

 

[PeteCooper]

If that is the one I am thinking of I first saw it in Rhu many years ago but I think it ened up at the maritime museum/scrapheap in Irvine.