Re: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
Good picture! That's the one I should have taken. <g>
On Thu, 29 Nov 2001 07:18:19 -0800, Larry Barker wrote:
> It has a jackshaft - there are a couple of pictures of Brenda Sue (and Mr.
> Cooper) athttp://home.internetcds.com/~lgbarker/DepoeBay/DepoeBay.html
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
Military justice is to justice what military music is to music.
<Georges Clemenceau>
It has a jackshaft - there are a couple of pictures of Brenda Sue (and Mr.
Cooper) athttp://home.internetcds.com/~lgbarker/DepoeBay/DepoeBay.html
Larry
Cooper) athttp://home.internetcds.com/~lgbarker/DepoeBay/DepoeBay.html
Larry
----- Original Message -----
From: <jhkohnen@...>
To: <bolger@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
> That's Jim Cooper:
>
>http://www.boat-links.com/DepoeBay/00/BoatFest-1.html
>
> Unfortunately the pictures don't show the powerplant installation well.
> There's a belt from the riding lawnmower's gearbox to the propeller shaft.
> There may, or may not, be a jackshaft between them (don't remember). The
> idea seems to work fine, but Jim has to do some work on getting his
> reduction ratio and prop matched up. Brenda Sue showed up at a messabout
on
> the Siuslaw River in September and she didn't do very well, I could pace
> her at just a bit above idle with my 2 horse Honda on my 15' sailing skiff
> (against the tide and wind or I would have been sailing! <g>), she should
> be doing much better with 5 horses.
>
> On Tue, 27 Nov 2001 07:40:44 -0000, Pat Pateson wrote:
> > ...
> > There is a fellow in Oregon that has put the whole
> > mower deck of a riding mower in a small boat.
> > Not a "Skimmer" though.
> >
That's Jim Cooper:
http://www.boat-links.com/DepoeBay/00/BoatFest-1.html
Unfortunately the pictures don't show the powerplant installation well.
There's a belt from the riding lawnmower's gearbox to the propeller shaft.
There may, or may not, be a jackshaft between them (don't remember). The
idea seems to work fine, but Jim has to do some work on getting his
reduction ratio and prop matched up. Brenda Sue showed up at a messabout on
the Siuslaw River in September and she didn't do very well, I could pace
her at just a bit above idle with my 2 horse Honda on my 15' sailing skiff
(against the tide and wind or I would have been sailing! <g>), she should
be doing much better with 5 horses.
http://www.boat-links.com/DepoeBay/00/BoatFest-1.html
Unfortunately the pictures don't show the powerplant installation well.
There's a belt from the riding lawnmower's gearbox to the propeller shaft.
There may, or may not, be a jackshaft between them (don't remember). The
idea seems to work fine, but Jim has to do some work on getting his
reduction ratio and prop matched up. Brenda Sue showed up at a messabout on
the Siuslaw River in September and she didn't do very well, I could pace
her at just a bit above idle with my 2 horse Honda on my 15' sailing skiff
(against the tide and wind or I would have been sailing! <g>), she should
be doing much better with 5 horses.
On Tue, 27 Nov 2001 07:40:44 -0000, Pat Pateson wrote:
> ...
> There is a fellow in Oregon that has put the whole
> mower deck of a riding mower in a small boat.
> Not a "Skimmer" though.
>
> Maybe Mr. John will fill in the details.
> I still don't have it all clear, but I know it draws
> a Lot of attention at boat shows.
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for;
as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. <H. L. Mencken>
Very cool.
I guess I have just lead a sheltered life.
I have always watched the "Documentaries" and
News shows in amazement. Those Long Narrow boats charging
up some winding river, or across some broad harbor,
powered by what appeared to be the engine from the local Taxi,
sitting high on the transome, with the propeller chasing along
somewhere in the distance.
I never knew someone actually "Designed" something like that.
I just thought it was very appropiate technology, and
the engine would be in a very handy place to work on
if not to steer.
Didn't know it was "Home Grown".
Thanks for the info.
Learn something every day, I hope.
Pat
\--- In bolger@y..., cadbury@s... wrote:
I guess I have just lead a sheltered life.
I have always watched the "Documentaries" and
News shows in amazement. Those Long Narrow boats charging
up some winding river, or across some broad harbor,
powered by what appeared to be the engine from the local Taxi,
sitting high on the transome, with the propeller chasing along
somewhere in the distance.
I never knew someone actually "Designed" something like that.
I just thought it was very appropiate technology, and
the engine would be in a very handy place to work on
if not to steer.
Didn't know it was "Home Grown".
Thanks for the info.
Learn something every day, I hope.
Pat
\--- In bolger@y..., cadbury@s... wrote:
> -
> > The designer said he brought the idea back from
> > Viet Nam.
>
>
>
> There was no need to do that. Caille was
> manufacturing single cylinder and two cylinder
> "long-tail" outboards in Detroit back in the
> 'teens and '20s. The concept did not originate
> "over there."
>
>
> >
> > My question is what supports that Looong shaft?
>
>
> My Caille "Liberty single" has the shaft turning inside
> of a tube equiped with grease cups- I assume there
> are bronze or babbit bushings in there. A small cast-iron
> A-frame holds the outer tube to the powerhead and also
> holds the transom clamp bracket.
>
> Max
-
manufacturing single cylinder and two cylinder
"long-tail" outboards in Detroit back in the
'teens and '20s. The concept did not originate
"over there."
of a tube equiped with grease cups- I assume there
are bronze or babbit bushings in there. A small cast-iron
A-frame holds the outer tube to the powerhead and also
holds the transom clamp bracket.
Max
> The designer said he brought the idea back fromThere was no need to do that. Caille was
> Viet Nam.
manufacturing single cylinder and two cylinder
"long-tail" outboards in Detroit back in the
'teens and '20s. The concept did not originate
"over there."
>My Caille "Liberty single" has the shaft turning inside
> My question is what supports that Looong shaft?
of a tube equiped with grease cups- I assume there
are bronze or babbit bushings in there. A small cast-iron
A-frame holds the outer tube to the powerhead and also
holds the transom clamp bracket.
Max
--- In bolger@y..., pateson@c... wrote:
thinking it was "Man With The Golden Gun" or some other Roger Moore
as Bond flick.
Bruce
> I just got back from the "www.godevil.com" site.Wasn't there a James Bond movie with those kind of boats? I'm
> Fun place. Lots of mud and stuff, and movies.
> "Weed Eater" props. "Ahrg!"
> The designer said he brought the idea back from
> Viet Nam.
thinking it was "Man With The Golden Gun" or some other Roger Moore
as Bond flick.
Bruce
These boys use everything and anything they can find from a 10hp B&S
to a 1.6 liter Toyota engine.
http://www.babylontravel.net/english/actiontravel/e-frame_mekong.htm
Rick
to a 1.6 liter Toyota engine.
http://www.babylontravel.net/english/actiontravel/e-frame_mekong.htm
Rick
--- In bolger@y..., "David Romasco" <dromasco@g...> wrote:
> Dunno, James... marine conversation has never been a problem for
most
> folks I know.
>
> David Romasco
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: James Fuller [mailto:james@p...]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 12:17 PM
> To: bolger@y...
> Subject: Re: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
>
>
>
>
> The following ad has run in Boatbuilder magazine for some time:
>
> CHEAP POWER TODAY: Run your boat with
> economical air-cooled Briggs and Straton type
> engines. MARINE CONVERSATION manual
> includes methods for forward,neutral, reverse
> gearing. From cheap, easy to find local parts.
> Only $10.95. CAPT. WOODIE OWEN, PO Box
> 32172-B, Charleston SC 29417.
>
> I have not seen these but it sounds like someone
> has something that might work.
>
> James Fuller
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: biggie@d...
> To: bolger@y...
> Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 4:00 AM
> Subject: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
>
>
> lawn mower to outboard conversions were once quite common in
> Queensland . leg assemblys were sold for victa mowers (I dont
know
> about any others) , and I still find them at flea markets here.
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> Bolger rules!!!
> - no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
> - pls take "personals" off-list, stay on topic, and punctuate
> - add your comments at the TOP and SIGN your posts, snip all you
like
> - To order plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester,
MA,
> 01930, Fax: (978) 282-1349
> - Unsubscribe: bolger-unsubscribe@y...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I just got back from the "www.godevil.com" site.
Fun place. Lots of mud and stuff, and movies.
"Weed Eater" props. "Ahrg!"
The designer said he brought the idea back from
Viet Nam.
It appears to be similar, but it that the "Same"
design that is used in all the "Third World"
"Cargo" boats, that appear to have a Volkswagen, or
some moderate sized motor mounted above and just forward
of the transome, and then a Looong propeller shaft.
Don't they have some cute name as well?
My question is what supports that Looong shaft?
Most of those boats seem very Boleresque.
Very Loong and narrow,low powered,
and work very well, thank you.
Pat
Fun place. Lots of mud and stuff, and movies.
"Weed Eater" props. "Ahrg!"
The designer said he brought the idea back from
Viet Nam.
It appears to be similar, but it that the "Same"
design that is used in all the "Third World"
"Cargo" boats, that appear to have a Volkswagen, or
some moderate sized motor mounted above and just forward
of the transome, and then a Looong propeller shaft.
Don't they have some cute name as well?
My question is what supports that Looong shaft?
Most of those boats seem very Boleresque.
Very Loong and narrow,low powered,
and work very well, thank you.
Pat
--- In bolger@y..., "Harry W. James" <welshman@p...> wrote:
> The Technology is simple and they are shallow draft. No
transmission, no
> u joints and all the other stuff that goes with an outdrive. Just an
> engine block and shaft.
>
> HJ
>
Dunno, James... marine conversation has never been a problem for most
folks I know.
David Romasco
-----Original Message-----
From: James Fuller [mailto:james@...]
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 12:17 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
The following ad has run in Boatbuilder magazine for some time:
CHEAP POWER TODAY: Run your boat with
economical air-cooled Briggs and Straton type
engines. MARINE CONVERSATION manual
includes methods for forward,neutral, reverse
gearing. From cheap, easy to find local parts.
Only $10.95. CAPT. WOODIE OWEN, PO Box
32172-B, Charleston SC 29417.
I have not seen these but it sounds like someone
has something that might work.
James Fuller
folks I know.
David Romasco
-----Original Message-----
From: James Fuller [mailto:james@...]
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 12:17 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
The following ad has run in Boatbuilder magazine for some time:
CHEAP POWER TODAY: Run your boat with
economical air-cooled Briggs and Straton type
engines. MARINE CONVERSATION manual
includes methods for forward,neutral, reverse
gearing. From cheap, easy to find local parts.
Only $10.95. CAPT. WOODIE OWEN, PO Box
32172-B, Charleston SC 29417.
I have not seen these but it sounds like someone
has something that might work.
James Fuller
----- Original Message -----
From:biggie@...
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 4:00 AM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
lawn mower to outboard conversions were once quite common in
Queensland . leg assemblys were sold for victa mowers (I dont know
about any others) , and I still find them at flea markets here.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- pls take "personals" off-list, stay on topic, and punctuate
- add your comments at the TOP and SIGN your posts, snip all you like
- To order plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA,
01930, Fax: (978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The following ad has run in Boatbuilder magazine for some time:
CHEAP POWER TODAY: Run your boat with
economical air-cooled Briggs and Straton type
engines. MARINE CONVERSATION manual
includes methods for forward,neutral, reverse
gearing. From cheap, easy to find local parts.
Only $10.95. CAPT. WOODIE OWEN, PO Box
32172-B, Charleston SC 29417.
I have not seen these but it sounds like someone
has something that might work.
James Fuller
CHEAP POWER TODAY: Run your boat with
economical air-cooled Briggs and Straton type
engines. MARINE CONVERSATION manual
includes methods for forward,neutral, reverse
gearing. From cheap, easy to find local parts.
Only $10.95. CAPT. WOODIE OWEN, PO Box
32172-B, Charleston SC 29417.
I have not seen these but it sounds like someone
has something that might work.
James Fuller
----- Original Message -----
From:biggie@...
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 4:00 AM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Lawn mower powered Really
lawn mower to outboard conversions were once quite common in
Queensland . leg assemblys were sold for victa mowers (I dont know
about any others) , and I still find them at flea markets here.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lawn mower to outboard conversions were once quite common in
Queensland . leg assemblys were sold for victa mowers (I dont know
about any others) , and I still find them at flea markets here.
Queensland . leg assemblys were sold for victa mowers (I dont know
about any others) , and I still find them at flea markets here.
--- In bolger@y..., pateson@c... wrote:
> Thanks
> I remembered seeing that drawing somwhere.
> I have seen a similar setup with a vertical shaft B&S
> sitting on top.
> Since the Gears are in the lower unit that takes care
> of shifting. Electric doesn't matter.
>
> There is a fellow in Oregon that has put the whole
> mower deck of a riding mower in a small boat.
> Not a "Skimmer" though.
>
> Maybe Mr. John will fill in the details.
> I still don't have it all clear, but I know it draws
> a Lot of attention at boat shows.
>
> Pat Patteson
> Molalla, Oregon
Another thought about "why" a Go-Devil, for this group...actually a
forthcoming experiment.
Lots of boat designers struggle with how to place both an outboard and a
tiller/rudder arrangement on the same boat. Its a difficult problem. PCB
certainly has some innovative approaches (outboards behind rudders, unusual
offcenter placements etc.)
How about trying to steer (while sailing) with a modified Go-Devil? Both
outboard and rudder then collapse into one unit.
Go-Devils have a small skeg that would serve as a bit of a rudder (not
enough lateral plane, and the prop would drag). But a larger, retractable
rudder might give enough lateral plane and still allow the prop to ride
above the water surface while sailing (Go-Devils are counterbalanced
vertically). C.G. would be a little higher than optimal.....and you
wouldn't exactly have a "light" touch on the helm. "Weather helm" would
take on whole new meaning if you didn't sail her flat! But it might work -
warrants a field trial I think. I keep meaning to borrow a friend's
Go-Devil to put on my sailing jonboat back in Wisconsin to give it a whirl.
Anybody else have experience with this?
--Fritz
forthcoming experiment.
Lots of boat designers struggle with how to place both an outboard and a
tiller/rudder arrangement on the same boat. Its a difficult problem. PCB
certainly has some innovative approaches (outboards behind rudders, unusual
offcenter placements etc.)
How about trying to steer (while sailing) with a modified Go-Devil? Both
outboard and rudder then collapse into one unit.
Go-Devils have a small skeg that would serve as a bit of a rudder (not
enough lateral plane, and the prop would drag). But a larger, retractable
rudder might give enough lateral plane and still allow the prop to ride
above the water surface while sailing (Go-Devils are counterbalanced
vertically). C.G. would be a little higher than optimal.....and you
wouldn't exactly have a "light" touch on the helm. "Weather helm" would
take on whole new meaning if you didn't sail her flat! But it might work -
warrants a field trial I think. I keep meaning to borrow a friend's
Go-Devil to put on my sailing jonboat back in Wisconsin to give it a whirl.
Anybody else have experience with this?
--Fritz
Thanks
I remembered seeing that drawing somwhere.
I have seen a similar setup with a vertical shaft B&S
sitting on top.
Since the Gears are in the lower unit that takes care
of shifting. Electric doesn't matter.
There is a fellow in Oregon that has put the whole
mower deck of a riding mower in a small boat.
Not a "Skimmer" though.
Maybe Mr. John will fill in the details.
I still don't have it all clear, but I know it draws
a Lot of attention at boat shows.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
I remembered seeing that drawing somwhere.
I have seen a similar setup with a vertical shaft B&S
sitting on top.
Since the Gears are in the lower unit that takes care
of shifting. Electric doesn't matter.
There is a fellow in Oregon that has put the whole
mower deck of a riding mower in a small boat.
Not a "Skimmer" though.
Maybe Mr. John will fill in the details.
I still don't have it all clear, but I know it draws
a Lot of attention at boat shows.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
--- In bolger@y..., sneakeasy2000@y... wrote:
> To go along with Jim's suggestion of a lower unit, go to Glen-l's
> site, click on "online-catalog" then "special purpose"
then "electric
> drive". It is a plan for adapting an electric motor to a lower
unit
I think this is a very clever solution to the problem of fitting a
lawnmower engine into a boat:
http://www.boat-links.com/DepoeBay/00/BoatFest-1.html
lawnmower engine into a boat:
http://www.boat-links.com/DepoeBay/00/BoatFest-1.html
On Mon, 26 Nov 2001 10:40:38 -0500, David Ryan wrote:
> ...
> After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
> that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future. But I'm
> restless to build something with an engine so my thoughts have turned
> the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump with
> perfectly functional engines.
> ...
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
Many a man has fallen in love with a girl in light so dim
he would not have chosen a suit by it. <Maurice Chevalier>
In a message dated 11/26/01 9:43:03 AM Central Standard Time,
david@...writes:
the answers. You can plug his formulae or derivatives into a spreadsheet
program and make it draw nice hp/mph curves for all kinds of likely (an
unlikely) combinations of boat parameters.
As to the first question, it doesn't sound very promising to me. If you are
talking about vertical shaft mower motors, the the Glen-L type adaptation to
a used lower unit would seem about the only "practical" approach. But what's
the likelihood of finding two good matched bargain-priced lower units with
bad powerheads? I think if you find a place that has such, you'd also have
found a place likely to sell one good used 7.5 - 15 hp. two-stroke outboard
at a price that would make fussing with two junked lawnmower motors
unattractive to anyone not more interested in making a mechanical silk purse
out of a sow's ear than boating.
In this part of the country, ("winter wonderland") powerheads have a longer
life expectancy than lower units. The lower units hit stuff, people forget to
change the grease for winter lay-up and water which has leaked past worn
seals freezes and fractures them, or the engagement dogs on the forward gear
wear out and it won't go into or stay in "forward".
If you are talking about horizontal shaft motors, you could go either the
"go-devil" route or the "Popular Mechanics" route.
The notion of standing up in a "skimmer", manipulating two "go-devils" sounds
too exciting to me. You'd still have to fabricate two brackets, two
tailshafts, procure two suitable propellers and mate them all together, which
sounds like a combination of welding and machining projects. If you go for
this notion, you must, by all means, post a photo of your wife roaring around
whatever lake you have in mind! (A video clip would be even better!) The mind
boggles! (well, mine, anyway.)
The "Popular Mechanics" route uses a belt-drive transmission with a
conventional inboard set up. For this you would need a pair of shafts, a
pair of shaft logs, a pair of thrust bearings, a pair of stuffing boxes, a
pair of propellers plus an artful array of belts, pulleys and levers. Sounds
like a lot of engineering, welding and machining with a variety of
suprisingly expensive little pieces. (Priced new propellors lately?)
If I were in your shoes (may be there sooner or later), I think I'd keep
shopping for a used O/B. Two-stroke powerheads rarely wear out (at least in
the "winter wonderland"), although ignition and carburetion problems are not
uncommon, and a broken recoil starter can ruin your day. Their main drawbacks
are that they are noisy, smelly, fuel-inefficient, polluting as hell, hard
starting and quirky. I can't say that I ever developed any affection for any
of these old motors (with the exception of one Chrysler) but they (usually)
got the job done.
Chrysler built a very nice, relatively quiet (it had a one-latch, one-piece
lift-off fiberglass shroud) 9.point something motor in the '60's, but I read
somewhere that Chrysler motors were allergic to salt water. Old OMC motors
use a double-hose, pressure-feed fuel system and it may be difficult to get
replacement fuel tanks, hoses and connections for them. (The tanks rust out
and the hoses go to hell. I don't know if new replacement units are available
- I'd be willing to bet that they are expensive if they are.) The old green
tank Mercury 10 hp. motors were very solid, but I suspect that they may be in
the "collectible" class by now and their limited fuel capacity makes for
extra excitement when re-fueling afloat.
This exhausts my small knowledge of outboards. If you decide to go the
shopping route, I imagine there must be better sources of info on the
internet and elsewhere. Personally, I rather like the idea of your wife
standing up in a 10' jon boat, tearing across the lake while manipulating two
"go-devils"! What a sight that would be.
Ciao for Niao,
Bill in MN
Apart from the afore-mentioned Chrysler,
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
david@...writes:
> How likely does a skimmer powered by twinAs to the second question, Dave Gerr's "Propeller Handbook" should give you
> lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
> whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
>
>
the answers. You can plug his formulae or derivatives into a spreadsheet
program and make it draw nice hp/mph curves for all kinds of likely (an
unlikely) combinations of boat parameters.
As to the first question, it doesn't sound very promising to me. If you are
talking about vertical shaft mower motors, the the Glen-L type adaptation to
a used lower unit would seem about the only "practical" approach. But what's
the likelihood of finding two good matched bargain-priced lower units with
bad powerheads? I think if you find a place that has such, you'd also have
found a place likely to sell one good used 7.5 - 15 hp. two-stroke outboard
at a price that would make fussing with two junked lawnmower motors
unattractive to anyone not more interested in making a mechanical silk purse
out of a sow's ear than boating.
In this part of the country, ("winter wonderland") powerheads have a longer
life expectancy than lower units. The lower units hit stuff, people forget to
change the grease for winter lay-up and water which has leaked past worn
seals freezes and fractures them, or the engagement dogs on the forward gear
wear out and it won't go into or stay in "forward".
If you are talking about horizontal shaft motors, you could go either the
"go-devil" route or the "Popular Mechanics" route.
The notion of standing up in a "skimmer", manipulating two "go-devils" sounds
too exciting to me. You'd still have to fabricate two brackets, two
tailshafts, procure two suitable propellers and mate them all together, which
sounds like a combination of welding and machining projects. If you go for
this notion, you must, by all means, post a photo of your wife roaring around
whatever lake you have in mind! (A video clip would be even better!) The mind
boggles! (well, mine, anyway.)
The "Popular Mechanics" route uses a belt-drive transmission with a
conventional inboard set up. For this you would need a pair of shafts, a
pair of shaft logs, a pair of thrust bearings, a pair of stuffing boxes, a
pair of propellers plus an artful array of belts, pulleys and levers. Sounds
like a lot of engineering, welding and machining with a variety of
suprisingly expensive little pieces. (Priced new propellors lately?)
If I were in your shoes (may be there sooner or later), I think I'd keep
shopping for a used O/B. Two-stroke powerheads rarely wear out (at least in
the "winter wonderland"), although ignition and carburetion problems are not
uncommon, and a broken recoil starter can ruin your day. Their main drawbacks
are that they are noisy, smelly, fuel-inefficient, polluting as hell, hard
starting and quirky. I can't say that I ever developed any affection for any
of these old motors (with the exception of one Chrysler) but they (usually)
got the job done.
Chrysler built a very nice, relatively quiet (it had a one-latch, one-piece
lift-off fiberglass shroud) 9.point something motor in the '60's, but I read
somewhere that Chrysler motors were allergic to salt water. Old OMC motors
use a double-hose, pressure-feed fuel system and it may be difficult to get
replacement fuel tanks, hoses and connections for them. (The tanks rust out
and the hoses go to hell. I don't know if new replacement units are available
- I'd be willing to bet that they are expensive if they are.) The old green
tank Mercury 10 hp. motors were very solid, but I suspect that they may be in
the "collectible" class by now and their limited fuel capacity makes for
extra excitement when re-fueling afloat.
This exhausts my small knowledge of outboards. If you decide to go the
shopping route, I imagine there must be better sources of info on the
internet and elsewhere. Personally, I rather like the idea of your wife
standing up in a 10' jon boat, tearing across the lake while manipulating two
"go-devils"! What a sight that would be.
Ciao for Niao,
Bill in MN
Apart from the afore-mentioned Chrysler,
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
--- In bolger@y..., David Ryan <david@c...> wrote:
looking for an outboard motor. The local newspaper boating
classifieds are the second worst.
so my thoughts have turned
in the boat with me is the furthest thing from my mind.
floating around for boats powered by air-cooled engines.
I can think of 5 or 6 off hand. Most were not planning boats.
In the late '60s, Hal Kelly (of outboard racing fame) was
selling a design called "El Cid" which was a 10 ft 3-point
hydro powered by a 4 hp Clinton engine rigged as an inboard.
The photos show it barely on plane with a real skinny kid on
it.
Also in the '60s, William Jackson was pushing plans for
"hydro-Kart", again about a 10 ft 3-point hydro, this time
powered by twin 2-cycle, 6.5 hp racing go-kart engines that
chain-drove a single shaft. Allegedly this rig would
run 50 mph, but then (2) go-kart engines (the real things)
and the chains and sprockets and shaft and strut and prop
and packing gland/shaft log all cost money.
Some things to keep in mind before installing a lawn-mower
engine IN the boat; INboard engines are supposed to
have flame arrestors on the air-intakes, and engine-mounted
gas tanks are a no-no, as are any gravity-fed gasoline
systems. These spash-lubed engines may or may not lube
if inclined. What takes the thrust of the prop. shaft?
The crankshaft of the engine? Will it handle it or
just break the crank shaft? How much money to rig-up
some type of thrust bearing? What are you going to
use for a packing-gland and strut?
There have been plans published over the years for
boats powered by vertical-shaft engines coupled to old
outboard lower units adapted to the bottoms of boats.
some of the above problems still apply. does the engine
rotate in the correct direction for the thing to go
frontwards when it is supposed to go frontwards?
Any machine-work necessary to make the connection and
if so, can you do it or do you pay someone to do it?
Is that lower-unit stuck to the bottom of the hull going
to create trailering/launching problems? It will definetly
not be "car-topable." And, sometimes lower units aint
so cheap- ask someone who has had to replace one.
Back in the '50s, one could buy a Reo "trollabout" which
was a 1 3/4 hp aircooled engine with a F/n/r "transmission"
and shaft, strut, rudder, packing gland, prop, etc.,
all packaged in a kit and ready to install in a wooden
skiff. Nobody makes anything like that anymore. Right
now, I am trying to trade for a complete, unused, "still-in
the-box" trollabout.
Considering the "dragon-tail" type outboards, it is a whole
lot more difficult than just coupling a 6-foot shaft to
the output shaft of the engine. That shaft has to be
supported somehow, which usually means more metal work.
Take a good look at the frames of those Go-devils' and
you start to notice the flexible coupling, thrust and axial
bearings, and other little details that need to be attended
to in order to make the thing last more than 3 minutes.
Then, of course, there is a swivel/mounting bracket to
be fabricated.
Considering all the old outboards out there, I would think
the time and effort that one of these "concoctions" would
involve would be better spent in tracking down a usuable
outboard through unconventional means; That means talking
to people you know, checking out junk-shops and flea markets;
posting "wanted" notices on the supermarket bulletin board
(it helps to say "need not be running"); spread the word
around. A friend just called me 2 hours ago to tell me
he had been in a junk shop and noticed a fairly clean-looking
1955 Evinrude 25 hp for $100.00, if I had an interest.
Sometimes relatives/friends have an old outboard laying
around that they don't use, don't know if it runs, and
haven't wanted to hassle with trying to sell it under
those circumstances. Do they know you are looking for one??
As to bolting a lawn-mower engine to an old outboard "leg",
I have seen it done, the results usually were not "pretty,"
and it always seemed to me to be a lot more work than just
repairing the orignal powerhead. And what makes you think
the lower unit doesn't also have problems? I run across
lots of outboards with good powerheads and bad lower units.
My final point is that I have not seen too many people
around here throw out a lawnmower with a perfectly-good
engine on it. The ones I see sitting out on the curb on
trash-day mostly don't run, usually because the owner
never added oil, much less changed the oil.
Sure, it's fun to shoot-the-bull and discuss the possibilities
of rigging this to work with that, but the truth is that
home-brew boat-propulsion systems are a lot like making
babies- fun to concieve but hell to deliver.
Max
> FBBB --E-bay is probably the absolute worst place to be
>
> After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
> that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future.
looking for an outboard motor. The local newspaper boating
classifieds are the second worst.
so my thoughts have turned
> the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump withPersonally, I hate to mow the lawn. Taking the lawnmower out
> perfectly functional engines.
>
in the boat with me is the furthest thing from my mind.
> If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together alake.
> skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the
> We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered bytwin
> lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guessBack in the '30s and '40s and '50s, there were numerous plans
> whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
>
floating around for boats powered by air-cooled engines.
I can think of 5 or 6 off hand. Most were not planning boats.
In the late '60s, Hal Kelly (of outboard racing fame) was
selling a design called "El Cid" which was a 10 ft 3-point
hydro powered by a 4 hp Clinton engine rigged as an inboard.
The photos show it barely on plane with a real skinny kid on
it.
Also in the '60s, William Jackson was pushing plans for
"hydro-Kart", again about a 10 ft 3-point hydro, this time
powered by twin 2-cycle, 6.5 hp racing go-kart engines that
chain-drove a single shaft. Allegedly this rig would
run 50 mph, but then (2) go-kart engines (the real things)
and the chains and sprockets and shaft and strut and prop
and packing gland/shaft log all cost money.
Some things to keep in mind before installing a lawn-mower
engine IN the boat; INboard engines are supposed to
have flame arrestors on the air-intakes, and engine-mounted
gas tanks are a no-no, as are any gravity-fed gasoline
systems. These spash-lubed engines may or may not lube
if inclined. What takes the thrust of the prop. shaft?
The crankshaft of the engine? Will it handle it or
just break the crank shaft? How much money to rig-up
some type of thrust bearing? What are you going to
use for a packing-gland and strut?
There have been plans published over the years for
boats powered by vertical-shaft engines coupled to old
outboard lower units adapted to the bottoms of boats.
some of the above problems still apply. does the engine
rotate in the correct direction for the thing to go
frontwards when it is supposed to go frontwards?
Any machine-work necessary to make the connection and
if so, can you do it or do you pay someone to do it?
Is that lower-unit stuck to the bottom of the hull going
to create trailering/launching problems? It will definetly
not be "car-topable." And, sometimes lower units aint
so cheap- ask someone who has had to replace one.
Back in the '50s, one could buy a Reo "trollabout" which
was a 1 3/4 hp aircooled engine with a F/n/r "transmission"
and shaft, strut, rudder, packing gland, prop, etc.,
all packaged in a kit and ready to install in a wooden
skiff. Nobody makes anything like that anymore. Right
now, I am trying to trade for a complete, unused, "still-in
the-box" trollabout.
Considering the "dragon-tail" type outboards, it is a whole
lot more difficult than just coupling a 6-foot shaft to
the output shaft of the engine. That shaft has to be
supported somehow, which usually means more metal work.
Take a good look at the frames of those Go-devils' and
you start to notice the flexible coupling, thrust and axial
bearings, and other little details that need to be attended
to in order to make the thing last more than 3 minutes.
Then, of course, there is a swivel/mounting bracket to
be fabricated.
Considering all the old outboards out there, I would think
the time and effort that one of these "concoctions" would
involve would be better spent in tracking down a usuable
outboard through unconventional means; That means talking
to people you know, checking out junk-shops and flea markets;
posting "wanted" notices on the supermarket bulletin board
(it helps to say "need not be running"); spread the word
around. A friend just called me 2 hours ago to tell me
he had been in a junk shop and noticed a fairly clean-looking
1955 Evinrude 25 hp for $100.00, if I had an interest.
Sometimes relatives/friends have an old outboard laying
around that they don't use, don't know if it runs, and
haven't wanted to hassle with trying to sell it under
those circumstances. Do they know you are looking for one??
As to bolting a lawn-mower engine to an old outboard "leg",
I have seen it done, the results usually were not "pretty,"
and it always seemed to me to be a lot more work than just
repairing the orignal powerhead. And what makes you think
the lower unit doesn't also have problems? I run across
lots of outboards with good powerheads and bad lower units.
My final point is that I have not seen too many people
around here throw out a lawnmower with a perfectly-good
engine on it. The ones I see sitting out on the curb on
trash-day mostly don't run, usually because the owner
never added oil, much less changed the oil.
Sure, it's fun to shoot-the-bull and discuss the possibilities
of rigging this to work with that, but the truth is that
home-brew boat-propulsion systems are a lot like making
babies- fun to concieve but hell to deliver.
Max
The Technology is simple and they are shallow draft. No transmission, no
u joints and all the other stuff that goes with an outdrive. Just an
engine block and shaft.
HJ
jmbell@...wrote:
u joints and all the other stuff that goes with an outdrive. Just an
engine block and shaft.
HJ
jmbell@...wrote:
>
> Can somebody please explain what the appeal of these go-devil drives
> are? Other than them looking very cool in a Tim-Allen-He-Man-Hot-Rod-
> Huh-Huh-Huh kind of way and their famous appearance in a James Bond
> movie, what about them makes them so attractive?
>
> There's been lots of writing in the newsgroups about making one from
> lawn mower engines, air cooled diesels, and even weed eaters (can you
> imagine anything more horrible?!), but I have yet to see where a home
> builder has successfully (or even unsuccessfully attempted) to built
> one. Has anyone seen a home implementation of this idea?
>
> If this is such a great idea, why are its virtues so opaque?
>
> JB
And then there's
an ad in "Boatbuilder" for a marine conversion manual for
Briggs and
Stratton (type) engines.
Capt. Woodie Owen
PO Box 32172-B
Charleston,SC 29417
($10.95)
This has had mixed reviews previously on this list. At the
price, maybe its got one useful idea.
an ad in "Boatbuilder" for a marine conversion manual for
Briggs and
Stratton (type) engines.
Capt. Woodie Owen
PO Box 32172-B
Charleston,SC 29417
($10.95)
This has had mixed reviews previously on this list. At the
price, maybe its got one useful idea.
The appeal of the "Go-Devil" devices is for very shallow-water
applications and going over obstacles - they just kind of slide over
obstacles and still "bite" well in only a few inches of muddy water.
The sloping shaft design allows a skeg to extend below and protect the
prop. The gentle forward angle of the skeg lifts the prop over obstacles
much more gently than "thwacking" it at right angles as with an
outboard's lower unit.
Yes, I know they are routinely home-built in garages in a couple places
along the upper Mississippi River with which I am familiar. The simple
technology lends itself well to home-building for a person with an
ordinary stick welder and metal cutting abilities.
Word of warning - these devices are usually driven standing up to handle
the wide range of motion of the long tiller. You should have something
to hang onto. Standing up is not such a good idea for small open boats
in large open water. The commercially-built boats designed for
Go-Devils have a large, sturdy bar that the operator hangs onto. A Go-
Devil can kick a little bit when hitting something hard. I don't see
where they have any particular advantage in deeper water over more
conventional drive systems, but I don't have any experience with them
there. Also, part of the "simple" appeal is direct drive - they have no
neutral or reverse, if that is important to you.
--Fritz
At 08:17 PM 11/26/2001 -0000, JMBELL wrote:
applications and going over obstacles - they just kind of slide over
obstacles and still "bite" well in only a few inches of muddy water.
The sloping shaft design allows a skeg to extend below and protect the
prop. The gentle forward angle of the skeg lifts the prop over obstacles
much more gently than "thwacking" it at right angles as with an
outboard's lower unit.
Yes, I know they are routinely home-built in garages in a couple places
along the upper Mississippi River with which I am familiar. The simple
technology lends itself well to home-building for a person with an
ordinary stick welder and metal cutting abilities.
Word of warning - these devices are usually driven standing up to handle
the wide range of motion of the long tiller. You should have something
to hang onto. Standing up is not such a good idea for small open boats
in large open water. The commercially-built boats designed for
Go-Devils have a large, sturdy bar that the operator hangs onto. A Go-
Devil can kick a little bit when hitting something hard. I don't see
where they have any particular advantage in deeper water over more
conventional drive systems, but I don't have any experience with them
there. Also, part of the "simple" appeal is direct drive - they have no
neutral or reverse, if that is important to you.
--Fritz
At 08:17 PM 11/26/2001 -0000, JMBELL wrote:
>Can somebody please explain what the appeal of these go-devil drives
>are?
Revising and extending my remarks: the go-devil drive does appear to
have some advantage for use in very shallow waters choked with mud,
weeds, algae, and stumps. But that's about it as far as I can see.
have some advantage for use in very shallow waters choked with mud,
weeds, algae, and stumps. But that's about it as far as I can see.
--- In bolger@y..., jmbell@m... wrote:
> Can somebody please explain what the appeal of these go-devil
drives
> are? Other than them looking very cool in a Tim-Allen-He-Man-Hot-
Rod-
> Huh-Huh-Huh kind of way and their famous appearance in a James Bond
> movie, what about them makes them so attractive?
>
> There's been lots of writing in the newsgroups about making one
from
> lawn mower engines, air cooled diesels, and even weed eaters (can
you
> imagine anything more horrible?!), but I have yet to see where a
home
> builder has successfully (or even unsuccessfully attempted) to
built
> one. Has anyone seen a home implementation of this idea?
>
> If this is such a great idea, why are its virtues so opaque?
>
> JB
>
>
>
>
>
> > >
> > Check outhttp://jetjon.homestead.com/page2.htmlfor the above.
> > If you're real handy, you could put togeter something like the
> > "Go-Devil" rig from Louisiana. They're at:
> >http://www.godevil.com/
> > I've got a "How to Build 20 Boats" from the mid 1930's that
> > discussed the topic too. At the time, the "lawnmower" engine that
> > seems like its been around forever, was new. I'll see if I can
find
> > that particular article.
> > Bruce
Can somebody please explain what the appeal of these go-devil drives
are? Other than them looking very cool in a Tim-Allen-He-Man-Hot-Rod-
Huh-Huh-Huh kind of way and their famous appearance in a James Bond
movie, what about them makes them so attractive?
There's been lots of writing in the newsgroups about making one from
lawn mower engines, air cooled diesels, and even weed eaters (can you
imagine anything more horrible?!), but I have yet to see where a home
builder has successfully (or even unsuccessfully attempted) to built
one. Has anyone seen a home implementation of this idea?
If this is such a great idea, why are its virtues so opaque?
JB
are? Other than them looking very cool in a Tim-Allen-He-Man-Hot-Rod-
Huh-Huh-Huh kind of way and their famous appearance in a James Bond
movie, what about them makes them so attractive?
There's been lots of writing in the newsgroups about making one from
lawn mower engines, air cooled diesels, and even weed eaters (can you
imagine anything more horrible?!), but I have yet to see where a home
builder has successfully (or even unsuccessfully attempted) to built
one. Has anyone seen a home implementation of this idea?
If this is such a great idea, why are its virtues so opaque?
JB
> >
> Check outhttp://jetjon.homestead.com/page2.htmlfor the above.
> If you're real handy, you could put togeter something like the
> "Go-Devil" rig from Louisiana. They're at:
>http://www.godevil.com/
> I've got a "How to Build 20 Boats" from the mid 1930's that
> discussed the topic too. At the time, the "lawnmower" engine that
> seems like its been around forever, was new. I'll see if I can find
> that particular article.
> Bruce
--- In bolger@y..., jmbell@m... wrote:
If you're real handy, you could put togeter something like the
"Go-Devil" rig from Louisiana. They're at:
http://www.godevil.com/
I've got a "How to Build 20 Boats" from the mid 1930's that
discussed the topic too. At the time, the "lawnmower" engine that
seems like its been around forever, was new. I'll see if I can find
that particular article.
Bruce
>Check outhttp://jetjon.homestead.com/page2.htmlfor the above.
> Another idea that others have already successfully developed is to
> get a junk jetski for a few hundred and build a boat around the
> driveline. Recall the recent Junkyard Wars episode with the jetboat
> built from two halves of an oil tank and a jetski pump. That thing
> hauled! You'll need a more complex hull than Skimmer, though.
>
> JB
>
>
If you're real handy, you could put togeter something like the
"Go-Devil" rig from Louisiana. They're at:
http://www.godevil.com/
I've got a "How to Build 20 Boats" from the mid 1930's that
discussed the topic too. At the time, the "lawnmower" engine that
seems like its been around forever, was new. I'll see if I can find
that particular article.
Bruce
To go along with Jim's suggestion of a lower unit, go to Glen-l's
site, click on "online-catalog" then "special purpose" then "electric
drive". It is a plan for adapting an electric motor to a lower unit
but the same plan could be adapted to a vertical shaft B&S I'm
thinking. You may be able to overcome the rpm difference between the
motor and the drive by using different pulley diameters. Just a
thought!!
Steve Bosquette
site, click on "online-catalog" then "special purpose" then "electric
drive". It is a plan for adapting an electric motor to a lower unit
but the same plan could be adapted to a vertical shaft B&S I'm
thinking. You may be able to overcome the rpm difference between the
motor and the drive by using different pulley diameters. Just a
thought!!
Steve Bosquette
--- In bolger@y..., jmbell@m... wrote:
> I love Junkyard Wars! I'd love to be on one of the teams one day.
>
> It's easy to sympathize with you on the 10 horse motor issue. New
two
> strokes are ~$1400 and four strokes are ~$1900.
>
> One thing that *might* work would be to mount a vertical shaft
Briggs
> on a junk outboard lower unit. The big problem I see with is for a
> higher speed boat the Briggs only turns at 3000 rpm or less and the
> two stroke powerhead would have turned at over 5000 rpm. So a
higher
> pitched prop may be in order to get the it up to speed. It's still
an
> appealing idea for a low speed boat. One advantage is that it
avoids
> the dangers and difficulties of inboard mounting.
>
> Another idea that others have already successfully developed is to
> get a junk jetski for a few hundred and build a boat around the
> driveline. Recall the recent Junkyard Wars episode with the jetboat
> built from two halves of an oil tank and a jetski pump. That thing
> hauled! You'll need a more complex hull than Skimmer, though.
>
> JB
>
>
>
> --- In bolger@y..., David Ryan <david@c...> wrote:
>
> > If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together a
> > skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the
> lake.
> > We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered by
> twin
> > lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
> > whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
How about a paddle wheel?
Mark
Mark
Once upon a time, probably in the 1960's, Popular Science had an
article describing a lawn mower engine + ob lower unit installation.
I suggest you write/call to Thomas Jones in Tuckahoe, NJ.
(http://www.jonesboats.com/)An air cooled engine was installed in
his 20' pilot boat sloop. He may have some advice, and he is
amateur/tinkerer oriented. I think it was a vertical shaft engine.
I always want the Junkyard Wars guys to go the Thai long-tail route.
Peter
article describing a lawn mower engine + ob lower unit installation.
I suggest you write/call to Thomas Jones in Tuckahoe, NJ.
(http://www.jonesboats.com/)An air cooled engine was installed in
his 20' pilot boat sloop. He may have some advice, and he is
amateur/tinkerer oriented. I think it was a vertical shaft engine.
I always want the Junkyard Wars guys to go the Thai long-tail route.
Peter
--- In bolger@y..., jmbell@m... wrote:
> I love Junkyard Wars! I'd love to be on one of the teams one day.
>
> It's easy to sympathize with you on the 10 horse motor issue. New
two
> strokes are ~$1400 and four strokes are ~$1900.
>
> One thing that *might* work would be to mount a vertical shaft
Briggs
> on a junk outboard lower unit. The big problem I see with is for a
> higher speed boat the Briggs only turns at 3000 rpm or less and the
> two stroke powerhead would have turned at over 5000 rpm. So a
higher
> pitched prop may be in order to get the it up to speed. It's still
an
> appealing idea for a low speed boat. One advantage is that it
avoids
> the dangers and difficulties of inboard mounting.
>
> Another idea that others have already successfully developed is to
> get a junk jetski for a few hundred and build a boat around the
> driveline. Recall the recent Junkyard Wars episode with the jetboat
> built from two halves of an oil tank and a jetski pump. That thing
> hauled! You'll need a more complex hull than Skimmer, though.
>
> JB
>
>
>
> --- In bolger@y..., David Ryan <david@c...> wrote:
>
> > If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together a
> > skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the
> lake.
> > We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered by
> twin
> > lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
> > whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
I love Junkyard Wars! I'd love to be on one of the teams one day.
It's easy to sympathize with you on the 10 horse motor issue. New two
strokes are ~$1400 and four strokes are ~$1900.
One thing that *might* work would be to mount a vertical shaft Briggs
on a junk outboard lower unit. The big problem I see with is for a
higher speed boat the Briggs only turns at 3000 rpm or less and the
two stroke powerhead would have turned at over 5000 rpm. So a higher
pitched prop may be in order to get the it up to speed. It's still an
appealing idea for a low speed boat. One advantage is that it avoids
the dangers and difficulties of inboard mounting.
Another idea that others have already successfully developed is to
get a junk jetski for a few hundred and build a boat around the
driveline. Recall the recent Junkyard Wars episode with the jetboat
built from two halves of an oil tank and a jetski pump. That thing
hauled! You'll need a more complex hull than Skimmer, though.
JB
It's easy to sympathize with you on the 10 horse motor issue. New two
strokes are ~$1400 and four strokes are ~$1900.
One thing that *might* work would be to mount a vertical shaft Briggs
on a junk outboard lower unit. The big problem I see with is for a
higher speed boat the Briggs only turns at 3000 rpm or less and the
two stroke powerhead would have turned at over 5000 rpm. So a higher
pitched prop may be in order to get the it up to speed. It's still an
appealing idea for a low speed boat. One advantage is that it avoids
the dangers and difficulties of inboard mounting.
Another idea that others have already successfully developed is to
get a junk jetski for a few hundred and build a boat around the
driveline. Recall the recent Junkyard Wars episode with the jetboat
built from two halves of an oil tank and a jetski pump. That thing
hauled! You'll need a more complex hull than Skimmer, though.
JB
--- In bolger@y..., David Ryan <david@c...> wrote:
> If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together a
> skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the
lake.
> We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered by
twin
> lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
> whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
David wrote:
After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future. But I'm
restless to build something with an engine so my thoughts have turned
the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump with
perfectly functional engines.
============
David,
Sounds like you're in a bad area for outboards. 10 hp motors here routinely
sell for $250 to $500 depending, of course, on age, condition and maker. I
can't imagine that you could get 2 lawnmower engines and all the various bits &
pieces together for less than that.
If you do decide to go with the lawnmower engines be awfully careful with the
fuel system and vapor entrapment. Economically the only way to install the
engines would be in the open bolted to mounts. As soon as you enclose the space
around the engines and/or fuel tanks there are quite a number of USCG regs that
come into play and lots of safety issues. I am *not* trying to throw a wet
blanket on your ideas, creative thinking is fun and rewarding. But...safety is
important.
Les Lampman
Whidbey Island, Washington (State)
USA
After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future. But I'm
restless to build something with an engine so my thoughts have turned
the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump with
perfectly functional engines.
============
David,
Sounds like you're in a bad area for outboards. 10 hp motors here routinely
sell for $250 to $500 depending, of course, on age, condition and maker. I
can't imagine that you could get 2 lawnmower engines and all the various bits &
pieces together for less than that.
If you do decide to go with the lawnmower engines be awfully careful with the
fuel system and vapor entrapment. Economically the only way to install the
engines would be in the open bolted to mounts. As soon as you enclose the space
around the engines and/or fuel tanks there are quite a number of USCG regs that
come into play and lots of safety issues. I am *not* trying to throw a wet
blanket on your ideas, creative thinking is fun and rewarding. But...safety is
important.
Les Lampman
Whidbey Island, Washington (State)
USA
FBBB --
After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future. But I'm
restless to build something with an engine so my thoughts have turned
the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump with
perfectly functional engines.
If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together a
skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the lake.
We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered by twin
lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
YIBB,
David
C.E.P.
134 West 26th St. 12th Floor
New York, New York 10001
http://www.crumblingempire.com
(212) 247-0296
After monitoring eBay and the local papers for months, I've decided
that an outboard powered boat is nowhere in my near future. But I'm
restless to build something with an engine so my thoughts have turned
the the countless lawn mowers that turn up at our local dump with
perfectly functional engines.
If I could find a 10 horse outboard, I've have banged together a
skimmer already -- my wife would love to go buzzing around the lake.
We both love Junkyard Wars. How likely does a skimmer powered by twin
lawn mower engines sound. Any way to make an intelligent guess
whether or not we'd get on top of the water?
YIBB,
David
C.E.P.
134 West 26th St. 12th Floor
New York, New York 10001
http://www.crumblingempire.com
(212) 247-0296