RotoBoat?
09-10-2011, 01:35 PM
#1
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RotoBoat?
Just thinking creative off-the-wall stuff here, and I know that the rotary engine has received at least one certification for use in an aircraft, so why not?
It would seem possible to power a boat with a rotary engine, enjoying the same advantages the powerplant offers in a sports car, namely very compact size and light weight.
The problems might be the high operating temperature -- specifically the need for a water-cooled exhaust -- and, I suppose, our little fuel consumption issue. I don't know about the matter of a marine transmission and propellor at 9,000 RPM.
Any thoughts?
It would seem possible to power a boat with a rotary engine, enjoying the same advantages the powerplant offers in a sports car, namely very compact size and light weight.
The problems might be the high operating temperature -- specifically the need for a water-cooled exhaust -- and, I suppose, our little fuel consumption issue. I don't know about the matter of a marine transmission and propellor at 9,000 RPM.
Any thoughts?
09-10-2011, 02:15 PM
#2
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http://seabreacher.com/seabreacher-x
atkins rotary also had a marine division. but the site seems to be down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk1qFaaq4q4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRmYud0HR4
atkins rotary also had a marine division. but the site seems to be down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk1qFaaq4q4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzRmYud0HR4
Last edited by zoom44; 09-10-2011 at 04:47 PM.
09-10-2011, 02:19 PM
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meh.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOp9CsE2HMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQv9N...eature=related
bottom line is, its been done
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQv9N...eature=related
bottom line is, its been done
09-10-2011, 04:55 PM
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09-11-2011, 10:10 AM
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Here's a link to a boating forum thread with discussion of rotary-powered boats, aircraft, motorcycles, jet skis, and lawnmowers:
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/diy...ine-23824.html
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/diy...ine-23824.html
09-11-2011, 03:06 PM
#12
There was a 16' 13B jet boat that was made about 8 yrs ago. I believe it was produced in TN.
The problem with a rotary in a boat is it's high RPM. It will cause the propeller (or impeller in a jet boat) to cavitate unless you use some sort of reduction. Boat's with gasoline piston engines run at about 2500 - 3000 RPM max. Diesel engines about half that.
Fuel consumption is high on a boat due to it's contact with the water. I had a 36' cruiser with twin Chrysler big blocks that were almost 300 hp each. It got around 1 (one) MPG at cruising speed. It had two 80 gal fuel tanks. Marine gas was priced at 25% higher than what you buy for the car. And car gas has road fuel taxes added.
The problem with a rotary in a boat is it's high RPM. It will cause the propeller (or impeller in a jet boat) to cavitate unless you use some sort of reduction. Boat's with gasoline piston engines run at about 2500 - 3000 RPM max. Diesel engines about half that.
Fuel consumption is high on a boat due to it's contact with the water. I had a 36' cruiser with twin Chrysler big blocks that were almost 300 hp each. It got around 1 (one) MPG at cruising speed. It had two 80 gal fuel tanks. Marine gas was priced at 25% higher than what you buy for the car. And car gas has road fuel taxes added.
