DeckBot - Need suggestions and comments

CannibalRobotics

OK,
now that·my prop contest entry and next article is in the·pipe - I'm starting down a new path. So it's·40 degrees outside and raining and my thoughts drift towards a new project - something from the ground up.
Weather being what it is, I'm thinking about a helper for the boat. I've looked at several nautical projects and I think I'm on the right track here. I'd like some input. To get an idea of scale, I'm thinking the pontoons are 3" or 4" PVC.
Any and all comments criticisims and suggestions are welcome. I'll periodically post progress.
Jim-


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Scope

This project sounds like a boat load of fun. (sorry)

What if you placed the motors side by side? That might allow some fancy slow speed maneuvers when reversing direction.

Also, have you considered using these:

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jetdrives.htm
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/jet_drive_water_jet_propulsion_unit_rc_boat_accessory_81112_prd1.htm
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/basic_jet_propulsion_boat_drive_118_prd1.htm
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/graupner_schottel_drive_ii_rc_boat_accessory_289009_prd1.htm
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/voith_schneider_propulsion_unit_rc_boat_accessory_81117_prd1.htm

CannibalRobotics

Holly Cow! The Graupner Schottel Drive II is the open frame equivilent of what I was going to do. It's pricey but WOW, not much work left to do to get it working.

Do you have any expirence with them? Any idea how they mount on a hull?

Jim

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Scope

No . . . I haven't dabbled much with water projects . . . I am quite confident this will change however . . . he-he-he-he-he . . .

CannibalRobotics

So this is rich. The open frame concept (and the price of the Graupner Schottel Drives) got me thinking. I went digging in the dusty and long forsaken "why are you keeping that box?" box of RC Helicopter replacement parts. I found two identical tail rotor assemblies. I took a $5 outboard prop I picked up at the hobby shop last week and drilled it out to fit. Viola, two Graupner Schottel Drives. Now all I have to do is mount the motors and do the hardware in between.

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Scope

I used to fly Concept 30's . . . nice.

CannibalRobotics

Yeah, when I learned that the hourly flight cost and tool time was not really that different from a real helicopter, I sort of drifted away from the hobby.
J-

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