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human powered propulsion for a sailboat

  • 02 Apr 2015 16:17
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    Reply # 3279950 on 3262656
    Anonymous member

    Here's an overview of human-powered sailboat propulsion – this is from JRA member Dave Zeiger's blog. No wave propulsion mentioned, but some discussion of the pedal power they use, including a link for the equipment. The blog post is found here.

    Myself, I remain fascinated by the idea of wave-propulsion for sailboats, along with all the other no wind/no motor strategies – seems like it has really great potential.
  • 29 Mar 2015 21:45
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    Reply # 3273579 on 3272645
    Anonymous member
    Mark Thomasson wrote:

    One thought:  use an up and down motion, then there coordinate with the wave action.  It could at time give free power and dampen down uncomfortable rocking.

    I think then you'd have to hold that fin against the wave action, and you would not gain anything.  For a while I thought a T-foil fish fin would do the job.  The horizontal part of the foil could convert pitching into thrust (and rolling when the foil is off centre), while the vertical part of the foil would work as a fish fin drive.  I realised there would still be interference between muscle power and wave power, because the fish fin motion requires the fin to be off centre most of the time, and half the time any forward thrust from wave power has to be counteracted by muscle power.  It would still be possible to use this T-foil for wave propulsion when there are waves, and with muscle power when the water is calm.

    Alternatively, stick to the fish fin, and also use it as the servo rudder for wind vane self steering.  Don't use the T-foil, because any thrust from wave-induced motion would then affect steering.

    Last modified: 30 Mar 2015 19:39 | Anonymous member
  • 29 Mar 2015 04:27
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    Reply # 3273070 on 3262656
    Anonymous member

    I once saw a photo of a peddle powered outboard on a yacht once.
  • 28 Mar 2015 16:46
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    Reply # 3272645 on 3262656
    Anonymous member

    Looking at the sculling action fins there seems to be practically no turbulence, must be very efficient, so much more so than a propeller (unless it is very big and slow).  Harnessing that thrust to leg power, definitely the way to go with a heavy slow boat.

    One thought:  use an up and down motion, then there coordinate with the wave action.  It could at time give free power and dampen down uncomfortable rocking.
  • 27 Mar 2015 02:49
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    Reply # 3271151 on 3262656
    Anonymous member

    I ran into a couple in Desolation Sound a few years back that had a pedal power catamaran (also had sail).  If I remember right the Cat was about 18' and the pedal power looked very much like a stairmaster.  The power was transferred to a swinging fin much like the Foilsculler shown in the video.  It was a nice arrangement in that you had a good view forward was you "pedalled" along.  They had to be mindful of currents, but had travelled far up the BC coast during a summer with a lot of windless days.  I think I still have the contact info if you are interested.
  • 26 Mar 2015 20:00
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    Reply # 3270827 on 3262656
    Anonymous member

    Here are a few ideas.  Perhaps you can find something you can adapt to your boat.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdOIXvfB3g

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtv-5t8F29U

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcNaV3_3n3U

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnhHOrbkFWs
  • 23 Mar 2015 15:37
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    Message # 3262656
    Deleted user

    Engineers, both formal and backyard, along with serious bicycle racers/riders....

    Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of a bicycle pedals and gear system being used to propel a sailboat?

    I am sure there is a limit on prop size, displacement, etc. but it seems reasonable you could transfer that force to the drive shaft.

    Possibly it could also be used to charge your batteries, when not propelling the boat.

    Or possibly a stair climber type device....where your weight powers a geared system? Maybe more compact than a bicycle crank, pedals , gears, etc. You could use it at the companionway and have a way to lock the steps when not in use, and it would be close to the shaft location. Although you would need someone at the helm as you wouldn't be able to see where you are going.

    I do things and think of things others consider crazy. Crazy to me, is spending 100 dollars a month to go to a gym, to move weights around, just to get exercise, when you can get your exercise for free, seeing the world around you.
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