Thai paddleduck

[Roderick Smith]

Looking like the inspiration for the Paddleducks masthead (or vv), two of the many pedal paddleducks on the lake in Lumphini Park (Bangkok).  There are two fleets, one at each end of the lake.
The hull is a catamaran (with a duck head on each hull), with the paddle in the gap between the hulls.
There is a single drive shaft, with the pedals cranked onto it (ie no gearing or chain).
The tiller handle is just behind the paddlebox.
There is a shade canopy on each.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Roderick Smith]

I was in Bangkok briefly last week, so I took the opportunity to hire a paddleduck for an hour.
It was quite responsive, and pedalling was easy.  I did a basic circuit around the island in the lake, passing under two low bridges, then poked into a cove, and tried some manoeuvring tests.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[michael]

Good to see your still young at heart!!

[Talisman]

What about these?
Fist would make a nice stern wheeler.
Second pic just needs some side wheels.

[herrmill]

That large dragon boat in the photo above is from Hangzhou's Xihu or West Lake.  Its a replica of a Southern Song dynasty imperial barge that was used in the 12th century.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Lake

We have a lot of those "Thai paddleducks" on our lakes as well. 

Chuck