electric paddle wheeler (full size)

[Rob Bruce]

I have a 750watt (1hp) permanent magnet electric motor, plus the PWM, hall effect throttle and 3 deep cycle marine batteries for operating this motor at 36 volts. I spent a year or so trying to convert an old outboard motor. Even though I followed the advice re thickness of wire etc, the rig continued to overheat and eventually the motor stopped. If I dropped anchor and let it cool it would then run OK for a while. So I scrapped the project and bought a 4 stroke outboard for my 18' houseboat. I think my big mistake was trying to operate a transom mounted motor from the wheelhouse up forward. The motor and accessories were not designed for that type of cable run.
However, I now have an electric motor and all the gear. I note that Gnatty is a 14' electric side paddle wheeler that runs on a 1/2hp electric motor. A bit small for me.
Are there any members who have build a small electric paddle wheeler? I would be happy to have a go at something about 16' or 17'. I am a boatbuilder/shipwright and have boat plans at hand that could be adapted to paddle drive, plus a few plans of small paddle wheelers. I will also be in touch with the technical department of the Electric Boat Association of which I am a member.
This time around I would have the motor fan cooled with a an idler pulley arrangement to keep the paddle revs down to about 70rpm.
I'm happy to build either a sternwheeler or a side paddle wheeler.
The electric motor and the other bits and pieces were purcahsed here in Australia from a mobility scooter after market seller. This time around I would plan to add a cooler fan to the rig, but I would like to give the little Unite brand (made in China) motor another go. If it fails there are other electric motors around with a proven record when fitted to boats, but they cost more.
Any comments from those who have gone electric on a full sized paddle wheeler would be appreciated.
Rob

[Roderick Smith]

Duck Flat will do anything for money (and a lot of it).
The Tennessee/Mundoo hull is intended for the home builder, 9 m hull.
Duck Flat was quite happy to build me one with paddles.  Nobody else has opted for that.
Most use a kick-up outboard motor in an inboard housing.
See www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/mainpages/mundoo.php?PHPSESSID=069c6e915611f1682e88e9ccffb7ad6b
for the solar powered version.  There is one for sale right now (Nomad, a Mundoo II).
The problem with side paddles is that they have to be removed for trailering.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Rob Bruce]

Thanks Roderick for that info. Yes I know of Duck Flats and the Mundoo hull a friend of mine has an outboard powered version and he is very pleased.
I'm looking for something a bit smaller than the Mundoo. My current boat is a houseboat 18 feet based on a large plywood punt style hull. I have in mind something a bit more classical in form than a punt and possibly a little smaller. Trailing is not a problem as we live on an island (in a river) and we have our own launching ramp.
I have tried to email the builder of Gnatty but so far I have not had a response. At 14 foot this is a bit smaller than I want. But Glyn Jones of the Traditional Boat Shop in Wales has promised me the lines plan and some further building instructions for his little 20 foot "Minette" design with a hull 4'6" wide plus the paddles. So the hull is not the problem. I am looking for any info from a builder who has actually built a small paddle wheeler and powered it with an electric motor. My second electric project was trying to convert an old petrol outboard motor to electric power. The motor overheated so I dropped the project after 12 months fiddling.
I was thinking of a small steam engine, but have decided to think more about electric power at this stage as I already have the motor and batteries for such a rig.
I do appreciate your reply.
Rob

[Roderick Smith]

Hi Rob,
I was thinking of using the Mundoo for the electric technology, and something else for the hull.
From the 'For sale' thread:
PV Alice is for sale, for AUD65 000 or negotiable.
See www.paddleducks.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2566.0 for a photo.
0412 347 556.
www.gnatriverboats.com.au
There are lots of photos of Alice in the gallery section.  It is fully fitted.  You could add the solar panels and replace the current engine.
Also interesting to view is PV Gnat (smaller than Alice, not for sale, but possibly your desired size).
6 Dowdodd Cres, Goolwa, South Australia. mob 0403 858 786
enquiries@gnatriverboats.com.au

If Michael reads this, he might consider posting a current status report for fire-damaged PV Gemma (Echuca area). It is a hull with buckled superstructure, and needs a new engine anyhow.

Perhaps on current water depth, you should be considering a hovercraft?  I met a builder of a wooden one while cruising last week.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Rob Bruce]

Roderick is the PV Gnat the same as Gnatty?
The address you give at Goolwa SA and the mobile phone number are they of the current owner of the little 14 footer? And do you have a name although I could address by letter to"the owner of Gnatty"!
In one of the threads there was the first name of Peter associated with Gratty. Am I on the right track?
Rob

[Roderick Smith]

Gnat is bigger than Gnatty (and Alice is bigger than Gnat), but all come from the same builder, Peter Turner.  Check the website.

I have three solar panels on Jessie II (originally four, with one lost by a previous owner), and two marine batteries.  I can't keep the fridge running all night unless I hand start the motor in the morning.  I place one battery in reserve, then let the other run down though the night.  It can't kick over the starter motor, but there is always enough power left to bring up the galley lamp.

We are not far off this year's Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival (March): a good opportunity to meet Peter, and inspect a variety of boats.

The address which I gave was for the seller of PV Alice: I don't know if Peter kept it, or if he had built it for a client, and the client is the seller.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor