Hi all

[JOAT]

I've actually been a member here for awhile, but never posted, even to tell anything about myself.  I'm 68, in central North Carolina.  Retired Army, and now retired everything.  Been a steam fan for probably 35+ years, a steam boat fan for amost that, and maybe 10 or so years back narrowed it down to side paddle wheels.  Finally at a time where I can afford a larger shop, and once I get a few other projects out of the way, hope to make about a 20' side paddle boat, stean powered.  Not so interested in modelmaking myself, but they are really great inspiration for me, and I figure it would be more difficult making a good looking model than it would a real people carrying boat.  Been busy on other projects, but now got a new computer, and will try to stop by here and check things out more often.  And even post once in awhile - I do a LOT of searches and it's amazing some of the links I run into, been running across a lot of steam links lately.  Might's well pass some along.
Later
Theo

[Scout0098]

Nice to meet you! I am also interested in sidewheelers, actually I'm in the process of building one, although sadly mine isn't steam powered (don't have the money lol). It would be great to see how your project would come along though. 

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's .....& welcome Theo  .....you cut a symbol of strength infront of your new {retired} Corporate HQ  .......

Enjoy our many electronic pages & folders & stories of paddlers.....Derek......

[JOAT]

Hi guy.  Thanks.  Actually the cost of a steam engine would depend a lot on how much you want to spend.  If you're "frugal" like me, and too cheap to put out big bucks for something I can make myself, it can be pretty cheap.  For starters I'm planning on a monotube boiler.  Something like a putt-putt boat, but on a larger scale.  I just found out I apparently can't even post any plans while I'm still a newbie.  But a monotube boiler, if you don't know, is basically copper tubing wound in a coil, water pumped thru it, heated, and steam is produced.  Simple, and if it ruptures it isn't going to take you and the boat with it.  Steam engines can be as simple as converting a small gas engine to steam, or make one without even using castings.  Since I don't have a work space yes I've not made a firm decision on engine type.  One nice thing about a steam engine, you don't have to be anywhere near as precise as you do making an IC engine, it can leak steam all over the place, and still run.  I'll be posting more later.

Have a good day all.

[Scout0098]

That sounds pretty cool! I didn't know you could make a steam engine that cheaply, can't wait to see plans/ ideas. I got a 6.5 HP gasoline engine (horizontal shaft) for 99 bucks so I was going to try to use that on my boat. I figure mine is pretty light, it's all aluminum and two guys can lift it. it's about 14' long with a beam of about 5' double ended. I have the shaft and gears to run my paddles but I need to construct the -paddlewheels and have to make a simple clutch for the motor.