Odd Paddler Problem

[kiwimodeller]

Just had an email from a friend who has been test sailing his new paddle tug and is experiencing a strange problem. It seems that if she is operated at low throttle and fairly slow speed all seems well but if the speed is increased then the boat leans fairly drastically to one side. Slow down and she returns to level. This is not the usual problem of leaning in a turn and not wanting to come back to upright,  it happens when running straight ahead almost like it was a torque reaction to an engine mounted fore and aft but she has a cross wise mounted motor and a single wheel shaft not independent drive. Ballast has been tried and the waterline on each wheel marked and checked to be equal. Any suggestions most welcome. Thanks, Ian.

[Tug--Kenny]

From what you say, it looks as if the one side is pulling better than the other.

As the drive shaft is the same rotation for each wheel then the problem lies in the wheel itself.  I would check the individual paddles for size and blades comparison and tightness on the shaft.  If it's not the feathering type maybe you could swop them over. Another test is to go backwards.

best of luck

Ken

[Bierjunge]

Sounds like water clogging of one paddlebox to me.
This is a fairly common problem if the paddleboxes are too tight around the wheels. Vents in the paddelbox walls might help.

Moritz

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's....I am sure Moritz is correct here......... .......Derek

[chipmonk]

Hi there, I agree with Deric It seems that water is being lifted into the paddle box and cant get out so tipping the boat over. Slowing the boat down or stopping allows this water to drain out. added to the fact that most paddlers have long thin hulls making the problem worse. Answer: venting the box helps as does keeping the revs down. If you find a total easy solution the members here will beat a path to your door to get the answer .
Cheers Chris M