Some work being done on a small stern wheeler...



http://paddlewheel.org/boat-motor.html

that looks great fun 

Yes indeed it does! 

I had a thought ( always dangerous ! )  looking at that website  ....what if ....

You take two engines like the ones shown , complete with ride on mower transmissions , ( you now have reverse to each engine )
and mount them side wheeler fashion ....one per side / wheel ....you could then steer using reverse....


Seems like that could be a way to power a modest size river cruiser for two.
Even if the engines only last a year or two , they are not expensive , or difficult to replace .

Quote from: victor vector on October 13, 2011, 12:59:18 PM
Yes indeed it does! 

I had a thought ( always dangerous ! )  looking at that website  ....what if ....

You take two engines like the ones shown , complete with ride on mower transmissions , ( you now have reverse to each engine )
and mount them side wheeler fashion ....one per side / wheel ....you could then steer using reverse....


Seems like that could be a way to power a modest size river cruiser for two.
Even if the engines only last a year or two , they are not expensive , or difficult to replace .

Not having a big enough lot to use a ride on mower I am not too familiar with what controls they have, but I do remember a small garden tractor that had independent wheel brakes on both rear wheels. If you set one up as a side wheeler you could use the brakes for steering.
Regards,
Gerald.