The new SeaDNA - sea trials complete

R

rogerbum

New member
As some of you may be aware, all the talk of hull extensions and boat modifications recently really got me inspired. So a couple of weeks ago, I undertook a large project ot make some serious modifications to SeaDNA. The project was completed a day ago and sea trials took place today (see photo below).

Results of the sea trials - performance has been hampered a bit relative to what it did with the propped twin honda 40's. I took those same engines and mounted them in the cockpit and used a stainless motorcycle chain to drive the system so I don't know where all the speed went. Top speed is only 12 knots and the hole shot isn't what it used to be. Pehaps I'm "over wheeled" - maybe DoD Dan can provide the engineering feedback but hey, as Patrick says, these boats really weren't really meant to be "go fast" boats anyway. One unexpected benefit of the conversion is that when I went through a school of herring the paddle wheel flipped several dozen into the cockpit. If I drive it around for a few days, I'll have bait for the whole summer.

Problems: As I mentioned before, trailering is real issue as the wheel is barely off the ground. However a side benefit is that I can tow it around the house and cut the grass.

Anyway, Joyce and I are looking forward to taking it up and down the Mississippi this summer. All I need is a few serious poker players to go along.

C_DorySternConversion.sized.jpg


Are these boats flexible or what?
 
You need an adjustable bracket on the paddlewheel. Having done this same conversion (and we have it patented, btw) on several of our sailboats, you will find that some up-down movement will take care of all the problems you spoke of. Getting the wheel deeper will give you that holeshot... so much so that you may need to put on wheelie bars (like the old VW trikes). Putting the wheel in the up position at anchor or while trailering will provide a way to top off the batteries, much like a windvane.

Besides getting bait, with some practice you will find that it slices, dices, and even makes julienne fries. :wink:

Congratulations on this conversion - and right on time! :lol:

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Roger-

Y'all bring that Southern Belle down to Lake Shasta and we can take it bass fishin' in the next tournament!

If you need more power, I've located the gas turbine stolen out of starcraftom's helicopter:

369_allison.jpg

Joe.
 
Roger - can you send me the plans on your extension? After seeing it, I think I will try and integrate it into my stern extension. Do you have an extra wheel setting around? Probably have to be a little smaller, because it will be going on a 16’ Cruiser.
 
Nah Dave, I think you should go with Joes idea. go with the tubine and just make it a 6 foot extension. That way you'll have room for the 500 gal fuel tank.
Norm
 
oldgrowth":22tpwvel said:
Roger - can you send me the plans on your extension? After seeing it, I think I will try and integrate it into my stern extension. Do you have an extra wheel setting around? Probably have to be a little smaller, because it will be going on a 16’ Cruiser.
Click to expand...

Plan, PLANS!?!? WE DON"T NEED NO STINKIN' PLANS!!!

My recommendation would be what Red Green did - get yourself a used revolving door. The nice thing about that is you get improved rear view visibility.
 
Roger – I need some kind of plans. Your design looked like it may be over my head, so I decided to do as Norn S suggested with a slight modification.
Nah Dave, I think you should go with Joes idea. go with the tubine and just make it a 6 foot extension. That way you'll have room for the 500 gal fuel tank.
Click to expand...
I will use an underwater jet instead. That way I have room for a larger fuel tank on board.
I did a preliminary sketch.
cd_jet.jpg
 
[Red Green impersonation voice = ON]
Today I'm gonna show you how to make a surf board out of an ordinary plastic picnic table. You're gonna need your chain saw and a couple of rolls of duct tape...
[Red Green impersonation voice = OFF]

rogerbum":321qkpgo said:
My recommendation would be what Red Green did - get yourself a used revolving door. The nice thing about that is you get improved rear view visibility.
Click to expand...
 
Great modifications! Ken was discussing his planned modification on the Blue C a while back. Something about a flying bridge.... I wonder if he still plans to take on that project?

Don
 
Roger,

That is pretty nice, and should give you better operation in shallower draft areas.

Nice mod.:?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

IMGP0325.thumb.jpg
 
Here is our latest modification to "Thisaway"--had to change the name:

sldr_boattype_483x228.jpg


Here is a photo of the sternwheeler--we only get about six knots, but the mileage is fantastic! Also great maneuverability with the split wheel and twin rudders.

]stern05.jpg
 
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