11-15-2013, 04:24 AM
Hi, MD,
The average FIT human can produce only about 100 watts of sustained power for several hours, the MK 30# troll motor maybe 300 watts. So the general idea is to keep losses as low as possible. Long and narrow rowing shell shape pontoons would make for the lowest losses. Mirage flappers are considerably less efficient than the propeller drives. Mirage drives do have advantages in weedy water, though. There was a prop and fin power kit that would convert most inflatable pontoon boats to pedal power a few years back. http://www.prophish.com/ They went out of business years ago in Utah, but still list contact numbers. They may still have in inventory around to look at or even for sale, maybe can give you ideas on how to build. If you have a lot of time for reading, this long comparison may give you some ideas. http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/padd...ng-kayaks/ Some good stuff, but they are somewhat biased toward their own product.
Hope this helps,
Pon
[quote MasterDaad]After seeing some pedal Kayaks up at Strawberry this year I knew a pedal craft was in my future.
I'm not a Kayak fan, so a Pedal Pontoon is in the works.
I'm starting with a Hobie Mirage Drive:
[.img][url "http://cdn-products.austinkayak.com/p_254_260.jpg[/img]"]http://cdn-products.austinkayak.com/p_254_260.jpg[/img][/url]
I found a used one in great condition on eBay and it just arrived today!
For the past couple weeks I've been shopping for a medium-sized used pontoon -- preferably 7-8'. Something small enough that the pedal drive and oars may be all the power I need to get from point A to point B quickly... and the drive being all I need to troll or move while near the fish.
But the toon should be big enough to stick my MinnKota 30 and some Lithium batteries (5lbs for 16Ahr) if necessary.
The first phase of the project will be constructing a rigid mount out of aluminum tubing (no welding) that attaches to the Pontoon's foot rest booms.
I will be mounting the Mirage drive so that pedaling pushes backward. I prefer fishing this way and it will allow for both pedals and oars to be used simultaneously (and motor if included).
A simple steering rudder will also be added -- probably made from an old paddle.
Assuming I can achieve approx 2MPH trolling speed with sustainable pedal effort and 5MPH-ish top speed, I'll probably forgo the electric motor (and the registration hassles). Given the performance of the Kayaks, I think these are reasonable expectations.
If successful, Part II will be constructing a more complex "swivel" mount that will allow the Mirage drive to act as both thrust and rudder -- hopefully removing the need for fins without sacrificing fishing agility.
With snow about to fly and ice appearing on my favorite lakes (I'm no Ice fisherman) this winter project will keep me warm until Ice Off.[/quote]
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The average FIT human can produce only about 100 watts of sustained power for several hours, the MK 30# troll motor maybe 300 watts. So the general idea is to keep losses as low as possible. Long and narrow rowing shell shape pontoons would make for the lowest losses. Mirage flappers are considerably less efficient than the propeller drives. Mirage drives do have advantages in weedy water, though. There was a prop and fin power kit that would convert most inflatable pontoon boats to pedal power a few years back. http://www.prophish.com/ They went out of business years ago in Utah, but still list contact numbers. They may still have in inventory around to look at or even for sale, maybe can give you ideas on how to build. If you have a lot of time for reading, this long comparison may give you some ideas. http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/padd...ng-kayaks/ Some good stuff, but they are somewhat biased toward their own product.
Hope this helps,
Pon
[quote MasterDaad]After seeing some pedal Kayaks up at Strawberry this year I knew a pedal craft was in my future.
I'm not a Kayak fan, so a Pedal Pontoon is in the works.
I'm starting with a Hobie Mirage Drive:
[.img][url "http://cdn-products.austinkayak.com/p_254_260.jpg[/img]"]http://cdn-products.austinkayak.com/p_254_260.jpg[/img][/url]
I found a used one in great condition on eBay and it just arrived today!
For the past couple weeks I've been shopping for a medium-sized used pontoon -- preferably 7-8'. Something small enough that the pedal drive and oars may be all the power I need to get from point A to point B quickly... and the drive being all I need to troll or move while near the fish.
But the toon should be big enough to stick my MinnKota 30 and some Lithium batteries (5lbs for 16Ahr) if necessary.
The first phase of the project will be constructing a rigid mount out of aluminum tubing (no welding) that attaches to the Pontoon's foot rest booms.
I will be mounting the Mirage drive so that pedaling pushes backward. I prefer fishing this way and it will allow for both pedals and oars to be used simultaneously (and motor if included).
A simple steering rudder will also be added -- probably made from an old paddle.
Assuming I can achieve approx 2MPH trolling speed with sustainable pedal effort and 5MPH-ish top speed, I'll probably forgo the electric motor (and the registration hassles). Given the performance of the Kayaks, I think these are reasonable expectations.
If successful, Part II will be constructing a more complex "swivel" mount that will allow the Mirage drive to act as both thrust and rudder -- hopefully removing the need for fins without sacrificing fishing agility.
With snow about to fly and ice appearing on my favorite lakes (I'm no Ice fisherman) this winter project will keep me warm until Ice Off.[/quote]
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