So a while back we where talking about the best boat for the race to alaska and then got started on human powering the thing. While with a week to go before the race starts the pedal drive my friend and I designed and built is done! Testing different size and pitch propellers atm but it will do 4.8kts with the big one, although its like pedaling up a hill!

It started with an idea and some blocks of wood.

Finally got the plug together

Made two female molds off the plug

Skip forward a few steps and we have the shell with some of the internals testing the mounting on the boat.

Here it is all done (minus the top cover)

In storage position

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Phil W
Nacra 570
Victoria BC
www.mausails.com
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Interesting concept & design. My retired neighbor sails a Windrider, & it's surprising how quickly he can peddle if the wind dies.
What are you using for a back brace when peddling?
On a bike, your mass is directly over the crankshaft. Your cat looks like you will be constantly pushing your mass away from the crank. That is a very powerful position, if you have a back brace.
I'm thinking it would be quickly tiring if you are just sitting on the hull. OK to peddle a mile, but maybe not if you are faced with hours.
I saw some paddle powered craft getting ready for that race, I don't think they stand a chance against sail.
Are you planning on the Inside Passage through Hecate Strait, or the constant wind, (but rougher water) outside the Charlottes?
Good luck.

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Wow that's some engineering there, hope it works! Sounds like you've done some sea trials already. I've lost track of the race you are preparing for. Is there a website? Will you be carrying a tracking device we can watch?

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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Wow that's great. As an avid bicyclist I too would rather peddle than paddle. It is great you are thinking creatively. There is no doubt that combining human power to a sailboat during a race has its advantages. In addition you can peddle perhaps from the boat dock out to where the wind is blowing even when you're not racing just for pleasure. Fantastic.

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Goodsailing

Laser-Standard Rig (Sold 6/15)
H18 (Sold 7/15)
Building 19' Tacking Outrigger
Balt-Wash Area
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What are you using for a back brace when peddling?

Yep, this is key! My first concept didn't work to well, so I'm working on others. Needs to be light, removable, and not take up much space.

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Are you planning on the Inside Passage through Hecate Strait, or the constant wind, (but rougher water) outside the Charlottes?

Depends on the weather, but have to duck in to go past a check point at Bella Bella.

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I've lost track of the race you are preparing for. Is there a website? Will you be carrying a tracking device we can watch?

Check out the website at http://www.r2ak.com
We will all have spot trackers on constantly, should be a link on website once the race starts!

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Phil W
Nacra 570
Victoria BC
www.mausails.com
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Yep, this is key! My first concept didn't work to well, so I'm working on others. Needs to be light, removable, and not take up much space.

Have you thought about a folding chair type arrangement that fits over the hull. Seat sits on hull, "legs" extend down inner/outer hull for stabilization, and a clamp from the side of the chair to the crossbeam (possibly connecting in the gap in the tramp at the corner) to keep it from sliding fore-aft?

Your pedal drive is ingenious!

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Tim
81 Hobie 16
87 Nacra 5.7
Austin, TX
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Thanks Tim, good idea. Im going to look into it.

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Phil W
Nacra 570
Victoria BC
www.mausails.com
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