electric canoe
 

well I have an ancient aluminum squareback canoe, got an old trolling motor (12v) today and am going to experiment with RC props an streamlining and pwm control to find the farthest range for a given load using battery watts vs gps speed. I had it in my head to measure force vs speed vs load in the canoe with a tow and a spring scale, then experiment in a kiddie pool, measuring force and water speed and watts (and a board to vary the speed of water around the pool), but props are like $4, so grabbing a bunch and going to the lake seems the easiest :)


This person claimed %88 more range at the same speed with an rc prop and a bit of streamlining, pretty darn cool if you ask me. But you do give up any pretense of weedlessness. I recognize the "nosecone" as RC as well.
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/att...tor-ry-480.jpg

Actually I could use some help identifying the motor, 12v, 5 speeds in handle, reversing switch. I know it is pretty inefficient to begin with, but the price was right. Would like to rebuild it before starting, especially the shaft seal. here is the motor, let me know if you recognize it:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b...0/DSCN3453.JPG

EDIT: found it, a minn kota 65A S/N 05044

Oh, and steer/throttle by wire would be nice.

& if you spray the boat with Never Wet you reduce water drag friction :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZrjXSsfxMQ

careful, someone might believe you :) boat went slower after neverwet in this test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyCoPG9ByOw

Hmm,maybe if I spray just the stern with neverwet... ;)