It looks to me that on the late 1800s craft, the frames of the upper round ball floats allow them to swing down even with the main propulsion balls. The ridges on them would then be vertical, like the main balls have and act like keels. The peddler would only get his shoes and lower pants legs wet, if it worked. Interesting machine!
I think you’re right—they swing down, lock in place and the whole thing becomes a sort of un-streamlined trimaran, with round-ball outriggers. Interesting, but still awfully slow looking.
It appears that SeaCycle is alive and well in Canada (www.seacycle-canada.com), but it does not appear they sell the drive separately anymore. Brian from Cape Falcon Kayaks in Portland, OR has been testing the Hobie MirageDrive in one of his skin-on-frame canoe designs and has been posting the results on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjjZsJyLBFo
Drew - Thanks for the link. Bob Miller consulted quite a bit with Cape Falcon regarding installation of the Mirage Drive, often saying how helpful Brian was.
Drew - Just one more detail on the $935 cost: While I asked the Canadian Sea-Cycle retailer about availability of separate drive units, the response came from the main company in the U.S., so those the $935 is (for sure) in U.S. dollars and the unit would be shipped from the Midwest.
Cool examples of alternate propulsion in a boat. I want a replacement for my sailboat's outboard that could expland on the idea of the ebike...need a cable drive system like a weed whacker and a moveable pedal system to hang around in the cockpit...hmmm.
It looks to me that on the late 1800s craft, the frames of the upper round ball floats allow them to swing down even with the main propulsion balls. The ridges on them would then be vertical, like the main balls have and act like keels. The peddler would only get his shoes and lower pants legs wet, if it worked. Interesting machine!
I think you’re right—they swing down, lock in place and the whole thing becomes a sort of un-streamlined trimaran, with round-ball outriggers. Interesting, but still awfully slow looking.
Waterlust Sailing Canoe! Wish we could add photos to our comments.
It appears that SeaCycle is alive and well in Canada (www.seacycle-canada.com), but it does not appear they sell the drive separately anymore. Brian from Cape Falcon Kayaks in Portland, OR has been testing the Hobie MirageDrive in one of his skin-on-frame canoe designs and has been posting the results on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjjZsJyLBFo
Drew - Thanks for the link. Bob Miller consulted quite a bit with Cape Falcon regarding installation of the Mirage Drive, often saying how helpful Brian was.
Drew - I emailed the Canadians earlier today and got a response: They WILL sell the Sea-Cycle drive units separately, but the cost is $935.
Ouch! That's on par with the Mirage Drive, but twice what a pair of new Shaw & Tenney oars would run.
Drew - Just one more detail on the $935 cost: While I asked the Canadian Sea-Cycle retailer about availability of separate drive units, the response came from the main company in the U.S., so those the $935 is (for sure) in U.S. dollars and the unit would be shipped from the Midwest.
Thanks Marty…like throwing water on a drowning man with a severe case of “Boat Virus”….I want one!!
Thanks for the great education , and, appreciation of the paddleboat😊
Cool examples of alternate propulsion in a boat. I want a replacement for my sailboat's outboard that could expland on the idea of the ebike...need a cable drive system like a weed whacker and a moveable pedal system to hang around in the cockpit...hmmm.
Yes, that was Lee—a great guy and friend back in the Wooden Boat Shop days. I’m very sorry to hear he’s no longer with us, Rusty.