Question: Why human powered paddle boats don't use propellers instead of paddles ?

(Posted by: Rox Tarr on 2010-09-06 02:18:11)

What is the advantage of using paddles instead of propellers ? Are there any boats with caterpillar propulsion in use today ? How does caterpillar (endless chain of paddles) drive compare to propeller ?

Posted by: Richard C on 2010-09-06, 04:10:34

At the very low speeds that the peddles turn, the wetted surface of simple paddles exert the most force with the least "slippage " (cavitation) , so the boat moves with the least loss of effort. I don't know of any "caterpillar boats, but plenty of snowmobiles use them.

Posted by: rick29148 on 2010-09-06, 02:32:54

Paddles are simpler. A prop would require a gear box with a speed reducer. A caterpillar track paddle loses a lot of power to friction & weights more, also.