The Steamboating Forum

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. So, if I understand you, my wood consumption is not excessive. One thing about my boat is that I have never obtained 6mph. I believe my prop is not ideal (12x15) so I am thinking of making a prop this winter, maybe 12x20 with narrow blades. I beli...

Also has a feed water heater

Fire tube boiler, all copper, stainless superheater in the firebox, about 9 sq ft heating surface, condensing , engine is 2 1/4 bore by 3 inch stroke . Running about 300 -400 rpm and 3-4 mph

My boat is 16 ft and weighs about 900LBs loaded. I am using 4 1/2 lbs of dry maple per mile. My boiler is run with an electric blower in the firebox. Is that what you would expect for wood consumption?

My engine is 2 1/4 by 3 and runs at 100psi max. My pump is single acting and is 5/8 bore with a 1 1/4 stroke. The pump runs at 1/4 engine speed.

PXL_20230513_190006217 (1).jpg Second year with my boat. It is Assassin by Wes Farmer-16 ft. At 50-60psi it run along fine at 4mph. Increasing psi and throttle I still only get 4mph. Three possible reasons I can think of. My prop is 12x15 so that may be the problem but would I not see some speed in...

I guess I will skip the temp gauge and listen for groaning. Is the groaning sound like a squeak or is it more lower pitched.

PXL_20240209_145750031.jpg In the Steamboats and Modern steam launches from March-April 1962 there is an article that says that 100 degrees of superheat is in effect saturated steam and up to 250 degrees of superheat you may not need cylinder lubrication. At 90psi we have 330 degrees so less than 5...

I also bought one of those 3 tined tools but got a plastic one to lessin the damage to the hull.

Will need a vent and sight glass (plastic).