Search found 172 matches

by Kelly Anderson
Tue Jun 20, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: new boat launch-propeller question
Replies: 18
Views: 14384

Re: new boat launch-propeller question

Fewer blades are more efficient in that each blade is cutting into water that is less disturbed from the passage of the previous blade. Supposedly a single bladed prop is the most efficient, but awfully hard to balance. On the other side of the scale, a two bladed propeller often needs to be a littl...
by Kelly Anderson
Mon Jun 19, 2023 7:02 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: new boat launch-propeller question
Replies: 18
Views: 14384

Re: new boat launch-propeller question

P2050004.JPG Here is a photo of Reciproca's propeller, made of free machining brass. The very small developed blade area (about 1/3 of the area of my first propeller) is a result on calculations available in Propeller Handbook . I was very doubtful as to whether it would work, so I whipped up the f...
by Kelly Anderson
Sun Jun 18, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: new boat launch-propeller question
Replies: 18
Views: 14384

Re: new boat launch-propeller question

In an edit to my post above, after rereading your first post saying that you have a Hasbrook #1 engine, and finding this video of it in operation, I'll modify my statement to say that the tunnel crosshead will allow the engine to run equally well in either direction. If it was mine, I would reset th...
by Kelly Anderson
Sun Jun 18, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: new boat launch-propeller question
Replies: 18
Views: 14384

Re: new boat launch-propeller question

That depends on the engine. Many designs have a definite forward direction built in, and that should be respected. For example, some crossheads are designed with only half the bearing area when turning counterclockwise (when viewed from astern) as they do when turning clockwise. 20230618_141720.jpg ...
by Kelly Anderson
Thu Jun 15, 2023 2:04 am
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: new boat launch-propeller question
Replies: 18
Views: 14384

Re: new boat launch-propeller question

A rule of thumb for steam launch propellers is to make the pitch 1.5 times the diameter, or 18" in your case. That may not be exactly right for your boat, but it is almost certain to be satisfactory. Do you have a pressure gauge on your engine's steam chest? That can be very helpful in determining h...
by Kelly Anderson
Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:35 pm
Forum: Rally Reports
Topic: 1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet
Replies: 3
Views: 4465

Re: 1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet

20210606_204311.jpg
Not from this year, but this is a good shot of the ABM's docks at sunset. Commercial traffic travels right past the museum on the St. Lawrence.
by Kelly Anderson
Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Rally Reports
Topic: 1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet
Replies: 3
Views: 4465

Re: 1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet

20230608_112737.jpg Here is Iron Butterfly passing Pemigewasset , westbound on the St. Lawrence River. 20230608_105059.jpg Phoenix on the same trip. 20230607_115256.jpg Here is the fleet pulled in to the docks at Canoe Point State Park on Grindstone Island, amid the smoke from the Canadian wild fir...
by Kelly Anderson
Fri Jun 09, 2023 1:44 am
Forum: Rally Reports
Topic: 1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet
Replies: 3
Views: 4465

1,000 Islands Steamboat Meet

This week, six steamboats converged on the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY to enjoy navigating the Scenic St. Lawrence River. In this photo, a seagull performs an important public service.
20230605_144135.jpg
20230605_144135.jpg (136.12 KiB) Viewed 4465 times
by Kelly Anderson
Tue May 23, 2023 12:52 am
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Preparing for the Steaming Season
Replies: 5
Views: 6664

Preparing for the Steaming Season

In addition to performing an annual hydrostatic test, I make a point of lifting the safety valve during the driveway test steam up. Another worthwhile spring ritual is to go around the engine and propeller shaft with a selection of wrenches to confirm that all of the fasteners are tight. The last it...
by Kelly Anderson
Sat May 06, 2023 11:11 pm
Forum: Technical - non Engines and Boilers
Topic: Flotation
Replies: 11
Views: 14043

Re: Flotation

Ejectors are where it's at! Jet Pump Ejectors, Bronze, 6 gpm Liquid Suction At 5 Feet of Lift https://www.mcmaster.com/4977K11 . "One small omission I just thought of. When calculating flotation, how do we rate the steam space in the boiler? Essentially the same as the same volume of air?" When the ...