The Steamboating Forum

Friends:
Well, Steam Thistle Cluaran went into the waters of the Columbia River this morning, in the "almost" protected breakwater of the Hood River Marina!!

Aside from way too much wind for a First Test, and the rudder deciding to jam due to the pintle and gudgeons being machined too tight...
The cold water shrank the reamed holes in the gudgeons just enough to bind on the steering pintle shaft. Not my machining work, and I will correct it.
Beat on them...
We made it safely back to the dock and proved this little steam launch should work as intended.

We look forward to the next water test when we can better steer the boat! And a calmer day.
Pics show my neighbors assisting.

I'm delighted and tired. And happy to report success.
RussN

I see those two photos are not correctly oriented. Sorry. They appear correct on my computer...
For those on you in Australia, the second photo should be just right...
RussN

Lovely Boat

Nice work, much happy steaming ahead.

Yes indeed, a lovely boat. However, I had not realised how huge it is. To be able to have a full sized park bench at the stern and then a long march to the engine room area. Wow!

Pete

PeteThePen1 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 23, 2020 8:27 pm

Yes indeed, a lovely boat. However, I had not realised how huge it is. To be able to have a full sized park bench at the stern and then a long march to the engine room area. Wow!

Pete

Yes, Thistle hulls are not tiny:
17 feet long by 6 feet wide, with a flat bottom planing hull.
And our boat moved along nicely.
Looking forward to further testing, in lower winds...
RussN

One of my loyal dock hands sent me a nice picture as we steam away.
'Hope it posts in the correct orientation...
RussN

I am happy to report that yesterday's Steam Trials #2 went perfectly!
We steamed around the inner harbor of the Hood River Marina, on the Columbia River, for a good hour.
That was sufficient time to let the power plant reach an equilibrium of efficiency. The condenser gauge was indicating 11 inches Hg vacuum, better than expected.
Was eventually able to maintain 100 psi boiler pressure at full throttle, with 4 people aboard Cluaran.
And I continue learning how the oil fire needs to be managed.

So: No problems, medium stress as the new operator, and much pleasure experienced.
And she scoots along nicely. Very stable, and tracks well, with noticeable side slip when turning sharply. Expected with her planing hull...

We now have an operational steam launch!!
And no pictures yet received from my Friends participating in the adventure.
I will share those when received.
RussN

Sounds like a good day!