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[Underpressure]

I have just bought a freelance model cabin cruiser which is very 1950's in it's style. When I saw the design I decided it would be ideal for steam, but at the time I thought it was 40" long. It turned out to be 34" long with a 10 1/2" beam, so instead of installing my Cheddar Gemini I decided to fit my Pintail instead. I don't have an appropriate boiler available, so I am going to give Maccsteam a try, along with a gas tank.

I'm going to go with the 3.5" boiler, as it will easily fit in the boat and will give more than enough capacity, the item I am pondering over is the gas tank. Is the 2" tank up to the job? Or would I be better with the 2.5" unit.

There's not enough room for a disposable tank, so it has to be a refillable.

I know I can ask Maccsteam the same question, but I'm sitting here this evening, with tape measure in hand, pondering what will fit where.

Neil

[gondolier88]

What size prop are you going to turn?

Sound like a fair displacement, I would go for 2.5" if you can fit it in.

Greg

[Reg Hinnant]

I was wondering the same & tried to work it out with the gas tank size & gas usage from the tables on Forrest Classics Bix tank page here http://www.forest-classics.co.uk/Catalogue/BIX-Gas-Tanks-Large.pdf
Then Mike at Maccsteam burst my bubble on the 2" tank. "You will only get around 20 minutes run time from a 2” tank. If you want an hour you would be better running direct from the canister."
Interested in knowing what you figure/find out.

[KBIO]

Good evning!
If I can say something you know already, , I would say that the gas tank volume depends on the jet size , wich depends on the boiler volume, wich depends on the engne cc's & rev/min, wich depends on the prop size , which depends on the boat's hull size & shape.
And then you tell me! This guy's crazy, because it does not help! Right!
But I would say that McSteam will know exactly what size tank you need as it will fit the apropriate boiler and that,  for safety, you should run out of gas, before your water level is too low. Just above "fire pipe".
I don't know if I am of any help on this one!
Regards!

[Underpressure]

Greg, I can just about squeeze a 45mm prop in. I would prefer something larger, but the boat is built and it would be very difficult to get more clearance.

ReggieH, that's in interesting comment from Mike. I don't usually run for any more than 30ish minutes, so the larger tank might just suit. I'll have another look at running a canister, but I can't see it somehow.

KBIO, you're right, it IS better to run out of gas before water and of course you are also right about revs / prop size etc, I'm just after peoples gut feeling or previous experience.

Neil

[HS93 (RIP)]

the  Pintail is good engine and will mot use that much steam, so depending on the size of the boiler for run time,are Mate John always wanted the gas to run out before the water and his oilers would need filling at about the same time, if you are fitting any type of top up pump go for the bigger tank, also the bigger tank also means you don't have to fight to get the last drop in just time the run.

when do we get pictures.

Peter

[Underpressure]

when do we get pictures.

Peter

I'll take some tomorrow. Been too busy with the tape measure and trying to work out where it will all fit.

Neil

[HS93 (RIP)]

Thanks Neil , I like to see steam boats with cabins it takes me back to when I fist saw steam boats and the type of boat that was sailed, very few if any tugs or open boats.on the gas tank you can always use a bigger tank in another project and you would kick yourself if it was to small.

peter

[Underpressure]

Thanks Neil , I like to see steam boats with cabins it takes me back to when I fist saw steam boats and the type of boat that was sailed, very few if any tugs or open boats.on the gas tank you can always use a bigger tank in another project and you would kick yourself if it was to small.

peter

I've been after a cabin cruiser for a little while, for exactly the same reason. There were a couple of original 1950's / 60's bigger cruisers on ebay recently, unfortunately they were pick up only and a fair old way from me, but it sparked my interest again. I still fancy finding a bigger boat for the Gemini as I think it would be fun to have a steam boat that could really get up on the plane, even for a short burst.

Pics to follow.

Neil

[Reg Hinnant]

Good luck on your project Neil and thanks to everyone that replied. They all helped

[Underpressure]

Pictures

[Bernhard]

Hi...it is a nice Boat..........bot to me it look more to be a motor boat  something, to use a el motor in?....

Regards Bernhard

[Underpressure]

You're right Bernhard, it is a 'motor boat', but back in the 1940's and 50's cabin cruisers were often powered by steam engines with a short funnel emerging from the superstructure and so I thought it would be nice to recreate that look, although I am going to try and get the funnel to emerge through the roof light, that way I only need to install the funnel when running.

Neil

[KBIO]

Good evening!
I Like this old fashion boat, just the white paint which will tough to keep clean!
But easy to clean, so......
It will be nice to see it sailing!
Regards!

[gondolier88]

Still a few around;

[Underpressure]

Ha ha, fantastic  

See the link below. Not exactly what I am talking about, but close.

Oh, and I would love to find one of those original straight runners, some of them are really nice looking boats and would make excellent open launches.


Linky:  http://www.heatonmodelboats.co.uk/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=10&pos=0

[bbjs]

Hi !

I guess it's something like this you're after:



This was bought at a local UK garage sale last year and originally equipped with a Stuart D10 and a Basset Lowke boiler.
Dual props driven through a home made gearbox. My guess is from late 40s - early 50s.

The buyer was converting it to electric for his grandchildren to use so I bought the engine setup for a decent price.

Cheers, Bjorn

[Underpressure]

That's the sort of things that is next on my shopping list.   

[HS93 (RIP)]

That will go nice , just make the blue a bit lighter are you going vertical or horizontal for boiler. I was looking at that style of boat when I got the Proteus so it could dash around the lake.

Peter

[Underpressure]

That will go nice , just make the blue a bit lighter are you going vertical or horizontal for boiler. I was looking at that style of boat when I got the Proteus so it could dash around the lake.

Peter

I'm going with a horizontal boiler mounted inside the cabin. With luck, I will be able to direct the funnel out of the skylight.

Neil

[gamma]

I'm going with a horizontal boiler mounted inside the cabin. With luck, I will be able to direct the funnel out of the skylight.

Neil

i see some problems with the weight, totally in the front part of the boat, to balance it will require a lot of weight in the stern...will you keep an acceptable water line?

[Underpressure]

i see some problems with the weight, totally in the front part of the boat, to balance it will require a lot of weight in the stern...will you keep an acceptable water line?

The boats pretty beamy and there's plenty of room under the deck for a little ballast. I really won't know until I get the boiler and gas tank here, so I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Neil