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[Jumper]

Hi guys and gals,

Has anyone played with/ built an azipod type propulsion system - any info would be gratefully accepted.

Cheers

Jumper

[GG]

Jumper,
          Played with the idea of Azipods and other means of providing "vectored thrust" to an RC model boat.  In the end the Azipod was not pursued as making the unit watertight yet easy to access the motor for maintenance did not have any simple (limited workshop) solutions.  I could have gone down a "disposable" route, but that offended all my Engineer instincts.
The final idea was a combination of Shottle and Pleuger (Active) Rudder units.  Very cheap and easy to make, driven by a mild 540 motor and currently driving a 22 inch 8.5 lb model based on a small harbour tug/workboat. After several hours of use it has shown no problems (yes I am amazed too!) with excellent maneuverability.  So far I've limited the rudder throw to 45 degrees either way but this is enough to get the model rotating about a point close to the bows.  Plans and details have just been dispatched to "Model Boats".
GlynnG

[nemesis]

Hi, Bowater vessels had Pleuger rudders, that is the one that incorporated an electric motor in
the rudder with a little prop on the end, if you can not keep the water out of the azipod unit
how do you succeed with a Pleuger?
                                               Nemesis

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

CornelP is building a prototype... 

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1091137

[Martin (Admin)]

.....  Plans and details have just been dispatched to "Model Boats".
GlynnG

     

[Klunk]

If you want a boat look at this link!!!!

http://www.polarcus.com/pages/home/our_services/our_fleet

[GG]

nemesis,
     The clue is in the wording;
quote "The final idea was a combinationof Shottle and Pleuger (Active) rudders" unquote
Propeller on the rudder (Pleuger) with the motor inside the hull (Shottle).
Out sailing with it today, still no problems and it even had the opportunity to rescue another model.
GlynnG[/img]

[GG]

Thought a picture of the model might be worthwhile.  It's not a great "looker" but built to test out the idea and survive any accidents.
Lots of "lumber" used in the hull, thank heaven for powertools!
The underwater shape is awful but it's designed to push/pull things rather than speed.
GlynnG

[Jumper]

Hi all,

Thanks to everbody who pitched in, I appreciate it.

Umi, I saw the CornelP prototype - and it does look good.  Will watch his thread and see if he posts anymore.

Again, tks for the feedback folks.

Jumper

[UXB]

Jumper,
I saw a documentary on the QM2 the other day, the azi pods had the props at the front of the pod with the tapered body facing aft, which is the opposite way of how I would expect it to be.
This is a different ship but the same arrangement.

[Colin Bishop]

Apparently it is more hydrodynamically efficient that way round.

Colin

[Martin (Admin)]

  The propeller blades are able cut in to unturbulent... inturbulent ........ nonturbulent warer?!?

[Peter Fitness]

  Blades are able cut in to unturbulent... inturbulent ........ nonturbulent warer?!?

Calm, Martin????? 

Peter.