Andy, I'm impressed by the flexible shaft idea, but it probably only works aesthetically on a big modern engine such as the Graupner unit represents, but thanks for the assurances about power. If I could get one second hand I'd definately grab it. £200 for my toys wouldn't go down well with my dear bride. She hates shopping and I like to make stuff. We're the original Mr. and Mrs. Tightwad, but these days have little choice, I'm afraid.
Johnno, equally impressed by your making your own outboards.
I was hunting bevel gears on the net and found some reasonably small acetyl/Delrin ones, but they'd still make a big bump in the leg. I couldn't find any metal ones at all that would even come close in diameter.
I suppose with the right bearings, i.e. a thrust bearing on the prop side of the gear shaft it should be OK. I wonder, though, how tight a turn the flexi could make before becoming innefficient or unreliable.
The choice between the two methods must be made first, of course, then I have to see how to camouflage a modern motor, be it brushless or brushed under the bits and bobs of a model Elto 4-60 or similar. I imagine the brushless would be smaller for any given power.
If this all works, then I will definately do a model Soriano Six. That would be a bit of a mission. Flat six, supercharged, tandem prop. outboard. OH!!! Nursey, nursey!!
On the back of a Jacoby Flyaway hull, that would be suicide!
Regards,
Vintagent