Vintage Gentleman’s Cruiser

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

So much the better?

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Even though you have introduced many superb weight saving features into your version your boat will still have to be ballasted to reach the correct water level.

The original design calls for a draft of 115mm, which might sound deep but only allows for 15mm of draft cover at the transom.

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Paul

With four motor drives, two prop shafts and four batteries and all the pulleys and junk…. I don't know why the weight is so comparatively light?

But it feels heavy enough to sink down to the correct water level, without any trouble

Only the pool test can settle this fascinating conundrum?

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Its doing my head in, all this supposing!

Gareth, nice shot, and on quite a low power considering the weight. It is not a fast hull of course and the power installed looks to be spot on. More power I am sure would simply give a massive bow wave and start to pull the stern underwater.

DM is right in posting the 800 specs and pointing out the relative lack of power, but how much power do we actually need to trot along at a "gentlemans" pace?? the answer I am sure is, not an awful lot.

The 800`s were mentioned purely to provide a perspective on the fearsome currents being bandied about and the difficulties in containing so much smoke in the wires without overheating (or whatever). The 800s will cut the amperage down, and for my money, will provide a sedate pace so as not to upset the tea and scones (note th E in scone, for those who have difficulty in pronouncing this word). They are a straight swap, the reason for the suggstion.

I am not suggesting Bob fits them, I am just thinking aloud round the issue.

Just as an aside, an electric push bike needs 200-250 watts to maintain a decent travelling pace on the flat, or thereabouts…

Ashley

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I've been worrying that the Paddling Pool would spoil the lawn…….if left for more than a few days!…..It sure would!

Lady Joyce would be giving me a right earful!……Yep…..Sure would!

Then I saw the ideal spot!……No!…….Yep!…….Sure did

The old Observatory base!……..Perfect!…………and it can stay there for several weeks, while we conduct our tests

Just thought you may have been concerned too?……Yep……Never gave it a thought, old chap

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Captain Bob

Several weeks whilst you conduct tests….is this a government contract? if so where do I submit my fees.

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Paul

Had the pool been sighted on the lawn, the tests would have to be carried out ASAP, but as it's on the concrete, there's no urgency at all

You could even call round and get involved?

Gave the hull a coat of varnish, inside and out yesterday

Also, the hull without batteries or superstructure only weighs……21lb……Surprising?

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Bob

Also, the hull without batteries or superstructure only weighs……21lb……Surprising?

Yes it is surprising but not unexpected as you have introduced lots of weight saving features into your construction.

Paul

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Progress update

Still waiting for the pool to arrive

In the meantime, having a relaxing time, making more window frames and tinkering at my liesure

All in good time

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Bob you need a gramaphone on the cabin table and an MP3 player playing music underneath it.

Would sound great going round the pond.

Ashley

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

That`s a novel idea, Ashley……The type with the big horn?

Taped music is ok in small doses though

Will bear that in mind

Bob

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Ashley / Bob

Period music sounds like a great idea, "Jolly boating weather"

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I really must get some sounds in the TITANIC.

Gargling perhaps.

Ashley

[Ralph PinchParticipant @ralphpinch41762]

Should try playing Frank Sinatra "somewhere beyond the sea" as you meander around the pond sedately! nothing better than a bit of swing as your cruising.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Thanks Ralph…..There's plenty of suitable songs….

We are Sailing

Columbus song

Hearts of Oak

Sailing down the River

All in good time…….No, that's not a song

Bob

[Ralph PinchParticipant @ralphpinch41762]

hows about " the trumpet hornpipe" now that brings back memories!

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

How about……"Cruising down the River"….?

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Bridge over troubled waters might be more appropriate.

[Ralph PinchParticipant @ralphpinch41762]

This could go on and on and on.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

This could go on and on and on

It's page 140 already………….

DM

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Yes its amazing how far waffle can go………..perhaps a new forum record of waffle whilst Bob summons the courage to put the beast in the water.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Good news!……..The Testing Facility has just arrived!……….The Pool

Bad news…….I'm not quite ready this morning………Got some varnished items to dry……And a novel feature to show off……Shortly

Maybe tomorrow, when my trusty assistant is available…….Duckie of course!

Sorry to be such a tease

Bob

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

I reckon by around page 273, when he's increased the weight by adding a record player, MP3 player, amplifier, speaker, ornamental flower boxes with their own automatic watering system, working galley with kettle and oven, running hot and cold water, twin flushing toilets (two heads are better than one….), solar panels and wind turbine, fully stocked bar and curtains which open and close automatically with the light level. All he'll need then is to decide which speed controllers and batteries he's going to fit (I have my guess written down and sealed in an envelope); recruit a gang of navvies to wheel it into the water – and then a team of divers to bring it up again.
The only difference between Bob's model's launching and a Corporation bus is that the bus will eventually come along……………..

Dave M (Agent provocateur)

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Keep all these ideas coming, Dave

You may even come up with a good one, eventually!

Bob is not amused

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

How`s this for a jolly idea?

Pictures of members who have contributed to the well being of the VGC build!

Got plenty of wall space in the engine room

And in the Toilet too!

Bob

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