Rescue Craft - New Project

[bigdave]

I wanted to show a project I have been working on in my spare time. My local boat group needed a rescue craft that we can use at our fun runs so I volunteered to design and build one.
After a few ideas I came up with this one. I always try and stick to the KISS principal and design things as simple as I can, and I don’t think you can get much simpler than this.
I wanted a craft that would not get fouled in any weeds if that was where the boat is stuck. That meant no underwater prop or rudder to catch on anything. I also wanted good maneuverability and power to get to the boat and push her out of harms way!
I had thought of using a set of floatplane pontoons (that could still be used) and a motor and prop with steer-able air rudder. I even saw one in a magazine that some guy had build with the same idea. But I did not like the idea of the prop whirling around and the rudder to steer like a swamp boat.
I was discussing it with my best friend Don and he said, “Why don’t you use the old model helicopter floats I have for a base for the design”, and I had to agree. Then I thought of using a ducted fan jet unit for power. It is safer than a prop and I would not have to build a shroud to protect fingers and such.
Then I said wouldn’t it be cool if I could direct the thrust in any direction to move the craft around better. That’s when I thought of the sail winch servo.
I use a Hitec proportional sail winch servo with the fan unit mounted to the winch drum. I can now turn the fan and direct the thrust to any position 360 Deg.
This should give great control to maneuver and complete the rescue. I mounted the servo in the top of a Tupperware container; in which I will keep the receiver, battery and ESC dry. Simple KISS!
I only need a two-channel radio to control the craft, one for the motor speed, and one for the direction. With the pontoons I should be able to push the boat or sub from the side (not marring the finish), or run the craft into the bow or stern between the pontoons to capture and push. This is my plan anyway.
I have ordered a GWS fan unit with about 16OZ of thrust that will mount where you see the clear tube in the photos. When the fan gets here I will finish the construction and test my creation. I will report on how I make out. BD.

[bigdave]

http://www.subcommittee.com/forum/SSCN4079.JPGhttp://www.subcommittee.com/forum/SSCN4077.JPG



Edited By Bigdave on 1156980001





Edited By Bigdave on 1156980001

[Larry Kuntz]

Gee Dave, with the Tupperware

Gee Dave, with the Tupperware on floats you can serve our favorite swamp creature (AKA Paul) food!
What's on the menu, sushi......
It is a neat idea. What are you planning for a catch device?



Edited By Larry Kuntz on 1156986958

[bigdave]

I thought the Creature ate

I thought the Creature ate the plant life in the pond. It seemed much easier to navigate after he crawled out.
BTW-I am just going to try the craft itself as a catch device.
It may need some fine tuning.

[magpie]

I luv it Dave!
Simple and

I luv it Dave!
Simple and practicle. I always get dirked into pushing boats in with my yachts as they have motors as well as sails. I like my paint work the way it is, but can't refuse a fellow boaty in distress. If this works out, you may have to patent the idea mate! A kit would compress into a small pakage with the inflatable pontoons etc. Cheap postage and all! You could pack all the bits into the lunch box and wrap it in paper. Would also be a fun and safe pool toy.
Jason



Edited By magpie on 1157200606

[bigdave]

Tested the rescue craft today

Tested the rescue craft today and it works great! It will move in any direction. Lots of fun to run too.
Hopefully we will never need it, but it will be a blast to play with. Just think Paul, no more swimming. BD.