Mirage drives in custom hull /video

I couldn't resist one of those new cheap waterproof HD video cameras. What a great way to record your pedaling. Everyone who sees the video comments on how little effort it takes to glide along.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ5qZhc8URY[/youtube]

Mack, is this boat #3? It looks great -- nicely balanced,and hardly a wake! I'm a big fan of your custom Mirage Drive boats.

Have you got any specs or performance info on it? Did you incorporate the PA rudder? Have you and Kilowatt Jack had it out for a run yet?

RR, this is the first boat. I haven't mounted the camera on the 2nd one yet. I was hesitant to drill mounting holes in this one:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/67547626@N00/5025867206/

Both boats now have the Hobie Twist-n-Stow with the big blade.... what a difference! It's like power steering and less expensive than the sea kayak rudder.


The 3rd boat is being built much lighter and the pedalers will face each other.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/67547626@N00/5412456485

cheers, Mack

Very interesting how you are handling the hull stern section. Has boat #2 demonstrated that the reduction in stern wake overcomes any increased skin friction and weight penalty, or is it mainly for the stability? It looks somewhat similar to some of the more recent offshore sailing designs -- very cool!

Be sure to keep us posted on your progress!

Mack,
That Wood strip Boat is Beautiful!!...I like the concept a lot, very nice work....I wish it was in the states, I'd like to buy it one day

Keep us posted on your work.



Can't wait for Summer again,
Mark in Lafayette, La. .....Pensacola in the Summer

Boat #2 is pretty and strong but over 20lb heaver. I haven't reduced the openings at the bottom of the wells yet so there is considerable turbulence. I was suprised.

Seating is higher in boat #2 which makes it feel less stable. These issues are addressed in boat #3. Boat #2 has a smaller turning radus than #1 for what that's worth.

I'll have video of the stern of boat #2 in the next couple of weeks. I'm curious to know what's going on back there too.

Cheers, Mack

I mounted the cam off the back of boat #2. It's a point of view you don't see very often. I can now say that the stern reduces wake, doesn't squat and leave clean water flow.

Smooth water appears behind the stern after the first couple of stroke of the Turbo drives.

The power of the Hobie balanced rudder is obvious. Matchstick is 19.5' and 200lbs but turns on a dime.

The fwd Bimini sways annoying in the video cause not being tightened.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVO1Uqgk2h8[/youtube]

If you are willing to sell a set of plans I'd love to get my hands on a set.

Any thoughts of marketing your design?

My canoes are pretty cool but most folks want a car toppable boat that's easy to transport. Plus, for what materials alone cost, you could buy a brand new Hobie tandem ready to go.

contact Chris Ostlind < chris(at)wedgesail.com > for Ripple plans. No plans for MatchStick, only mold dimensions.

for more info mail me: mack(at)mackhorton.com

Cheers,
Mack

Very cool, I think I'll put this on my bucket list.