We have all been waiting patiently for someone to give some feedback on TI’s with the bixby waterjet. I suspect the Bixby may be a little too small for such a large boat like the TI. However it may be possible to install twin bixby waterjets on a larger boat, however doing so would likely require re-propping the propellors to a higher pitch. I strongly doubt Bixby, (or anyone else for that matter) would ever do that, so you would have to design and build your own props, ( which is rather complex and difficult). Props work like a nut on a threaded shaft, the speed is fixed to the rpm, and hp requirement is tied to the prop diameter and water resistance.
The only viable mounting option would be the universal kayak mount, ( they show one mounted on a pro angler on their website pics), looks similar to the Torqeedo ball mount, in my case I would have one mounted on each side of the boat. I would never mount anything on the rudder, or place in the mirage drive slots under any circumstances.
They do have expected performance specs for a TI on their website now. 4.5mph speed for an hour would be un-acceptable for me for offshore use, (would be deadly for us). However this information is enough for me to determine the power requirements, and I now know exactly what needs to be done to successfully switch out my Honda Hybrid motors for bixby’s. (Note: the power output of my current hybrid Honda’s is 3/4hp ea, the excess hp capability is unused, but still available for emergency use). Current fuel consumption is 60-80 mpg, (depending a little on actual wind speed). Cost me about a buck on fuel average most times I went out.
Since I already own the Honda’s I would likely keep the Honda’s mounted, but just tilted up, ( unused), and add twin bixby’s behind the Honda’s on swing up ball mounts so during development, I can run either gas or electric with my tri-power system. According to their website the entire system weighs around ten lbs, adding 20 lbs additional weight, (two bixby’s) in the scheme of things on such a large boat like the TI means nothing, (our boats weight capacity was around 800 lbs, (our TI and hull were pretty heavily modified, (fyi)). Hopefully someone will figure a way to power/charge the system with solar panels. Obviously the simplest solution would be panels running a 110vac inverter, then using the 110vac chargers, (that I assume come with the unit) to recharge an extra pair of batteries while using the first pair, (all in a waterproof box of course). I think my power requirements will be around 150 watts per motor, a pair of 150 watt panels (300 watts total) might be able to power the whole works. If I can get 8hrs of continous day time operation, ( on a sunny florida day, regardless of actual wind speed and direction) at an 8mph cruise speed with my tri-power setup I would be happy. Not quite as capable as my old hybrid gas system, but it would do. If this plays out mathematically I may buy another TI and get started on development, ( would likely take a couple years of development), It may end up being something I would actually use.
I’m now retired, and there is no chance that I could afford any of this, and there would be no chance of Hobie or Bixby supplying me with any of this stuff, so the whole experience will likely remain just a fond memory for me, I know exactly what to do, how to design and build it all. But lets be honest here there is zero desire out there for a car toppable tri-power complex offshore capable sailboat that cruises at 8-10 mph regardless of actual wind conditions with near unlimited range for around $10k. Which is strange because a Windrider 17 costs $10k, and the WETA costs around $13k, neither can be car topped, or even close capability wise, especially in 3-5mph winds. Oh well I can’t say it wasn’t fun for me, lots of fun memories. FE
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