I've built several rescue boats over the years. I'm currently using a John Deere farm implement called the "Rescue Rigger".
IMG_0798.jpg
I designed it using a geared Speed 400 motor spinning a large and super-flat pitch 3-plade prop through an old Graupner steerable outdrive. It was designed to be easily disassembled and stored in one of my cases.
DSCN1733.JPG
DSCN1728.JPG
If you watch this video, you can see some of the issues with "pusher" type rescue boats.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dso00zhhAM
You have to be perfectly aligned with the victim, otherwise steering is an issue. It's also hard to see at a distance if you are properly aligned.
Were I to build another rescue boat, I wouldn't build a boat at all. Instead, I'd build a floating "Trailer" in the basic shape of the letter "T" with serifs. The upright of the "T" would be a long and elevated (to be above the victim) tongue that would attach to any old boat you have lying around. The crossbar of the "T" would be really wide, probably made of PVC pipe/pool noodles, with the underwater catchers similar to those on the John Deere. To rescue a victim, pull the rescue boat alongside it, then pull past the victim and turn into it. The victim is snagged in the crossbar of the "T" and can easily PULLED back to shore.
Last edited by Dr. Jet; 09-30-2021 at 04:54 PM.
Reason: Fix Typos
A nation of sheep breeds a government of wolves
Bookmarks