I have been experimenting with tires and height in the water myself. If you have one person in my argo and simply steer sitting center of the machine it is a slow turn. If you lean left to turn left thus raising the right hand side tires out of the water slightly you can turn in half the distance. If I stand and lean heavely (I am a big guy
) you can turn in its own length.
I also found that gently rocking my machine left and right while going straight increased my speed slightly using my GPS.
So the principal seems true.
The second was reversing the direction of the front tires, the logic being I would have better traction exiting on the muddy bank, and they are traditionally the lowest in the water with the engine at the front so providing the least amount to trust in the water, BUT when I did this it had a huge effect on water speed and made turning much more difficult even when LEANING.
So bigger paddles = more speed/control even if not in the perfect location.
So I had drew out some plans of removable paddles(pinned on
) using old rubber tires for the paddles and wheel spacers but I have not had the chance to make them up!
I am hopefull that two tires will be enough and if I do make them which two will be the next question. Trial and error I suspect.
Have a Happy Canada Day all!!
