Paddle wheels for an amphib

[ygmir]

I don't think diameter will matter......it's percent in and out of the water....and that all starts at the hub ......what it does, is, as soon as paddles enter the water, they create thrust......so, as they make their way around the circle, the thrust is sent out. If they enter level with the hub, they begin with upward thrust, then forward, then down as they exit.......
the up and down will be balanced, but, the forward will have to overcome the drag created by the up and down.......
the fewer directions the water/paddle/thrust have to go, the more efficiency per paddle stroke......Of course, there is a "sweet spot", figured long before us.......
Note the old paddle wheelers on the Mississippi river.......they had it figured for max efficiency......I bet there is a web page somewhere that explains it better than I can.....
All that said:
You will gain some help, but, the hassle/reward ratio seems off.......

I just don't see any AATV's floating high enough relating to hub center to help.

As someone pointed out, if a rig floats really high front or rear, maybe paddles only there would be more effective....
I think the paddle effect will tend to drag that wheel down some, but, maybe not to much......

I'd think this applies to the sand tires mentioned........and, add the fact that they'd be murderous on harder surfaces with sharp objects........

I'm leaning toward the removable paddles with adjustable float/outriggers to adjust the freeboard.......then, you'd just raise them when out of the water and remove the "easily removable" paddle attachment.........

I can't wait for work to slow down so I can get to these projects. Right after "Burning Man" this year.....I'd like to take my AATV to it........but, the thought of dozens of naked women wanting to jump on and have a ride is just to much for me.........

Henry

[yellowargo]

Here is the problem with that idea . The only " light " amphibs that I can think of off hand , are the Attex , Max II , Trail Boss , and other amphibious 6x6 made in that era . None of the machines mentioned above have the tub room to fit a tire paddle like this . [/QUOTE]


Thats where the Frontier may have the advantage, light, high horse power, lots of room for bigger tires and paddles. My machine sits quite high in the water with only two in the machine. I have plans to make removeable paddles this summer and will let everyone know of my experiences. good or bad.

Funny story, or lesson. I found out quite by accident, an open 45gal drum can get stuck on a 25inch Rawhide and the only way to get it off is to let the air out of the tire. The worst part was that I knew the drum was in the long grass but didn´t know where until I heard the "THUNK" and it was stuck on tight. On the plus side it makes a great lawn roller! May use this information for some future project!

[cory_Alaska]

Funny story, or lesson. I found out quite by accident, an open 45gal drum can get stuck on a 25inch Rawhide and the only way to get it off is to let the air out of the tire. The worst part was that I knew the drum was in the long grass but didn´t know where until I heard the "THUNK" and it was stuck on tight. On the plus side it makes a great lawn roller! May use this information for some future project!

Now thats funny! I can just picture it!