When it comes to long-distance sea travel, especially in a vessel like Vaquita II, having a reliable and efficient pedal system is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The original drive train of Vaquita II, as seen in the main picture on the right, was a robust system designed to withstand the challenges on the water. This system, incorporating standard bicycle components—chains, sprockets, and a sizable 53-tooth blade—provided a generous 1:5 gear ratio. This meant that one revolution of the top blade would turn the underwater blade five times, achieving a speed of 3.5 knots in calm water. This setup was deemed adequate for the 50-60 day Atlantic crossing it was intended for. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the vessel was towed back to shore before it could be fully tested.
The quest for an improved system began when I discussed the pedal drive with an old schoolmate, Rian Conradie, during a school reunion. Rian, with his extensive experience and innovative mindset, was eager to help. He offered his assistance in developing a new, more robust gear system for Vaquita II. Thus began a journey of meticulous planning, numerous measurements, and countless emails between Rian, Ryan Boyed in Denver, and myself.
A New Era of Precision Engineering
After months of collaboration, Rian Conradie and Ryan Boyed at RX Fabrication designed and manufactured a cutting-edge, precision-machined gear system for Vaquita II. This new system represents a significant leap forward in terms of engineering and functionality. Here’s a look at the key features and innovations:
- Interchangeable Gears and Shafts: The new system allows for the easy swapping of gears and shafts, providing unparalleled flexibility and adaptability. This feature will enable us to test various configurations and optimize performance based on real-world conditions.
- Dual-Mode Operation: One of the most exciting features is the ability to switch the blade orientation. The system can be configured to operate as an aircraft propeller, cutting through the water and pulling the vessel forward, or as a traditional boat propeller, pushing the vessel from behind. This versatility could prove invaluable depending on sea conditions and operational needs.
- Precision Machining: The gear system is crafted with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring high precision and durability. This meticulous engineering will likely enhance the system’s reliability and longevity.
- Performance Testing: Our initial tests will include using a high-performance APC 20 x 10 competition propeller. The ’10’ in the propeller blade specification means that the blade will propel the vessel forward by 10 inches for every full revolution. In theory, this setup aims to cover 100 meters per minute, assuming a cadence of about 70 RPM.
Looking Ahead: Testing and Future Plans
Once the new system is installed and tested in the water, we will evaluate its performance rigorously. We plan to test different blades with varying pitches to determine their impact on the desired cadence and overall efficiency. These tests will be crucial in fine-tuning the system to meet the demanding conditions of long-distance sea travel.
I cannot express enough gratitude to Rian Conradie for his unwavering support and significant investment in the Sea-Battical around Africa Project. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this advanced gear system to life. Similarly, a huge thanks to Ryan Boyed for his role in the design and manufacturing process.
Stay tuned for future updates as we put this new system through its paces and share our findings. The journey of enhancing Vaquita II’s pedal system is a testament to innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of challenges.