Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
A Light-Weight, Two-Horsepower Motor Installed in a Stanch 18-Foot Canoe will Increase the Range and Utility of Such a Craft; the Construction Shown Is Simple and within the Capabilities of a Careful Novice of Fair Mechanical Skill. A View of the Stern from Above is Shown in Fig. 1. The Engine is Shown Mounted on the Engine Bed, and near the Stern the Shaft Block is Shown. A Partial Sectional View is Shown in Fig. 2. The Relation of the Engine and Bed, Shaft and Fittings, Shaft Block, Shaft Log, and Rudder are Shown. The Construction Diagram, Fig. 3, is Described in Detail in the Text. A Larger-Scale View and a Section of the Shaft Block are Indicated in Fig. 4, and Fig. 5 Illustrates the Engine Bed with Dimensions and Fastening Holes
A detail of the shaft bearing R is shown in [Fig. 4]. The hole to receive the shaft must be bored accurately, and the use of the template, as with the boring of the shaft log, is advisable. Flanged metal bearings are provided to take up the wear in the bearing block. The method of fastening the block, as shown in the detail view, insures a rigid bearing with a minimum of holes through the bottom of the canoe. A U-bolt, T, binds the double angle brace U and the block firmly to the keel. The angles of the brace are fixed into the sides of the canoe with bolts, and a bolt at the stern end of the block supports it further. The block should be placed so that it will bear on three ribs and must be fitted to the curve of the canoe.
The rudder is made of sheet metal supported on a rod or pipe. Its general dimensions are shown in [Fig. 2]. The fan of the rudder is riveted to its supports and rests in a bearing strip of ¹⁄₄ by 1-in. strap iron, which is shaped as a guard for the propeller. The upper bearing of the rudder post is formed from a strip of iron, bolted to the stern, and the upper guide bar, to which the ropes are attached, is cut from an iron strip.
The propeller is 8 in. in diameter, but may be installed of a size suitable to the power, speed, and type of the motor used. The stuffing box V, [Fig. 2], the bearings for the bearing block R, the intake strainer W, the exhaust outlet X, [Fig. 1], and the shaft coupling Y are all of manufactured types that may be purchased of marine-supply houses.
The intake strainer W is placed in the bottom directly below the pump Z. The exhaust outlet X is placed above the water line, and a muffler should be installed to avoid noise from the exhaust explosions. The exhaust may be conducted under water or to a point near the stern. No indication is given for the placing of the gasoline tank, the supply pipes, electrical-energy source, and wiring. The tank may be placed in the stern of the canoe high enough to provide a good flow. A magneto may be used to give current for the sparking circuit, or batteries may be provided. They may be placed at any point convenient, and should be incased in a waterproof container.