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Minnkota has a couple of new products out. There is a newer motor rated at
2-1/2 HP coupled with trim tabs and electric actuators. The site I read
said the dual motor set-up would run a standard pontoon boat at 5 knots.
I too will be using the regular Weed Wedge 2 props for now but would like
to use three or four bladed props as an upgrade later on the two rear thrusters.
They have 3/16" thick stainless prop rings on them now, acting as kelp guards
and rudders. I think I could fiberglass a Kort nozzle shape onto the SS rings so
adding multi blade props could add more "push". My side thrusters will need to
keep the "Weed Choppers" as they have no guard rings.
I was thinking it might be possible to fabricate some props from FRP.
Balance would be an issue and longevity too as the FRP is soft making it wear
quickly. For sure you couldn't run into anything with them.
Could it be possible to buy aluminum props without the hole and machine the
correct size hole for a Minnkota shaft ?
Another thought is to fabricate a new replacement end section that
fits a Minnkota with a magnetic coupling so no pressure compensation would be
needed. Bolt it on in place of the factory end section.
The overall diameter would need to be larger than the Minnkota housing to
accommodate the mag coupling but if the shaft was extended a few inches a taper
could be used to clear the area directly in front of the prop.
I mentioned this to my machinist son-in-law and he said he would be glad to
make something if I could draw it up. ( maybe later )
I know Minnkota spent a lot of expertise designing their props for the
motor but I wonder if having it designed for chopping weeds has reduced it's
thrust output.
True, I don't know shit about props, but there may be room for improvement
here.
I finished the drop weight/carriage yesterday, except for some tabs to
attach the lead bricks and a little finish polishing. It's freakin' heavy
already. It has 6 steel rollers rated at 1500 LBS. each and two smaller
rollers so the sub will "teeter" on the main rollers. Should make it easier to
move the sub around on the shop floor and will be used when loading/unloading on
the trailer. Once installed, the sub will be MOBILE !
One step closer to Florida !!!
Frank D.
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