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Wainui · 02-12-2010, 10:43

I have been working at the LA Auto Show so was checking out the new technology for Hybrids. Jaguar had a concept car called the CX75 which used a battery pack to drive 4 electric motors, but to generate the extra power required to power the car up to 225 MPH and zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds they had 2 gas turbines which were 15" long and 8" in Dia. These miniture Jet engines each produced 75KW and turned a generator using compressed air. This resulted in 640 brake horsepower at the wheels. The range of the car was 500 miles. I am not sure if a Jet powered generator is suitable for cruising but it would make the dock conversations interesting!
Mark

lowride14 · 02-12-2010, 11:14

lol, that sounds pretty cool, sure beats the ol' bicycle and an alternator or three

Astrid · 02-12-2010, 11:16

You would have to find out some means of handling the extremely high temperature and velocity exhaust gases. It seems a bit impractical for the average yacht though when there are less complicated and ecologically friendlier means of generating power (wind, solar, water, etc.). Then again, if you had a huge mega yacht, perhaps it would not be so bad an idea.

daddle · 02-12-2010, 11:57

Micro turbines. Google it. Someday that's what we'll use, maybe.

simonmd · 02-12-2010, 12:09

Brings a new meaning to the term 'jet boat', so much for the piece and quiet of sailing!

senormechanico · 02-12-2010, 12:39

I can see it now. Hit the microwave button in the galley, the jet powered genset ramps up to supply all that electricity, the thrust of the exhaust causes the anchor to drag and the boat goes aground, a total loss...

cfarrar · 02-12-2010, 12:44

Cool! Light the afterburners and roast weiners off the fantail as you accelerate through hull speed.

**bstreep** · 02-12-2010, 12:51

There used to be turbine powered Corvette in Houston that, when we lived there, I'd see occasionally in rush hour traffic. You really don't want to be behind one!

SoonerSailor · 03-12-2010, 06:43

Turbines put out a lot of power for their weight and size, and are very reliable, but they are very noisy (hard to muffle without big fuel penalty) and are fuel inefficient compared to our reciprocating engines. Still, it would be fun to have....

witzgall · 03-12-2010, 06:51

Forget the Magegor 26x. Introducing the Magegor 52x, with dual tubrines. High speed powerboat, or sailboat, the choice is yours....

Mainebristol · 03-12-2010, 07:42

I fly for a living. Most larger jets have what we call an APU, or alternate power unit. They produce lots of power for their size and weight. They also scream like a frick'n banshee. I have to put up with this at work, but if someone fired up one of those little monsters in a harbor, everybody would quickly break out the funnelators, and the occupants of the offending boat would never be invited over for rum and tonics ever again. Ever.