Retractable Drive

[multihullsailor6]

I have noticed that Baltic Yachts is producing a Baltic 45 with a retractable drive system which, according to Yachting World, is called Retract drive.

Baltic's website does not give any details on this drive which could be of interest to many sailing boat owners and designers. Does anyone have more info on this drive?

[donradcliffe]

I've seen one on a really high-end racer (Transpac 65)--the prop and shaft pivot up into the boat and a door fairs the hull. Looks like a lot of expense and maintenance, but if you have an all carbon boat and an all Kiwi crew....

[GordMay]

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...n-10261-3.html

[Dedzaboy]

Originally Posted by GordMay

➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...n-10261-3.html

This system still not launched and tested, now somewhat behind schedule...

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by Dedzaboy

This system still not launched and tested, now somewhat behind schedule...

& possibly doubtful......i2f

[Geoff Strebel]

What about propellers that can be pitched to cause less drag? Wouldn't that be much simpler?

[Talbot]

sillette sonic is a retractible drive that works, and has been fitted to a lot of Prout catamarans

so are outboards!

[David M]

Originally Posted by Geoff Strebel

What about propellers that can be pitched to cause less drag? Wouldn't that be much simpler?

Props that feather themselves are quite common.

[Geoff Strebel]

Quite right but those are kind of on/off aren't they? I'm looking for something that I can vary without stopping the boat. Applies to Lagoon hybrid.

[pbr]

Mcconaghy makes an all composite one, performance under power is increased due to better fixed prop spec, improved under sail due to no drag, and to my mind maintenance is greatly reduced due to no fouling and no potential for electrolysis.

[perchance]

Just for a bit of historical perspective this concept has been around since the 20's. There were small power boats built in Port Carling Ont. nicknamed the "Dippy" or "Dispro" for disappearing propeller boat.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by Geoff Strebel

Quite right but those are kind of on/off aren't they? I'm looking for something that I can vary without stopping the boat. Applies to Lagoon hybrid.

I can raise and lower the outboard will on the move (obviously the engine should be off while doing this). It has the side benefit of a more efficient fixed blade prop.

[caradow]

Currently Columbia Yachts is building their all carbon 32 footed with a retractable drive shaft and prop. It features the ability to raise and lower it by a simple block and tackle arrangement.
This system has been working remarkably well according to the new owners of this design. Simple to use, no vibration and fairly fail-safe.
I have personally operated one and it is pretty cool......at least on a 32 foot race boat
Simply check out their web site for more information.
ciao

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by perchance

Just for a bit of historical perspective this concept has been around since the 20's. There were small power boats built in Port Carling Ont. nicknamed the "Dippy" or "Dispro" for disappearing propeller boat.

Earlier even, there was a Confederate privateer vessel during the US Civil war which had a lifting prop.

[donradcliffe]

Originally Posted by caradow

Currently Columbia Yachts is building their all carbon 32 footed with a retractable drive shaft and prop. It features the ability to raise and lower it by a simple block and tackle arrangement.
This system has been working remarkably well according to the new owners of this design. Simple to use, no vibration and fairly fail-safe.
I have personally operated one and it is pretty cool......at least on a 32 foot race boat
Simply check out their web site for more information.
ciao

One of the new Columbia 32's went on the rocks a few hours after they lost their rudder. I gotta believe they must have tried to motor to weather and the arrangement wasn't up to it in 25 knots--one life lost.