Low drag paddle propulsion for boat - has endless belt with guides to ensure vertical setting of paddles in water

摘要

The paddle propulsion for the small boat has a series of paddle blades held on an endless band by side flanges (FF) on each side. The band and paddles are mounted in a central well in the boat with the paddles dipping into the water at the centre of their stroke and returning above the waterline. Guides fore and aft grip the side flanges and hold the paddles vertical at all times. The paddles enter and leave the water in a vertical setting and hence have a minimum of drag. The boat, which can be a twin hulled craft, with the paddles in between, is propelled by foot cranks on each hull.