The Technical Concept

The Open Waterbike Propulsion System Project objective is to develop a high-performance pedal-driven propulsion system, a global product around which we expect has the potential to develop a new market.

The technical rationale of the project is that

a) cranking is the most efficient way of using human energy for a long time and

b) a submerged high-efficiency propeller is the most efficient way of providing propulsion

A number of pedal/propeller propulsion systems have been developed and some are availabe on the market; however, most of them are inefficient or expensive or both. A new 'flexible shaft' architecture was recently proposed and developed by different inventor and manufacturers. In particular, professor Mark Drela designed and tested such a component at MIT and proposed it for the development of our Open waterbike Project (you can download his contribution from this page).

 

Rick Willoughby, and Australian leading expert in the field of high performance pedal boats independently designed and extensively prototyped a number of drive systems based on a similar approach.

 

We believe the Drela-Willoughby architecture as ideal for the new Open Waterbike 'breakthrough' component: it is simple, reliable and high-efficiency. And we have working prototypes. We invite all the interested people, and in particular the manufactirers, to join the effort.

>

As discussed in the 'market' section, the component will be developed and marketed entirely by the manufacturer(s); new manufacturers are invited to join.

 

If you are a perspective manufacturer, dealer, designer, or just want to know more about the project please contact the project manager.

 

Our boat is faster than mine.