How Could I Use a Vacuum Motor To Put On My Boat?

Question

I'd like to motorize 'The Expedition' with a vacuum motor.

Answer 1

That is so "Junkyard Wars".  I'd use some sort of transmission to turn the prop, don't want that motor getting wet.  Also, use a car battery with an inverter.  Battery could die quickly, though.

Answer 2

tell us more.  is this 'vacuum motor' a particular type of motor, or drive unit, or just a hacked hoover?

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I see...you'll need an AC power source.  A battery bank consisting of one or more 12V deepcycles and an inverter comes to mind.  Not terribly energy efficient.  Use marine deepcycles -- an automotive battery wouldn't last through a dozen discharge/recharge cycles in that application.

Then you'll need a way to convert the energy from the motor into propulsion.  Couple possibilities:  a trolling motor prop on the end of a shaft, or a water pump for "jet" drive.

Not sure how much torque or RPM's that motor develops -- but I'd think direct drive would be ok -- I wouldn't bother messing with a gear reduction.

How big & heavy is the Expetition?

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I'm a big fan of DIY fabricated solutions, but in this case, I'd be looking on ebay for a used trolling motor.