The Steamboating Forum

I have a locomobile engine I am considering modifying for marine use, anyone else done this?

I think there was a boat that was featured in "Steamboats and Modern Steam Launches" that had a steam automobile engine installed beneath the deck.

Hello Bret ,

I'm fairly sure the boat that 87gn@tahoe refers to is GEORDIE which featured in a request for information about Lambie boat bulders in the "old" forum .
GEORDIE featured in a write-up in Steamboats & MSL Jan/Feb 1963 page 11.

Regards Edward .

Here is the Locomobile engine.
Regards,
Giovanni

Well, with an Engine like that you have three choices:

1. Build a side paddler. An engine of that design is ideal for side paddler use, as long as you mount it properly.

2. Modify the engine. Fabricate plate and bar stock frame to go around the lower section of the engine to hold it in a vertical position. this will make it suitable for rear prop use.

3. Both 1 and 2. Modify the engine for vertical mounting and use it in a sidepaddler. This will allow for a more compact layout.

I have the same engine but its an earlier one 1899 to 1901 it has a brass lower end. The engine is about 10 hp so your going to need a large boiler. The other thing about this engine is the crank throws are 90 deg.from each other so you will need a flywheel for it to run smooth, that will be a problem mounting a flywheel on a car engine. Depending on the size of the boat, it could be overkill. It could be used in a boat in the vertical position with a chain to the shaft, but you will have to make a mounting plate which will have to be fabricated and welded. The engine may be worth more money if was sold for a car. Then you could buy a marine engine that's ready to be mounted. It it was used on a wheeler then most likely it would run without a flywheel.I have run this engine on compressed air about 60 psi and it jumps all over the place with out a flywheel. By the way the engine that I have is in a Locomobile.

here is a locomobile engine that has been modified for use in a launch , saw this on e-bay recently. http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... NFRONT.jpg