2018-08-08, 09:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 2018-08-08, 09:59 PM by seandepagnier.)
I would suggest a windshield wiper motor from a car or truck. These can be obtained at junkyard for free or cheap, or are cheap enough to buy new.
If you load it down too much it won't be efficient. Usually about a 6:1 belt reduction to the wheel using toothed belts, but it depends on how hard it is to turn the wheel. The correct ratio will give the best efficiency.
The wiper motor is a good starting point, cheap and efficient, and should be useful most of the time, but I don't guarentee it is strong enough in rough weather and high winds, depending on the waves in a 37 ft boat. You could possibly use two motors, hydraulic motors (expensive) or even consider building a mechanical wind vane for a circumnavigation.
If you load it down too much it won't be efficient. Usually about a 6:1 belt reduction to the wheel using toothed belts, but it depends on how hard it is to turn the wheel. The correct ratio will give the best efficiency.
The wiper motor is a good starting point, cheap and efficient, and should be useful most of the time, but I don't guarentee it is strong enough in rough weather and high winds, depending on the waves in a 37 ft boat. You could possibly use two motors, hydraulic motors (expensive) or even consider building a mechanical wind vane for a circumnavigation.