T&T: Cape Horn Trawlers and Azimuth Drives

[Mike Maurice]

A few clarifications to Judy's comments.
I think both of the early 55' boats had the hydraulic drive. It was not 
a V drive in the classical sense, but I can't recall if the "motor" was 
a straight hydraulic one with hoses attached or if there was a 90 degree 
gearbox.

Whatever the details, the drives did not support the propeller sizes 
that achieve the best efficiencies, as evidenced by my first post. Note 
that a commercial fish boat with similar sized engine and large 
reduction gear/propeller is getting about twice the mileage as the 
hydraulic driven boats, even the ones that Judy mentions.

I think we are entitled to draw the conclusion that the hydraulic drives 
are not as efficient and even if we are not entitled to the assumption, 
that the perception on the street is just that. Frankly, if the 
difference was on the order of 10-15 percent I would be inclined to live 
with the it, just because of the advantages of compactness, flexibility 
of locating components and the potential for a complete rotation of the 
drive.

Mike

_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Tigard Oregon(Near Portland)