As far as a Thyristor/DC Traction motor propulsion unit is concerned, Power is Power.

Two men can put a 1mW turbine generator in the back of a short-bed pickup.

It ain't cheap, it ain't quiet, it ain't clean and it uses a lot of fuel, but SCR technology is stone-age for maritime use.

Bob

I like that though!

Very impressive topic!

Joe, every telco central office has one beside it.

The muffler and fuel tank is gi-normous - the turbine looks like cool pile of spare parts in the corner.

Again, this is not one bit bleeding edge: every drillship, ocean-going tug, cruise ships ... use a bank of 3616 Cats (MAN, Pielstick, MTU, ...) that are nowhere near the propeller shaft.

Bob

Go Big: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodyear_Inflatoplane

Thank You Mr. Trulio
 

Matt, you did a fine job of interviewing the Mercedes engineer. You asked the right questions, he gave direct answers, and you relayed the information to us in a timely and concise manner. Bravo!

I never thought someone would buy a Cig and want it Quiet!?!?

Do you the mean the "Solar" brand turbines, CAT had a part of that, maybe still does, AT&T had a load of those.

Were/Are you in telco?

it's a pretty cool idea..but why would anyone want this over a piston driven 100 mph LOUD boat that can be driven more than around the block? lol just don't really know who this would actually appeal to customer wise...

I would imagine this would be a virtually maintenance free, extremely reliable, no fill-up ever boat with gobs of INSTANT TQ and HP. Yup what a horrible idea :lolhit:
Yes range is not very good but as batteries improve so will range.
As far as noise, until you take a ride in that beast with that power and not hear a sound I can`t say that its something I may not be able to get over.

I`d take the money I`d usually spend on gas, oil, filters, motor rebuilds..etc.. etc.. and have a nice little pile to sleep on :bunnydance: