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How fast does it go?
How hard can you pedal?
As a very general rule the maximum speed of any displacement hull, commonly called its hull speed, is governed by a simple formula:
Hull speed in knots equals 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length in feet (HS = 1.34 x vLWL).
Therefore, The Pedal Boat has a waterline length of 17’ 3” feet, its hull speed is 1.34 x v17.25 = 5.57 knots (6.4 mph). We have clocked 6.2 mph.
Has it got gears?
No.
David (Dad) always says “when we come across a hill we’ll put gears in it”. Seriously, we have never found the need for gears (and they would complicate the pedal unit considerably).
We operate on the same principal as a motor boat, throttle up to go faster and throttle down to go slower. With a speed range of 0 - 6.4 mph we can cover that with the fixed system we have.
However, if a customer would prefer a different cadence to the one we set then this can be achieved to suit them.
How much does it cost?
Each Pedal Boat is a bespoke item. The price will vary on the specification the customer requires.
However, we have a ‘Deluxe’ boat the price of which is (as at August 2018) £12,700 including VAT, an overall cover, 4 x fenders, 4 x spliced mooring lines and bow and stern flagstaff holders with flags and 2 x ventilated seat pads.
Why use pedals?
Your legs are your largest muscle group. It is easier to sustain power from your legs than it is your arms like canoeing.
Pedalling (in a cyclical way) is a natural motion and requires no skill to be learned unlike rowing. Combining tried and tested pedalling with tried and tested propellers makes a lot of sense.
Who is Dad?
Dad is David Williams.
Stephen Pitkethly is the Son-in-Law.
Where’s the outboard?
That’s the beauty of it, there isn’t one.
No noise, no smell, no fuel costs just sit back chat, sip a drink, and take some gentle exercise while enjoying the water.
How stable is she?
Very.
With the flat bottom and hard chine design we have stood one person (78Kgs) amidships on the gunwales without her tipping over.
How do you steer?
There is an upright tiller beside the aft seat on the right hand side (it could be left if you want).
Push it forwards for left (or port) and backwards for right (or starboard).
