NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => Craftsmen's Corner => Topic started by: Wildrooster on September 06, 2017, 09:32:33 PM

Title: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wildrooster on September 06, 2017, 09:32:33 PM
I'm thinking about converting my ascend to peddle power by making an insert to hold a hobbie drive
I'm going to start with a block of foam and shape it into a male mold since I only need it 1 time it can be disposable
I need a good flange on both the top and bottom
The top will be wider to allow for the peddle movement
The bottom will be given added support to hold the drive with additional fiberglass and carbon fiber
The flanges will help in sealing the water tight surfaces
I'm not sure if I'm going to go through the trouble of a seven inches of mercery vacuum but I'm thinking about it

Any ideas
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: bmb on September 06, 2017, 11:09:36 PM
check out charles' conversion:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=60641.msg681160#msg681160

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=66251.msg745249#msg745249
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wildrooster on September 07, 2017, 01:35:12 AM
He did a good job we both have similar challenges wood and glass are a little easier to bond than plastic and glass but it will work
I'll mark out my flange areas lay glass and carbon pull 7 inches of mercury / vacuum to insure the best fit possible on the inside of the hull then match it up to the blank I'm going to shape in blue foam
I decided I'm not going to use vacuum on this part due to the sharp edging and extreme curve on the parts
Since I have a hot wire I'm going to cheat and cut temples out of some thin stock aluminum  and shap the foam out of 2 halfs this will also make layup easier as well as setting up the support s for the drive

What I really need is a little cooler weather it's to hot to work outside or in my shop   
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: charles on September 07, 2017, 07:04:43 AM
I've been quite satisfied with my glass sik conversion but if I had do do it over again I would use blown in foam from a foam insulator who blows foam into houses. I cut pieces of rigid urethane foam to fit the hull contours and despite my best attemts to join and seal a bit of water will get through. Not a big deal since the water cannot displace the foam and threaten buoyancy but an annoyance.

I do have a plastic drive box unused from Hobie that they use for their inflatables. I couldn't use it because the hull I was working with was v shaped. If the hull of your kayak is flat you could glass it in and it would work just like a standard Hobie drive insert. $40.00 if you want it. I think I paid close to $60.00
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wildrooster on September 08, 2017, 02:16:55 AM
Can you post some pics to help me decide If I can use it
Thanks
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: charles on September 08, 2017, 05:51:13 AM
Will do. I'll have to take a few later today or tomorrow.
Charles
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: charles on September 08, 2017, 08:35:52 AM
Here are the pics of a Hobie drive box for their inflatable kayaks
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: yakyakyak on September 08, 2017, 08:48:51 AM

Try this instead of messing with the hull?

https://www.nucanoe.com/pedal-power/ (https://www.nucanoe.com/pedal-power/)

http://www.h2proped.com/order-placement.html


Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wildrooster on September 08, 2017, 01:05:03 PM
Not a bad option
The cable drive has some real benefits  but I don't want to drop 800 $
For a system I've never seen up close and personal

I like that piece from the inflatable other than the material it exactly what a had in mind can you tell me how tall it is  hopefully it's a little shorter than I need so I can create spacers
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: charles on September 08, 2017, 04:00:53 PM
5 and 3/4 top to bottom flange. Probably the same in any Hobie yak. You do have to allow full fin movement so fins just touch the boat hull at top stroke so spacers to make it higher will not work. You will need a two part epoxy compatible with high density plastic to glue to hell bottom. I doubt glass resin will work.
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: charles on September 08, 2017, 04:10:52 PM
This system of using a flexible drive cable is used to power the fastest pedal yaks that I know of. No hull holes and prop is within hand reach by the yak side.
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wildrooster on September 08, 2017, 05:10:20 PM
Well bad news a just took some measurements and the hobbie drive will not work unless I am willing to give up my front hatch
So that's not happening

I my have to keep looking the cable drives they do offer forward and reverse
And it prevents me from needing to cut my deck now if I knew were to buy suitable cable with a housing
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: NowhereMan on November 17, 2017, 05:01:48 PM
Just wondering if this project ever got any further along.
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Wldrnshntr on February 10, 2018, 09:42:07 AM
Well bad news a just took some measurements and the hobbie drive will not work unless I am willing to give up my front hatch
So that's not happening

I my have to keep looking the cable drives they do offer forward and reverse
And it prevents me from needing to cut my deck now if I knew were to buy suitable cable with a housing
What about using drill bit extensions like  electricians use
Title: Re: Thinking about converting my ascend 128 to peddle power
Post by: Fishcomb on February 11, 2018, 11:01:34 AM
two 2x4's and you should be set

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re8HzPKHYRQ