Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/132

 Practical Motor-Boating

A series of three articles on the selection, operation, care and upkeep of a motor-boat

I. — Selection of a Boat By George M. Petersen

���Photos by Edwin Levick

��No doubt the best type of motor-boat for large bodies of water is the raised deck cruiser, which can be navigated through almost any storm with little or no danger

��MOTOR-BOATING, as commonly thought of by the amateur boat- man, consists mainly of trying to drive any kind of hull through all kinds of water, at any speed possible, by means of a mass of cast iron in the shape of a propeller in the stern of the boat. The old sailors are inclined to think of the motor-boat as the "dude's friend," which requires no knowledge of seamanship. While motor- boating is considerably easier to master than is the art of sailing a craft through all conditions of wind and water, there is, nevertheless, a knack to be acquired and mechanical knowledge to be obtained con- cerning it.

In this series of articles we will deal, first, with the classification of boat models for various waters, selection of the boat, and most desirable type of engine. The most important point is the selection of the type of hull best suited to the requirements of the waters on which it will be used. For instance, a glass cabin cruiser, while affording a large amount of head room and permitting an unobstructed view from within, is not to be considered as even a fair type of boat for large or rough bodies of water ; but it is a desirable type of boat for rivers

���THREE CYLINDER fJ&INE

��Arrangement of crankshafts required for different types of engines for motor-boats

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��and quiet bays or other protected waters. The best type of motor-boat for large bodies of water like the Great Lakes is undoubtedly the "raised deck" cruiser, which may be successfully navigated through almost any storm with little or no danger. This type of boat is generally built from twenty-six to thirty-five feet in length; the 27-foot model provides com- fortable cruising accommodations for two or three persons. When equipped with a ten- or twelve - horsepower engine it is capable of a cruising speed of from eight to ten miles an hour.

Authorities differ greatly as to the most desirable type of boat for general use, but practically all experienced boatmen agree that some type of cruiser is the most satisfactory.

The long and narrow speed craft which delights the eye as it dashes past the Club House on a quiet day, is of absolutely no value for either cruising or long day runs on unprotected waters, as the exces- sive speed causes them to be extremely cranky and hard to handle in a seaway, and a quick turn is liable to cause them to capsize. How- ever, for pleasure and safety the boat making from seven to twelve miles per

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��FOUR CYLINDER TWO aaE ENGINE

��fOUR CYLINDER, FOUR CYCLE ENGINE

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