Rotary/Mazda inboards??

[DonRutledge]

Hi Everybody,<br /><br />I am thinking about the design and powerplant for my next boat building project. I am a big fan of rotary engines in the Mazda RX-7. Any thoughts on using a rotary engine in a marine application, maybe with a jet pump.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Don Rutledge

 

[flashback]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

they most likly don't have much torque at lower rpms. i don't know much about them, but i would guess it would be similar to using a gas turbine engine. you would have to gear it down in order to deal with the higher rpms. just an opinion, i hope to see some others.

 

[DonRutledge]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Thanks for the reply.<br /><br />I've been doing some checking and there is a history of rotary engines in marine apps. They really are cool little engine. The have an awsome power to weight ratio. 146hp@6500rpm and 138lb/ft of torque@3500rpm. And thats stock, you can almost double that with some minor mods. such as porting. All from an engine about the size of beer keg and weighing only 200lbs or so. I think I'm going for it. I'll keep you posted<br /><br />Don

 

[DJ]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

16ftwoody,<br /><br />There is an outfit converting the Mazda Rotary to marine applications. Their selling point is low profile.<br /><br />Trailer Boats Mag. did an article on it about a year back. You may contact Trailer Boats at: <br /><br /> www.TrailerBoats.com

 

[flashback]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

well there ya go, keep us posted

 

[dick]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Check this out.<br /> http://www.boatingnews.com/rotarymarine.htm

 

[DJ]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

16ftWoody,<br /><br />That's the one!<br /><br />THanks Richard.

 

[clanton]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Sportcraft in Perry Florida had a test project boat and engine for sale about a year ago. I think OMC did some tests for use on outboard.

 

[DJ]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Clanton is correct. OMC did extensive testing on outboards. They also produced a Wankel (rotary) line of snowmobiles that were the smoothest and quietest on the market, at the time.<br /><br />They had troubles with rotor seals, just like Mazda did.<br /><br />The rotor sealing problems have long since been cured with new materials.<br /><br />THe horsepower to size/weight ratio is phenominal. However, it is an expensive engine to produce because of the unusual machining required.

 

[DonRutledge]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Thanks a lot guys!!<br /><br />Now I just have to figure out how adapt a car engine to a marine app. <br /><br />Don

 

[Trent]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

web page

 

[dpminc]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

Just a little addition to this thread. Sachs, and Mac 10 both produced rotary outboard engines in the mid 70's to early 80's. Of course, they were in low volume but were sold to the public, not just prototypes.

 

[flashback]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

jeez Richard, that artical makes me want to throw my v8 in the lake......very interesting

 

[chris in va]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

I've always felt the piston engine to be horribly inefficient. If we just sit down for a year with our top thinkers, there's no telling what could happen. <br /><br />A powerplant that weighs only 200# that extracts hydrogen from the water it's on? Hmm...how about that, no refueling!

 

[wallbanger2]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

I second that Chris. I haven't even got my boat running yet but I'm already worried about the wife screaming when she hears about what it will cost fo fill it up.

 

[Pete30]

Re: Rotary/Mazda inboards??

I was just talking to my girlfriend about this the other day, but she wasn't listening. Good Post!