New project

Hello Steamup!
Glad that you solve your leaks problem.
Definitly conclusive.
Reliable => Ready to sail???
Cheers!

First test on steam.

Hello!
Lovely.
Le gouvernail semble opérationnel.
It will be time to sail on the river.
Bravo!

bonjour à tous
curieux l'influence de la position du gouvernail sur le régime moteur  malgré l'ouverture maximum de la vanne vapeur
la pression est peut être trop faible
cordialement
jacky




Hello

Oddly enough it seems that the position of the rudder is a large influence on the engine!

the speed seems low despite the maximum opening of the steam valve is pressure may be too low

Kind regards

Jacky

The set up is all a little tight around the prop shaft framework. It needs to be run in. Pressure is 40psi which should be enough for this model once this is sorted.

Had a disappointing first sail with the boat. Bow too low in the water,burner failed to keep up the steam pressure, too slow and I don't think the prop is all wrong .
Sorted out the gas jet replaced the number 8 with a number 5 which has improved the burner, why I'm not sure could anybody explain?

Hello Steamup!
I feel sorry for you, but I hope that this first trial won’t “shower” your enthusiasm!
We all have been through this kind of issue and there must be a solution.
It’s difficult to say from here, why you cannot maintain your burner pressure, but to start with , I would fit a (+/- 60psi) pressure gauge on the gas tank.
You mentioned that by using a smaller size jet , the burner maintained better pressure.
It may mean that with the N°8 the pressure drops too fast in the gas tank . Then the gas suply is rapidly decreasing and cannot stand pressure in your boiler.
Above all with a ceramic burner which needs, good steady supply to heat a return flue boiler, like yours.
Did you notice strong condensation around the gas tank??
Are you sure that the gas line was not partially plugged with a debris , left in the piping after welding, or other?
Is there a filter/screen just before the jet? May be plugged also!
But I would favor a too fast gas pressure drop . The pressure gauge will tell us.

If , by any chance, the problem is coming from here, you may do the following test.
Install a gauge on the gas tank and sail normally, doing circles in front of you.
If the pressure drops, cover the tank with a wet rag and see what happens. The flare should increase until it drops again.
If there is any improvement, then you need to find a way to maintain some temp around you tank, to boost the gas out.
We have some solutions.
You may also, do a test with only 1/2 water of the boiler volume and see how the pressure behaves.

Sorry! I do think of any thing else at this stage.
I doubt that the propeller is involved.
I doubt that the machine is involved according to the test you shown.
The boiler needs heat and to have heat, it needs a good gas supply.
Let’s start from here if you don’t mind.
I hope sincerly that we can be of any help.
Cheers!

Thanks for the support I have changed the jet which seems to have improved things. Smaller jet size equals less pressure drop on tank plus stronger flame.
It's all part of the fun with steam.

I tried the launch out on the pond however I was low on gas dispite this performance was much better.
Down to the camping shop to buy some gas.

Hello

And well she sails well this small boat and I find the realistic speed.

Okay okay, a small reserve of power do not harmed

Kind regards

This is the third time out still low in the bow but much better. The Kitchen rudder seems to stop the boat dead in the water but only drives the boat very slowly in reverse.

Hello Steamup.
Congratulations, she is sailing in the pond!
She sails nice, but it looks like there is not enough power, still!
Is it the rudder itself, slowing down the boat or a lack of pressure in the boiler?
I wish, we had more people using this kind of rudder to tell us more.
In any case, we follow up your project.
Kind regards.

The pressure from the burner is now much improved however the prop is restricted by the size of the Kitchen rudder cups.
The next step will be to try a 4 bladed prop, such is the fun of steam.

Hello Steamup.
I am not sure that improving the propeller efficiency will do anything, if the flow is restricted, due to the rudder's blades. Unless they are not in parallele: I doubt it!
My question was more targeted on the boiler pressure and its hability to keep it.
It's very interesting to take advantage of your progress in this matter.
Please, do not hesitate to tell usmore.
I agree 100% with you: steam with no problem is boring!
Have a good day!
Cheers!