| A Technologically Advanced Boat |
| Hi-tech Drive System - Z Drive - Azimuthing Lower Units |
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Propeller thrust can be in vectored in every direction in a Z-drive vessel. This is
accomplished by rotating the lower unit(s). Since a picture is worth a thousand
words, we'll let photographs from the shipbuilder illustrate the concept better than
any textbook marine engineering explanation. Photos from Diversified Marine, at the
website of the boat builder, show the lower units and lower unit through hull fittings,
which are at the heart of this advanced propulsion system. Such systems require
additional job training to master.
accomplished by rotating the lower unit(s). Since a picture is worth a thousand
words, we'll let photographs from the shipbuilder illustrate the concept better than
any textbook marine engineering explanation. Photos from Diversified Marine, at the
website of the boat builder, show the lower units and lower unit through hull fittings,
which are at the heart of this advanced propulsion system. Such systems require
additional job training to master.
In terms of marine engineering principles, azimuthing drives are vastly different
than Voith Schneider systems. Advanced engineering Voith Schneider systems use
cams to position propeller blades, or vanes, that spin around on a vertical axis. But
in a Z-drive system, the entire lower unit is rotated. In terms of job skills, crews could
require training to acclimate themselves with the unconventional control systems.
than Voith Schneider systems. Advanced engineering Voith Schneider systems use
cams to position propeller blades, or vanes, that spin around on a vertical axis. But
in a Z-drive system, the entire lower unit is rotated. In terms of job skills, crews could
require training to acclimate themselves with the unconventional control systems.
The 78 foot Lulapin packs a lot of agility into a compact length. Designed by the Canadian naval
architectural firm Robert Allan & Associates and operated by Brusco Tug and Towing (featured in
West Coast Tugs), Lulapin is a Z-drive azimuthing tug. This transmission system gives her
unprecedented maneuverability that isn't attainable with traditionally shafted propeller systems.
architectural firm Robert Allan & Associates and operated by Brusco Tug and Towing (featured in
West Coast Tugs), Lulapin is a Z-drive azimuthing tug. This transmission system gives her
unprecedented maneuverability that isn't attainable with traditionally shafted propeller systems.
Advanced boat building techniques are required to build such vessels, as well as
newly developed job skills in the pilothouse. Special gearboxes transfer engine
torque to the propeller in a more complex manner than traditional shaft systems that
rest on journal bearings. Although older boats can be upgraded with naval
architectural design features such as kort nozzles and advanced rudders, they can't
match the precise handling characteristics of azimuthing boats in ship escort duties.
But there's a trade-off. For standard towing jobs that only require the ability to push a
string of barges, conventional boats are less costly in terms of naval architecture
and boatbuilding requirements.
newly developed job skills in the pilothouse. Special gearboxes transfer engine
torque to the propeller in a more complex manner than traditional shaft systems that
rest on journal bearings. Although older boats can be upgraded with naval
architectural design features such as kort nozzles and advanced rudders, they can't
match the precise handling characteristics of azimuthing boats in ship escort duties.
But there's a trade-off. For standard towing jobs that only require the ability to push a
string of barges, conventional boats are less costly in terms of naval architecture
and boatbuilding requirements.
