Static Thrust
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This is about measuring the "tugboatishness" of your boat.  That is, how much force is your boat generating in the forward direction?  Multi-rider boats shine through here because of the extra horsepower, and paddleboats can do well too.  There are two ways of measuring the force:

 

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Fish-scale:  Affix a 200lb. capacity fish scale to a point on shore (preferably a tree or large rock, although some race officials have attempted to hold it themselves), and tie a rope to the back of the boat.  It's important to ensure the contact point for the rope is secured on a part of the boat that will withstand the anticipated forces, and is behind the rider(s) in case it lets go.  Ready-set-go!  Pedal or paddle as hard as possible to get the highest reading on the scale.

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Bollard Pull:  This is more like a race, with the exception that you're dragging a barrel or other high-drag item behind the boat.

 

The highest reading we've heard of on the fish-scale is 140lbs.[1] of thrust generated by Jake Free's 4-rider "Juggernaut".  Typical ranges are anywhere from 30 to 120lbs. of thrust.

 

 

  1. HydroBowl '98.

 

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