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Rowing is a fine form of exercise, but there are times
when you would like the rowing to be something the
boat can do on its own as you sit back with folded arms.
This is now possible with the introduction of Motorised
Oars.
Here's how they work:
Rowing requires a set of repeated movements,
with the
oars pivoting and being held in place by the rollocks. The
actual power is delivered near the end of the oar where
the rower sits and this is where the motorised
mechanical arms connect that can take over at any time.
Their positioning is such that they don't restrict the
movements of the human rower in any way.
Some analysis of the action of rowing will show that it's a
repeated action, and therefore totally capable of being
imitated by mechanical means.
A complex linkage attaches both oars to a powerful
electric motor that's capable of rowing for the duration
of the batteries. When the engine is disengaged, the
linked oars move completely freely and normal rowing is
not impeded.
Steering can be achieved by the rower pressing down on
a simple right/left pedal mechanism while they
otherwise sit back and relax to the sound of the quietly
humming motor and oars dipping in and out of the water
as the boat is propelled to its destination.
£12.99
https://www.jesters...ys/rowing-boat.html [pocmloc, Aug 01 2020]
[link]
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The basic concept has been commercially available for over a century, though perhaps not bigly enough to ride on unless you are very wee. |
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Water conditions play a part so complex robotic sensing and motion would be involved. |
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I must admit it would be interesting to ride a full flight double scull, expending no energy, as a sole occupant. Although, the turning circle wouldn't be that great. |
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// sit back and relax to the sound of the quietly humming motor // |
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Sp. "sit back and relax to the sound of the roaring powerplant, smell the heady odour of hot oil and partially burned hydrocarbon fuels, the yells and pleadings of the swimmers and other boaters desperately trying to avoid being run down ... " |
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Then again, steam launches are pretty neat. Not fast, but fun, comparatively quiet - allowing a stealthy approach - and the screeching whistle can shock windsurfers enough that they fall off their boards. |
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