Jack Craib's Rowboat Motor Information Site

1916 Article: Hunter Trader Trapper

 

The 2 Cylinder Koban giving a tow at Lake Creve Coeur near St. Louis, Mo 1916ish

Note: This is a longer article of which I have only transcribed this portion for easier reading.

The Detachable Row Boat Motor

Time was when it seemed that inventions benefited mostly those living in the cities and towns; then those living in settled rural districts; and lastly those living close to nature - hunters, campers, guides, fisherman and trappers. Happily it now seems that inventors are bending to produce things for the outdoor man

The "First Aid" medicine kits, the compact aluminum cooking outfits, the light weight tent, modern firearms, improved footgear and clothing, the modern casting rod, reel and fish-catching plugs, camp axes and knives, and myriads of other things have done much to increase the pleasure of outdoor sports and added to the comfort of those living beyond the confines of thickly settled districts; but probably no other invention of recent years has had such far reaching results and met with such demand as the Detachable Row Boat Motor, for by its use any row boat or canoe may be converted into a motor boat.

The guide that has to make several trips across the lake to get his visitors to his camp no longer dreads the ordeal as he can quickly attach a motor to his boat and go skimming back and forth with nothing more troublesome to do than steer the craft. If he has one or more portages to make he can unhook the "detachable" and easily carry the outfit to the next lake or stream. If he has more than one boat, he can tie one behind the other and the little motor will jog along nicely with the entire outfit.

party of nine enjoying a trip on the lake propelled by a Wisconsin Detachable Row Boat Motor


The fisherman need no longer think of the long row to and from the place where the "big ones" are lurking, for he can carry his tackle box, rods and "detachable" to the boat, fasten on the motor and be off to the fishing territory knowing full well he will not be tired when the grounds are reached and also there will be no tiresome trip homeward.

Then too, the motor has another value aside from driving the boat or canoe. It may be removed from the boat, carried to camp and by using a little head-work rigged up to run a washing machine, grindstone, wood saw, etc. Also, it may be used to run a lathe and thus enable a fellow of ingenious turn of mind to produce many novel articles in his far away camp, some of which might prove to be considerable commercial value. Some of these motors are equipped so a magneto will run electric lights, giving the camp the illumination of the city.
Evinrude outboard motor attached to a dory
In fact it is only reasonable to suppose that in a short time the electric chafing dish, coffee percolator, and electric stove, will be operated by a current generated by the motor making it possible for the occupant of the boat to have his meal nicely cooking while the craft is under way, which should lessen the number of forest fires, while an electric cigar lighter and mosquito swatter might be welcomed by many.

What may be termed the typical detachable motor, is one operating on the 2-cycle principle, having a single cylinder and either battery or magneto ignition. Two cylinder 4-cycle motors are also obtainable. On the 2-H.P. motor, the bore of the cylinder is about 25/8" and the length of the stroke 2 ?". On the 31/2" H.P. the cylinder bore is 3 ?", length of stroke 3".

The cylinders are made of iron of special composition and thoroughly enclosed by a water jacket. A constant circulation of water through this jacket is obtained by means of a pump operated by the motor thus keeping the cylinder cool at all times. The piston, piston rings, crank shaft, connecting rod, bearings, and in fact all parts are each made from metal specially adapted to the work the part is required to do, and the perspective buyer and user may rightly infer that nothing but the very best materials enter into the construction of those motors.

The crank case is made so as to give ready access to its interior which is very convenient when necessary to adjust certain parts contained therein. The propeller is usually constructed so it will throw off any weeds it strikes and not allow them to interfere with its proper working.

A 9-inch propeller with 14-inch pitch on a 2 H.P. motor delivers its maximum power with the motor making about 800RPM. The motor is provided with a tiller which effects the steerage of the boat by either actuating a rudder or the propeller. The motors are reversible and very flexible, driving the boat equally well in either direction and at quite astern view, Mullins 14-foot outboard special number of speeds. The motor attaches to the stern of the boat by means of large thumb-screws or clamps and a 2 HP will drive a 15 ft. row boat from 6 to 8 miles per hour; a canoe from 7 to 9 miles per hour. When the craft does not permit the ready attachment of the motor, the manufacturers will gladly furnish especial bracket to overcome the difficulty. The gasoline tank holds enough fuel for something like four hours' run, the oil for lubricating the cylinder, connecting rod bearings, etc., being mixed without the gasoline which insures correct lubrications.

Motors having battery ignition are slightly heavier than those employing a magneto, as the battery type of one make weighs 70 lbs.; with magneto 62 lbs. Three dry cells are usually used to furnish the ignition current., while the magneto is usually built into the flywheel, has no parts to work loose or become water soaked, and is extremely efficient and reliable in operation.

The boats and canoes put out by the companies mentioned herein may be converted into a motor boat by the use of the detachable motor, and whether used for fishing, hunting, taking the family a spin, or some dear little Ethel, Mary or Elizabeth a delightful ride at the close of some balmy summer day when the zephyrs seem to whisper what they fain would speak, the little motor craft tells no secrets and does as it is bid.

The Caille Perfection Mtor Co., The Koban Mfg. Co., the Lockwood-Ash Motor Co., the Gray Motor Co., The Aerothrust Engine Co., and the Wisconsin Machinery and Mfg. Co. put out a fine line of detachable motors that may be depended on to do the work and give immense amount of pleasure and continued satisfaction.

Giving the Lockwood-Ash outboard motor a thorough test.