In 1904, Gabriel Trouche introduced the “motogodille” in France and the “Motogodille Company” was formed. It was in business until about 1956.

CLICK HERE to view an article written in 1905 in the Revue Universelle: recueil documentaire universel et illustré, Volume 15, Larousseh.

Here is a link to a current Motogodille Restoration blog by François from Pays de Loire, France. He found a Motogodille, and while not a motorhead, decided to learn of its history and restore it. This blog follows the process!

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PATENTS:

Brevet No. 34714

Patent No.26,302


Essais de Motogodille
posted by Edmond BALLERIN
Published on May 2, 2012
Video d'essais d'une motogodille restaurée, montée sur un bachot traditionnel (Tury). Ces essais ont été suivis par trois bateaux à vapeur : Suzanne (Sequana), La Vigie (Amerami), Lili (particulier).

Video test of motogodille restored, mounted on a traditional punt (Tury). These tests were followed by three steamers: Suzanne (Sequana), La Vigie (Amerami), Lili (particular).

http://www.vernon-visite.org/rf2/musee_mecanique9.htm

The marine motor also scores under the heading of adaptability. A wagonette could not be converted into a motor-car with any success. But a good-sized row-boat may easily blossom out as a useful self-propelled boat. You may buy complete apparatus—motor, tanks, screw, batteries, etc.—for clamping direct on to the stern, and there you are—a motor boat while you wait! Even more sudden still is the conversion effected by the Motogodille, which may be described as a motor screw and rudder in one. The makers are the Buchet Company, a well-known French firm. "Engine and carburetter, petrol tank, coil, accumulator, lubricating oil reservoir, exhaust box, propeller shaft, and propeller with guard are all provided, so that the outfit requires no additional accessories. For mounting in position at the stem of the boat, the complete set is balanced on a standard, and carries a steering arm, on which the tanks are mounted; and also the stern tube and propeller guard, which are in one solid piece, in addition to the engine. In order that no balancing feats shall be required of the person in charge, there is, on the supporting standard, a quadrant, in the notches of which a lever on the engine frame engages, thus allowing the rigid framework, and therefore the propeller shaft, to be maintained at any angle to the vertical without trouble." *
The 2 h.-p. engine drives a boat 16 feet long by 4 feet 6 inches beam at 6J miles per hour through still water. As the Motogodille can be swerved to right or left on its standard, it acts as a very efficient rudder, while its action takes no way off the boat.

The romance of modern mechanism: with interesting descriptions in non-technical language of wonderful machinery and mechanical devices and marvellously delicate scientific instruments, etc., etc - 1907 (http://books.google.com/books?id=qcgJAAAAIAAJ&dq=Motogodille&pg=PA158-IA1#v=onepage&q=Motogodille&f=false)


This article from Great Round World, Volume 27 - 1906 has an interesting way to view this new invention!

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1905 - Revue universelle: receil documentaire universel et illustré, Volume 15
By Pierre Larousse