Introduction
 
The idea here is pretty simple and straight forward.
It’s to design an electric water-jet propulsion engine (or two) that makes use of high power brush-less electric motors along with their associated electronic speed controllers as the propellant for a manned kayak.
 
As for steering the kayak, there will be two methods.
One is to just dip the oar on to either side of the kayak, thus creating a sort of fulcrum for the kayak to rotate on
And the second method is a 'steer-by-wire' system where an accelerometer (tilt sensor) is embedded in to the oar which then signals a stepper motor to change the direction of water output.
 
The reason for implementing the second method is that it is efficient to change direction of the vessel by changing the water flow direction, rather than creating resistance on a particular side.
 
As for the batteries to provide the oomph for the power-hungry propulsion unit; I’ve got 54 * 2600mAh 18650 size batteries along with a BMS that also can balance charge as well.
yes, I know 2600mAh per cell isnt the greatest, But I did the dollars per Amp-hour calc and it was SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper to go for 54 * 2600mAh cells rather than getting 42 * 3300mAh cells. Plus, space and weight is'nt an issue..yet.
In the future (once i can absolutely guarantee that my HyperCharge system is safe) i may implement the HyperCharge system as well for a quick HyperCharge.
 
​My aim is to achieve around 35 knots (~56 Km/h).
Although being realistic, I’ll be happy with anywhere between 20 to 25 knots for my first design iteration

Whats Done:

• The electronics:
  • Speed and steering angle control circuitry
    • RF transceiver 
    • ​Steer and Throttle by wire (using PPM)
  • GPS data logger
  • Battery Management and Cut-off circuitry 
• Water-cooling motors and ESC
• 3D printing the water jet housing and motor mounts
• Impeller​ design and print
• Purchasing an old used kayak.
  • Restoration of hull
    
  • Adding Strengthening structures.

Whats left to be done:

• Cutting two holes in the fully restored hull to make openings for water inlets and outlets. This has proven to be quite a challenge because:
  • ​The hull of the kayak is curved in both axes (as in X axis and Y axis, not the kind of axes used for cutting down trees and what not).
    
  • Cutting a perfect circle (when looking as the kayak face-on) on a plane that isn't flat is quite tricky as the shape to be cut out  will not resemble a perfect circle what-so-ever.
    
  • I have only one hull, and only one chance to get it right
    
• Water-cooling batteries and ESC
• Steer-by-wire calibration (on water)

Design Preview