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Starting with our pontoons, we make our own
tubing using 5052-H32 aluminum, .080" thick. This
is the same material and the same thickness that
is used in most full size pontoon boats. The
caps on each end are the same material, however
they are .090" thick. The ultimate tensile
strength of 5052 material is from 31,000 to
44,000 psi. Most other pontoon paddleboat
manufacturers use 3004 material with a tensile
strength from 17,000 to 30,000 psi and are .064"
thick. |
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Our bench seating is upright and adjustable up
to 2" back and 7" forward from the standard
setting. This makes our boats more comfortable
for both senior citizens and fishermen. Note: We
install nylon washers at all pivot points so
that no metal is touching. This allows for a
very smooth adjustment of the seat. |
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Our seats and floorboards are made of urethane.
They are aluminum channel reinforced from bolt
hole to bolt hole across the boat. Thus, there
is an aluminum superstructure throughout the
boat. This urethane material meets U.S.
Coastguard specifications for floatation,
preventing the boat from sinking if the pontoons
are damaged in an accident. However, it is
unlikely that both pontoons would be damaged at
the same time. |
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The front floorboard, under the crankshaft, has
been lowered to allow for ease of pedaling. The
higher your feet are in front of you, the more
tiring it is to pedal the boat. |
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Our forged crankshaft assembly is made of solid
steel, not tubing, and then powder coated for
long lasting strength and durability. The
crankshafts then go through a straightening
process to assure a very smooth operation. |
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The black "pedal" on the crankshaft is
made of nylon bearing material and is guaranteed
for the life of the boat. |
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The crankshaft and rear axle shaft bearings are
made of "OIL-ITE", a brass material that
dispenses oil to the shaft continually,
preventing wear. We recommend a couple of drops
of oil twice a year to the oil cups on the top
of each bearing. |
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Our paddlewheel assembly is made of two
hub-spoke weldments with six spokes attached to
each hub. The blades are bolted in place, since
welding the parts together would weaken the
metal. The hubs are then attached to the axle
with special woodruff keys to prevent the hubs
from coming loose. The blades are aircraft
aluminum 6061-T6 .080" thick for extreme
strength. The two hub-spoke weldments are offset
30 degrees to give the effect of having 12
blades on the paddlewheel. The blades of the
right and left paddlewheels strike the water in
an alternating pattern. This eliminates the
conventional plop-plop sound made by most
paddleboats |
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Our rudders (one in the front and one in the
back) allow for superior maneuverability. The
boats will turn nearly 90 degrees in their
length. The rudder blades are positioned so that
you can let go of the tiller and the boat will
continue in the direction it was pointed. It is
not necessary to hold the tiller when turning in
either direction. The rudders and paddle
blades do not extend below the bottom of the
pontoons. This allows you to pull the boat up on
shore without any damage to the propulsion or
steering systems. |
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Aqua Cycles are low maintenance due to the
quality design, craftsmanship and the use of
high-grade materials. |
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All Aqua Cycle models have excellent stability.
If the correct weight capacity is maintained,
the boat is practically impossible to capsize. |
