First of all, I want to say I enjoy your show very much. There are only three weekly programs which I watch diligently. Yours is one of the three.

I have seen two separate shows which were based on building a powerboat. Both times the teams built boats based on propellers.

I would like to suggest a challange of a powerboat but using paddles like the old Mississippi Steam Paddleboats of the 19th century instead of propellers.

Thank You and May You Never Go Off The Air, David W. George

-- David W. George (dgeorge@impulse.net), March 13, 2001

Answers

Why not dig out the steam engines from the steam powered car challenge and really capture the tecnology of that era?

-- Devin T. Ross (dross@telerama.com), March 13, 2001.

I agree. I suggested the same thing last month. I hope they do it. If I was building one, I would have a backup wheel in the rear powered by hand in case my motor or engine gave up the ghost.

-- Ron Fornator (ronster666@aol.com), March 25, 2001.

Modifying the origional sugestion, why not a steam powered boat? It could be either a paddlewheel or propeller. Also throw in the junkyard turbines, these are more efficent than pistons and would allow for a smaller boiler. Thus allowing for a "screw-up" trap large piston engine small boiler. The teams could also do a combo of piston and turbine, one powering a paddle and the other powering the prop.

-- Ron Bach (hacker@att.net), April 10, 2001.

Having ridden on the Delta Queen a couple of times along the Ohio River, I have to say: Steam powered paddle boats (side wheelers or stern wheelers) is a great idea! Of course, to do it right, the winning team will need white linen suits with black string ties, a good mint julep recipe and a passable Foghorn Leghorn impersonation.

-- Chip Haynes (ehaynes@co.pinellas.fl.us), April 10, 2001.