I have made a difficult decision regarding K-Lab's "Dolphin Drive" project: It's over.
November 1, 2020.
The dramatic recreational boating market shift to outboard engines has reduced demand for both stern and surface drives. Although my drive testing provided good learning and highlighted improvement opportunities, the market challenges are far greater than the technical ones. After reflection during the COVID-19 shut down, I cannot foresee a viable, independent path forward.
Technical observations: The blades are strong. The gears are quiet. Nothing leaked. Nothing broke. The core design elements all function. "Proof of concept" is essentially complete. However, material changes and corrosion mitigation would be required to be viable. That demands substantial redesign to meet my targets on weight and product life. Looking at the calendar and budget, I've already blown both. While it's hard to end a project with so much time and money already invested, that is sunk cost. It is time for me to stop.
Anybody need a 550hp 6.7L Cummins diesel?
November 1, 2020.
The dramatic recreational boating market shift to outboard engines has reduced demand for both stern and surface drives. Although my drive testing provided good learning and highlighted improvement opportunities, the market challenges are far greater than the technical ones. After reflection during the COVID-19 shut down, I cannot foresee a viable, independent path forward.
Technical observations: The blades are strong. The gears are quiet. Nothing leaked. Nothing broke. The core design elements all function. "Proof of concept" is essentially complete. However, material changes and corrosion mitigation would be required to be viable. That demands substantial redesign to meet my targets on weight and product life. Looking at the calendar and budget, I've already blown both. While it's hard to end a project with so much time and money already invested, that is sunk cost. It is time for me to stop.
Anybody need a 550hp 6.7L Cummins diesel?
