Abstract: A double suction, double volute pump for propelling a boat having each volute exhaust through a separate jet nozzle. The pump housing defines two intake passageways leading upward to either side of a double suction impeller. The housing further provides double volutes which receive water from each side of the double suction impeller and deliver it to dual nozzles thereby creating twin jets which may be employed to propel and control the boat. The double volutes each extend substantially full circle about the housing and terminate in elbows which lead to the nozzles. The nozzles are placed horizontally equidistant from the centerline of the impeller shaft and are controlled by steering linkages to operate in unison. Reversing control gates may be operated either together for reversing or independently for slow speed steering.
Abstract: A centrifugal pump for a boat which is used to propel the boat by means of a jet of water created by the pump. The pump includes a housing which is mounted exterior to the hull. A drive shaft and an impeller are mounted to rotate within the housing. The drive shaft extends through the transom of the boat and may be coupled directly to a gas turbine engine or other power generating device. The impeller is of the double suction type and includes ports for equalizing pressures on either side of the impeller at the suction positions thereof. The housing provides a double volute to receive the effluent from the impeller and direct it aft to a nozzle. Nozzle mechanisms are disclosed which provide easy steering and boat trim control under high thrust loads. A thrust reversal system is employed which directs the jet of water forward for stopping and reversing.