Abstract: A propulsion system for a water wheel of the type having a plurality of pontoons interconnected in diametrically opposed pairs by means of spokes which are slidably carried by the water wheel so that the pontoons on the downwardly moving side of the water wheel are at a larger radius than the pontoons on the upwardly moving side of the water wheel, includes a water course which flows a stream of water below the water wheel in a manner such that the pontoons are fully submersed in the water when the wheel is at the lowermost point of its travel, and a chute which is located upstream of the water course and causes the stream of water to drop substantially vertically prior to passing below the water wheel. The section between the chute and water course is shaped so that turbulence caused by the stream dropping through the chute is directed in a manner to urge the pontoons radially inwardly as they pass through the water course.