Topic starter
05/08/2014 12:52 am
I've had a burning question on my mind about the Belle of Cincinnati for some time now. Is the Belle an authentic sternwheeler, or does her paddlewheel do nothing to propel her? I've heard both, but I'd like answers from a better source... you guys.
05/08/2014 1:22 am
She is both sternwheel and twin screw. The wheel is hydraulically driven and the props are standard through-the-hull shafts on diesels with reduction/reversing gears. This allows for twin-screw operation for docking and other maneuvering and the wheel is for running up and down the river. She can operate on either system independently or with both.
Topic starter
05/08/2014 2:06 pm
Thanks
Thanks, Bob. I'm happy to have found that out, I've seen videos where her paddle is not doing anything, and ones with it turning, seemingly powering the boat.