Boat with paddle-wheel propulsion system
Made by
UniversitĂ di Firenze, FacoltĂ di Ingegneria, Dipartimento di Meccanica e Tecnologie industriali, Made by
Etruria Musei
2010
Taking up from the studies of his predecessors, Leonardo developed the idea of a boat with a paddle-wheel propulsion system, equipped with mechanisms capable of increasing navigation speed and of augmenting the transportable load over that of traditional rowboats or sailboats.
The boat moves along by means of three pairs of paddle wheels that are moved by cranks turned by human effort. The meshing of the toothed wheels and lantern pinions provide excellent performance output, through multiplication of the revolutions of the paddles.
To make the rotation more uniform, and thereby ease the work of the operators, Leonardo introduced the use of flywheels: large wheels connected directly to the cranks. As these turn, they accumulate mechanical energy, releasing it then during phases of low energy input.
Technical informations
Type of exhibit
Model
Collection
Material
Wood
Measures
Width:101 cm,Height:24 cm,Depth:26 cm.
Storage location
Relationship with the original work
Source: Leonardo da Vinci, Codex Atlanticus, f. 1063 r
Location
Museo Leonardiano, Counts Guidi's castle, first floor
Last update: 17 November 2025, 12:56