Engine

Nautilus is powered by a 1944 24/3 (JP3) Lister engine which is believed to have originally served as a back-up generator in a lighthouse. It was completely overhauled prior to being fitted and is well-suited to the design. The engine is coupled to a PRM 500D2 hydraulic gearbox with a 1.935:1 ratio. To assist in providing sufficient load to the JP3 and ensure appropriate speeds, a 25in x 23in x 4in propellor has been fitted. The estimated run-time is around 750 hours. 

Fuel is stored in two stainless steel underfloor tanks that provide a total capacity of 60 gallons (274 litres). This is supported by a day-tank that holds a further 6½ gallons (30 litres). The day-tank is re-supplied with via an electric fuel pump.

Nautilus boasts a powerful 24v, 8hp bow thruster  (Sidepower SE120/215T) that is perfectly suited to both canal and river work. A split-second touch is all that is normally required to get the bow pointing in the right direction.