[jyl]

Every human-powered boat in common use is propelled by your arms via paddles. Okay, proper rowing technique for some racing sculls also uses the legs via a sliding seat, but that's pretty specialized stuff.

Why don't we see more leg-powered boats? A large diameter, slow rpm propeller would seem very efficient. The friction losses in a bicycle type drivetrain are not high. The legs are much more powerful than the arms. The arms would be free to control a rudder, hold a fishing rod or shotgun, brace with paddles.

Anyone seen such a thing, or know the pros and cons?