This item from the periodical Manufacturer and Builder, 1880, describes the use of a Brayton engine to power watercraft.

Petroleum vs. Steam.

To THE EDITOR OF THE MANUFACTURER AND BUILDER:

    Some weeks ago there arrived at this port a government launch on the U. S. S. “Tallapoosa,” which boat was afterward towed to Exeter by the “La Chiquita.” This launch was furnished by the navy department at Washington to the Exeter Machine Works for experimental purposes, and has been fitted with a novel motive power, said power consisting of what is known as the Brayton petroleum engine, the motive power of which consists of a gas cylinder and air pump, placed longitudinally side by side, and connected to the same crank shaft. The power is originated by the combustion of petroleum oil in the gas cylinder, which is supplied with compressed air from a receiver, in which it is kept at the desired pressure through the agency of the air pump, the speed of the engine being increased or diminished by graduating the quantity of air introduced into the gas cylinder from the air tank. The engine makes about 300 revolutions a minute, and the main (or gas) cylinder is kept cool by water which circulates up through one piston rod and piston head, passing out through the other piston rod. On the shaft is a large spur wheel which gears on to the wheel that drives the propeller. The connection with the propeller shaft is one of the most ingenious features of the invention; the engine always moves in the same direction, whether the boat is going ahead or backing, the motion of the screw being governed by two cog-wheels, one of which it drives forward and the other backward; these are controlled by friction clutches, which are operated by air pressure from the tank. The propeller is under the direct control of the pilot, who governs its direction by means of a small lever located close to the wheel, so that the going ahead, easing and reversing are entirely independent of the engineer. The motive power is obtained from petroleum, contained in a small tank forward, which is fed to the engine automatically as required. The machinery is almost entirely below the water-line, which adds to the steadiness of the vessel, and is entirely concealed from view.
C. R. S.
Portsmouth, N. H., September 25th, 1880.

From: Manufacturer and Builder, Vol.12, No.10, October 1880, published by Western and Company, N.Y., page 236. (Source)

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