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2002-2003 Solar-Powered Boat Class Project

Design and construct a boat powered solely by solar energy, capable of transporting one person, that can complete one circuit around Lake Placida in minimal time.  The two best designs will be constructed for the April 25 (weather-permitting) contest on Lake Placida.

Rules:

1.  Boat must carry one person.
2.  Boat must be able to complete one lap around Lake Placida.
3.  Power for boat propulsion must come from solar panel.
4.  No supplemental propulsion (paddles, combustion engine, ropes, etc.)
5.  All components must be pre-approved by the instructor.  You may not use a pre-fabricated or outboard motor.
6.  Solar panel must be attached to boat with an easy attach and detach mechanism.
7.  Additional rules may be added if loopholes are located!

Materials:
1.  Solar panel, 120 Watt, 12 volt nominal (size: 59 by 26 inches, weight: 29 pounds)
2.  The rest is up to the individual groups.  The group budget is approximately $300.

Final Presentations

Team Upperclass

  • Dax Kepshire
  • Kevin McGrath
  • Scott Murray
  • Justin Vincent
  • Arturo Garcia

Team USA

  • Brian Berry
  • Sean McEvoy
  • Don Mehagan
  • Corey Notarangelo
  • Mitch Deike
  • Tom Scully
  • Justin Shade

Team International

  • Ruth Arispe
  • Julio Camacho
  • Gustavo Coro Cruz
  • Lava Kadel
  • Zach Robertson
  • Supid Shrestha

Schedule and Scoring

Monday, April 28 2003 on Lake Placida

12:30pm Optional Charging of Batteries
1:35pm Race begins with "Down and Back" head-to-head race
1:55pm Boat Descriptions followed by Time Trials (1 lap)
2:00pm Team USA Time Trial
2:10pm Team International Time Trial
2:20pm Team Upperclass Time Trial
2:30pm Tie Breaker Head-to-Head race 1 lap (if necesssary) winner must win by 2 points
3:00pm Boat Engineering Presentations by each team with open questions in Esbenshade 166 - refreshments served

Scoring

Down and Back

Condition Points
Winner of first length
1
Overall First Place
5
Overall Second Place
4
Overall Third Place
3
No Completion
0

Time Trials

Condition Points
Fastest Time
5
Second Place
4
Third Place
3
No Completion
0

 

Solar-Powered Boat Designs

Team USA

  • Brian Berry
  • Sean McEvoy
  • Don Mehagan
  • Corey Notarangelo

Team Bolivia

  • Ruth Arispe
  • Julio Camacho
  • Gustavo Coro Cruz

Team America

  • Mitch Deike
  • Tom Scully
  • Justin Shade

Team Nepal

  • Lava Kadel
  • Zach Robertson
  • Supid Shrestha

Team Upperclass

  • Dax Kepshire
  • Kevin McGrath
  • Scott Murray
  • Justin Vincent
  • Arturo Garcia  

Thanks to the sponsor of our solar panels