15thStop: Tips To Make A Fast Model Solar Boat

Design Principles

The first and most important rule when making a boat is that it must be as light as possible. This point cannot be over emphasised. Available power to propel the boat is limited so it is not possible to compensate for a heavy boat by giving it more power. The acceleration of a boat from the start line directly relates to the weight of the boat, that is, lighter boats accelerate faster. The top speed of the boat regardless of the hull shape will be higher if it is lighter because the boat will draw less water and have less drag. All these points combine to make this the most important factor determining a fast boat. However, other boat design factors must also be correct to have a fast boat.

The next most important factor is hull shape. The shape of the hull determines that drag created as the boat moves through the water and of course low drag is good. A design problem arises in selection of the best hull shape as model solar boats may be raced in overcast of bright sun conditions. This is very important because a hull designed for lowest drag in bright sun conditions will be a classic planing hull like a typical speed boat. A boat hull designed for lowest drag in overcast conditions will be a classic displacement hull like a large ship. The art of good design is to create a hull that will operate well in both conditions. Another very important consideration when determining the hull shape is static and dynamic stability. This means the boat must sit in the water without rolling over and when racing down the pool it must be self correcting when it deviates from the line of the string. Studying the lines and curves of a typical speed boat will give many clues to the shapes required for good stability.

The boat must be reliable. All the component and material choices must be made with reliability in mind. The boat must finish the race to win the race. Also, a fast boat must be able to sustain some large impacts hitting the end of the pool and this should be considered in the design. With regard to reliability it is wise to have a boat that is of a design that allows a backup motor or solar panel to be fitted between races. 

A simple model of solar boat and might be our first sketch and inspiration for building our solar boat. A very important and useful tips to start building a solar boat.