Boat Construction
We built two boats and combined them with an air layer in between to improve buoyancy and stability. The process included:
- Design: We planned a double-layer structure for flotation.
- Building: Each boat was made separately with lightweight materials.
- Combining: The boats were secured together, trapping air in between.
- Testing: We sealed the edges and checked buoyancy before the race.
Race Performance
Successes:
- The air pocket improved buoyancy and stability.
- The design reduced the chance of tipping over.
Challenges:
- Uneven weight distribution affected steering.
- Water resistance slowed us down.
Improvements
For better performance, we could:
- Make a more streamlined shape to reduce resistance.
- Strengthen connections between layers.
- Test different materials for balance.
Effect of Paddler Mass
The paddler’s mass affected buoyancy:
- A heavier paddler lowered the boat, increasing drag.
- If too heavy, the boat risked sinking or becoming hard to paddle.
- A lighter paddler kept the boat higher, reducing resistance.
