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 Fleet 7 Skipper goes Solar		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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gnorgan
Admiral

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USA
563 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/29/2004 :  20:42:04  Show Profile
I've been busy the past 3 months working with a group of high school students who have designed and built a solar powered boat. Twenty two high school teams competed last weekend (3 days!!) in sprint and endurance races at Lake Skinner. The event was sponsored by EMWD, the water people...and they spent OODLES (check your water rates) of money and had big media coverage and free food all weekend for all the teams and support people involved.
Jim Baumgart wanted me to show you some of the photos I took. So here's a few that should give you a flavor of what went on:

This first one is of the West Valley team; that's me on the right.


On the dock prior to one of the races:


The West Valley Mustang boat at "full" speed (Hahaha -we were slow, actually)


Start of one of the sprints; our boat on the left (we did finish)

In the paddock area for some minor repairs, then back out on the lake

We may be slow but the big power electric motors often got towed back due to lack of energy or "technical problems". (Mustangs = #6.8)

On the dock with other solar boats, awaiting haul-out:

The Mustang boat on the kayak rack heading for home Sunday night:

My kids were taught the "K.I.S.S." system so that the one thing that broke was repaired easily and quickly.
We were a success because we kept it simple, maxed the size of our panels and batteries and were the lightest boat on the water. We finished all races, something over half did not. We had a terrific experience and we'll be back next year....we're going to work on going a bit faster next time (Boat speed = power = boat speed)
Gary & Susie Norgan
1989 C25 tall/wing
Classical Cat #5944
San Diego/Mission Bay Fleet 7
Edited by - gnorgan on 05/31/2004 15:15:20

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2004 :  12:15:21  Show Profile  Visit Oscar's Homepage
Cool...can you make the pics a little larger? Or put them off site large with a link?

Oscar
Catalina 250WB#618 Currently FOR SALE:
http:www.woodenshoemusic.com/C250WB
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gnorgan
Admiral

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USA
563 Posts
Response Posted - 05/31/2004 :  15:17:22  Show Profile
Sorry, Oscar, re: small pics. That should do it
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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts
Response Posted - 05/31/2004 :  20:16:02  Show Profile
were ther fastest boats powered by one or two trolling motors?
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Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts
Response Posted - 05/31/2004 :  20:26:17  Show Profile
Congratulations, Gary: awesome! At the same time, I would point out that all sailboats are solar powered. . . . !

Brooke
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gnorgan
Admiral

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USA
563 Posts
Response Posted - 05/31/2004 :  20:36:57  Show Profile
....which is why I chose to include it on our site, Brooke

We used two 40lb thrust trolling motors (Minn Kota) and did not go all that fast. We removed the heads to the motors (the controllers) and moved them so that they were mounted next to the driver. High torque electric motors went alot faster. Should have used props with increased pitch but this was our first attempt with a team of young kids so we were just happy to be there and to finish respectfully.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.