SMUD Solar Regatta 2016

The SMUD Solar Regatta is a nation wide event where schools, universities, and engineering companies compete in a solar powered boat race. The competition is held annually at Rancho Seco Recreational Area and features multiple events that test the limits of the solar boats capabilities.

For more information about the competition, check out this link.

This was our first year competing in the competition, and we were able to contend with many of the returning colleges and engineering companies. Of the 16 or so colleges competing, overall we came in 7th place. We even beat UC Davis Engineering (Professor Mueller's Alma Mater) in multiple events. Check out the photos below!

BUILDING THE BOAT

We were donated parts of a heavily damaged prindle 18 sailboat, which we did extensive work to repair & engineer into a solar-powered boat.

Patchwork had to be done on damaged portions of the hull

The tops of the boat were cut off & we crafted a wood collar for the hulls. By cutting the top of the boat off & gutting it, we were able to remove a considerable amount of weight.

Custom fit Ribs were fiberglassed into the hull for reinforcement

A top was cut from plywood

Boat & bridge

The catamaran didn't have a bridge so we designed & built our own out of styrofoam, and wood. The curved design maximized bridge strength and minimized flex between the hulls on water.

Planning

we measured out exactly where the components would go so we could be most efficient in wiring. Excess wire could lead to more weight, decreased performance, and more chance of electrical failure.

creative storage!

we had limited storage space so that meant getting creative with storing the boat

Painting the boat

The paint had multiple purposes besides aesthetics. It filled in small gaps & holes in the hull that we couldn't patch, and gave the boat a smooth finish. A smooth finish meant significantly less drag in the water resulting in improved mobility.