Team member: Arthur Page

Introduction and the Early Stages of Research
The main objective of this project was to build a floating machine that would carry two people a minimum distance of 50 meters for at least two races. In addition, two oars can only be used to propel the boat. And in the process of designing this boat, we needed to consider the impact of hydrodynamics, anthropometrics, ergonomics, and water propulsion.

During the research process, we studied different types of boats, trying to have a broad understanding of advantages and disadvantages of each type of boat design. In result, we strived to design a boat with a clear, yet rich concept, inspired by the ideas of the double-hulled boat.

Study Models
Two study models were conceived as a result of our sketches. One concept had the idea of curvilinear ribs that connected the two hulls together. The other concept entailed on the importance of designing the boat as a system of two-independent hulls connected insignificantly at the ribs.

Framing Model
The framing model was the concentration on the further development of the curvilinear concept. For this model, the concept now consisted of a three-hull frame where each hull shared the same curvilinear ribs, and only two of the hulls were functional. This direction in defining a three-hull system was driven by the given condition where only two of our three-member team can propel the boat. Therefore, the third non-functional hull represented the spirit of third member, hence the name of our boat: “Two Peas and Three Pods”. To further strengthen the frame, each hull had a similar keel that aligned its ribs properly. In conclusion, the frame consisted of three different types of parts: the ribs, the keels, and the overall frame connector.

Skin Research
Based on past experiences, the team felt paper-mache was a suitable type of skin to apply to our design. Therefore, we tested this method with our framing model, with just one layer of paper-mache and one layer of Minwax. In result, the boat stayed afloat for over five minutes, and thus, the test was deemed successful.

Construction Process of the Final Model
The process of constructing the final model can be defined by the methods of pre-fabrication and repetitive assemblage, to promote accuracy of the assembly. In the beginning, we had to create two sets of glued-corrugated cardboard, each measuring 9’x9’ and consisting of seven layers, to be used to construct the three different parts of the frame. After, we mounted templates of the parts onto the corrugated cardboard and used a jigsaw to cut out all the pieces. In the end, our design entailed a total of nine ribs, three keels, and an overall frame connector.
Before the skin construction, we waterproofed each piece of the frame with a single layer of Minwax before and after assembling the frame. Eventually, we developed a paper-mache that consisted of flour, Elmer’s glue, and water to construct the first two layers of the skin with white construction paper and then green printing paper for the third and last layer, which was a process that extend over a period of two days. Once, the paper-mache dried up, we applied three coats of Minwax on the outside of the skin, and one coat on the inside.