Tobie Horswill wrote:
>
> Hi Matt,
>
>     I considered having the "bridge" of the boat only a few centimeters
> above sea-level to help keep it's center of gravity as low as possible so I
> assume it will be constantly washed by the waves and no salt will get
> deposited on it's solar panels. As for the amount of sunlight available to
> the solar panels I guess that the washing of the water does have a certain
> effect but is it really that important overall ? Cloudy weather I can live
> with, the boat will simply sleep more often I guess.
>
>     What would the minimum speed required to fight the currents and get
> across the ocean be ? I don't really mind if it takes 6 months for the thing
> to get across so I guess I should maybe rename this a "stubborn drifter"
> rather than a boat ...

When you're not in a strong current like the gulf stream I think its
usually a couple knots, but I'm no oceanographer so don't trust my word
on this.  I think the gulf stream can be upwards of 5 knots.  I think
solar cells will be able to give you some communication, but I wouldn't
count on them for any sort of propulsion.  With a constant wash of water
you also have to remember that salt water is a pretty good conductor-
which if it washes over your antennas, will act like a lossy medium, and
reduce the performance.  As for drifting- it will work as long as you
want to go in the direction of the current, but to go anywhere else, you
need something to push against- sailboats use their rudders and keels in
the water to help re-direct the force of the wind.

Even with constant wash over, junk will build up, just at a slower rate-
you just have to build to be able to accomodate that.

Matt

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