Model Solar Boats Overview

Junior division open to students to year 6 
Advanced division open to students to year 12

The objective is to develop a boat that will travel along a guide line suspended above the water from one end to the other of a 10 metre long  pool, in the shortest possible time. Boats will race each other in the pool to determine the winner. There are two divisions catering for very simple boats with hulls designed and constructed by primary students from recycled materials, to more sophisticated moulded hulls and drive systems that are designed and constructed by secondary students.

The committee  believes that the skills necessary to build a competitive boat are more appropriate for younger students. By competing in the boat race, students experience learning in a technology based problem solving activity. The experience so gained can then be utilized in designing an entry for the  more technically demanding car race. 

For more information and resources please visit our Building Boats section or for images of previous boats please visit our gallery.