Difference between revisions of "User:Vincecate/WaterWalker2"

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Building a 1:5 scale model/prototype like the [[User:Vincecate/WaterWalker|WaterWalker model]] that is big enough for 2 people to take a [http://online.offshore.com.ai/balseros/ kite powered ride along the South side of Anguilla].
+
Built a 1:4 or 1:5 scale model/prototype like the [[User:Vincecate/WaterWalker|WaterWalker model]] that is big enough for 3 people to take a [http://online.offshore.com.ai/balseros/ kite powered ride along the South side of Anguilla].
The legs will be 20 feet long.  I have done [[User:Vincecate/Models|several seastead models]] but this will be the first large enough to play on.
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The legs were 20 feet long.  I have done [[User:Vincecate/Models|several seastead models]] but this was the first large enough to play on.
  
[[Image:Vincemodel15b.jpg]]
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[[Image:WaterWalker2WithKite.JPG|640px]]
  
  
Line 9: Line 9:
 
==Costs==
 
==Costs==
  
* Rope - $108.59 - [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WG684 150 feet of 3/4 inch nylon rope]
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* Main Rope - $108.59 - [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WG684 150 feet of 3/4 inch nylon rope]
 
* Barrels - $80 - 4 from a West Indies Concrete in Anguilla at $20 each  
 
* Barrels - $80 - 4 from a West Indies Concrete in Anguilla at $20 each  
 
* Steel Beams - $212 - 4 steel box-beams at $53 each (called "3-inch square tubing" at the store)  
 
* Steel Beams - $212 - 4 steel box-beams at $53 each (called "3-inch square tubing" at the store)  
* Hardware - $100 - hinges, nuts, bolts
+
* Hardware - $120 - hinges, nuts, bolts, L-brackets, washers, small rope
 
* Wood beam - ~$20
 
* Wood beam - ~$20
* Plywood - ~$60
+
* Plywood - $35
 +
 
 +
* Total $575.59
  
 
The barrels are a great deal.  The rope price does not include shipping and duty.  The other prices are tropical island prices which include shipping and duty - US prices should be less for these things.
 
The barrels are a great deal.  The rope price does not include shipping and duty.  The other prices are tropical island prices which include shipping and duty - US prices should be less for these things.
Line 45: Line 47:
  
 
* Going from 3 legs to 4.  I did this because it gives me a wider base and lets me use 4 of the cheap barrels I have available.  With this I am sure I can carry 2 people and maybe more.  Makes structure a bit more complex.
 
* Going from 3 legs to 4.  I did this because it gives me a wider base and lets me use 4 of the cheap barrels I have available.  With this I am sure I can carry 2 people and maybe more.  Makes structure a bit more complex.
* How to join the legs together at the top.  With 4 legs the 4 hinge method on a central column seems good.  
+
* How to join the legs together at the top.  With 4 legs the 4 hinge method on a central column seems good. But it is a potential weak link.
 
* With 4 legs it makes sense to have diagonal ropes between the legs but I think this is not really needed.  Without the diagonals opposite sides can move in or out while other pair does opposite.  Should be limited range though as weight is transfered to legs coming together.  Might reduce passenger motion.  A WaterWalker with moving legs seems fun to try.  Makes tying the platform not so easy, but might be OK without ties.
 
* With 4 legs it makes sense to have diagonal ropes between the legs but I think this is not really needed.  Without the diagonals opposite sides can move in or out while other pair does opposite.  Should be limited range though as weight is transfered to legs coming together.  Might reduce passenger motion.  A WaterWalker with moving legs seems fun to try.  Makes tying the platform not so easy, but might be OK without ties.
 
* Ropes out of the water or at ends of legs?  If the ropes are out of the water there is less drag for the structure moving through the water; however, the stress on the leg is more.  If the ropes are in the water they can help to attract fish. Can also use the same attachment point used to tie barrels.  Expect to tie at ends of legs.
 
* Ropes out of the water or at ends of legs?  If the ropes are out of the water there is less drag for the structure moving through the water; however, the stress on the leg is more.  If the ropes are in the water they can help to attract fish. Can also use the same attachment point used to tie barrels.  Expect to tie at ends of legs.
Line 55: Line 57:
 
** Tie them so they float in normal barrel orientation (vertical) - minimizes waterline area - some danger of barrel hitting leg.  With ropes and legs in the water heave should not be too much of a problem.  Choice I made.
 
** Tie them so they float in normal barrel orientation (vertical) - minimizes waterline area - some danger of barrel hitting leg.  With ropes and legs in the water heave should not be too much of a problem.  Choice I made.
  
==Sponsors==
 
  
After this has been built, tested in the ocean, and documented on the web, these sponsors have pledged these amounts:
 
  
* Joep - $300
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==Planned Route for Maiden Voyage==
* Jesrad - $200
 
  
==Route for Maiden Voyage==
+
[[Image:WaterWalker2map.JPG]]
  
 
My current plan is to do a [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.164773,-63.132763&spn=0.074377,0.11055&z=13 2 to 4 mile route] that is mostly downwind and never far from land.  Will go [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.169885,-63.096591&spn=0.002329,0.003455&z=18 into the water at one beach] and then get [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.170166,-63.132559&spn=0.004659,0.006909&z=17 out of the water at another beach 2.5 miles over], or maybe [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.165257,-63.14074&spn=0.002329,0.003455&z=18 the West end of that beach for a 3 mile trip], or if things are going really well [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.164804,-63.157461&spn=0.004659,0.006909&z=17 a beach even further for about 4 miles].  The wind is normally from the East and we will do this on a day when that is so.  Will have a person in Hobie Outback nearby and may change people during trip.  The kayak may pull the model a bit south at the start if the kite has any trouble pulling the model south enough to clear land 1/2 mile from start.   
 
My current plan is to do a [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.164773,-63.132763&spn=0.074377,0.11055&z=13 2 to 4 mile route] that is mostly downwind and never far from land.  Will go [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.169885,-63.096591&spn=0.002329,0.003455&z=18 into the water at one beach] and then get [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.170166,-63.132559&spn=0.004659,0.006909&z=17 out of the water at another beach 2.5 miles over], or maybe [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.165257,-63.14074&spn=0.002329,0.003455&z=18 the West end of that beach for a 3 mile trip], or if things are going really well [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=18.164804,-63.157461&spn=0.004659,0.006909&z=17 a beach even further for about 4 miles].  The wind is normally from the East and we will do this on a day when that is so.  Will have a person in Hobie Outback nearby and may change people during trip.  The kayak may pull the model a bit south at the start if the kite has any trouble pulling the model south enough to clear land 1/2 mile from start.   
Line 68: Line 67:
 
If we can average 1/2 MPH then it would be about 5 hours to make the 2.5 miles.  At 1:5 scale this is simulating a 12.5 mile trip at 1.12 MPH.
 
If we can average 1/2 MPH then it would be about 5 hours to make the 2.5 miles.  At 1:5 scale this is simulating a 12.5 mile trip at 1.12 MPH.
  
==Things to bring on maiden voyage==
+
==Things to bring on experimental voyage==
  
   * Life jackets for everyone (3 to 5)
+
   * Life jackets for everyone (4)-  3 people on board model 1 in kayak
  * Swimming fins
 
 
   * Sun screen
 
   * Sun screen
 
   * Water/drinks/cooler/food
 
   * Water/drinks/cooler/food
  * 2 or 3 people on board model 1 or 2 people in kayak
 
 
   * Sea Anchor - test how much it slows model down   
 
   * Sea Anchor - test how much it slows model down   
 +
  * Anchor
 
   * Kite/pulley/attachment-rope,  maybe backup kite
 
   * Kite/pulley/attachment-rope,  maybe backup kite
   * Cell phones in dry bags
+
   * Cell phones in dry bags (phones charged and with money)
   * waterproof camera and cheap camera in dry bag, expensive camera on land with tripod
+
   * waterproof camera in kayak
   * GPS - to record route, see how much off downwind we can go, how fast
+
  * cheap camera in dry bag on seastead
   * Fishing pole/hooks/bait-squid/container
+
  * expensive camera on land with tripod - with extra batteries
 +
   * GPS - map, to record route, see how much off downwind we can go, how fast
 +
   * Paper chart, print of Google maps in dry bag
 
   * Kayak/paddles/pedals
 
   * Kayak/paddles/pedals
 
   * Extra rope
 
   * Extra rope
 
   * Log-book and pen
 
   * Log-book and pen
 +
  * Maybe plan to tie sea-anchor between legs to make shade on platform
 +
  * Hand radios in kayak, seastead, land (3 total)
 +
 +
==Maiden Voyage Results==
  
==Possible things to work on next for this project==
+
[[Image:WaterWalker2launchprep.JPG|640px]]
  
* Have other possible passengers practice with my kites while on land
+
Miguel and Vacquelin did most of the construction for WaterWalker2.  They were home from college for Christmas and heading back on Jan 8th.  So the last day to launch was Jan 7th and we were in a hurry to do soVacquelin is the one who has done any nice sketchup drawing that I have posted.
* Measure force/speed for barrel in pool - barrel half full of water - both on side and upright
 
* Measure force/speed for 4x4 section in pool
 
* Measure thrust lbs from Hobie Outback
 
* Measure force from kite
 
* Model 4 leg WaterWalker to test if we really need diagonal ropes (I no longer think we need them)
 
* I have pulled my 2500 lb boat (really 3600 lbs with water ballast) with my kayak, this at 1/10th the weight but less hydrodynamic is probably similar really.  So I am sure I can move it with a kite or kayak.  But question is how fast.  If it was 1 MPH or more I might do an 8 mile trip instead of 2.5 miles.  On the other hand it may be good to start with a small tripI also need to measure how far off-wind I can travel before trying the longer trip and I can only do this on a test voyage.  
 
* Just build it and launch it
 
  
==Major results from experiment==
+
We had 3 people on the Seastead, Vince, Miguel, Veselin.  Vacquelin was in the Kayak, and Bob Hettinga was the land based photographer and responsible for getting any needed rescue boats.
  
* How fast kite moves model
+
We had the seastead folded up with the main rope still on when we drove it to the beach.  It is a bit difficult to raise and lower when closed like an umbrella.  It is easier to lower the center all the way down, but to do this you have to take off the main rope around the ends of the legs.  It is also easier to load on a car one leg at a time than altogether and we only have to remove 6 bolts to take off the 4 legs.
** Single kite
 
** Kite flying in figure-8
 
** Multiple kites at once
 
* How fast Hobbie Outback moves model
 
* Largest angle left or right of downwind that we can do with kite
 
* How 4 legs works without diagonal bracing ropes (moving leg WaterWalker)
 
  
==Construction Progress==
+
[[Image:WaterWalker2OnBeach1.JPG|640px]]
  
[[Image:WaterWalker2AmoniLR.JPG]]
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[[Image:WaterWalker2OnBeach2.JPG|640px]]
  
Amoni checking out the 4' by 4' lower platform with central column.  Since this picture I decided to just suspend the platform with ropes from the corners to a short center column and the nearest leg.  Was worried about stress on hinges, in particular if the legs are moving and attached to the platform.
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<youtube v="AdEjM69Htj8" />
  
In the background are the 4 barrels.  One is filled with 400 lbs of water and suspended from the backhoe to test the rope connections to the barrel - seems fine.
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==GPS / Speed / Angle ==
  
[[Image:WaterWalker2flat.JPG]]
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[[Image:WaterWalker2GPSPlot2.jpg]]
  
Looks like it is going to be big!
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In this plot of the [http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dffxg4th_56z4pzwqfg GPS data] we started at the upper right dot and head left and down some under kite power.  Then we are working our way past rocks curving up, left, and then down.  Then a dingy pulls us down and back to the right where we anchor. 
  
[[Image:WaterWalker2ropes.JPG]]
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The data says that the first line (kite portion) was 654 feet at a heading of 249 degrees.  This is probably about right and means we did like 21 degrees South of West when the wind was going West.  The kite was probably pulling us more like 45 degrees south of West.  Our track was a compromise of the wind push and the kite pull.  The GPS says we did this 654 feet in 12 seconds, but really it was like 8 minutes which would be around 0.9 MPH.  This is faster than predicted.
  
Shows how ropes attach barrel to legRope going around legs will go through the same thing on the leg.
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I think the GPS went into a sleep mode after getting bored waiting to launchWish we could have had better data during the kite portion.
  
[[Image:WaterWalker2progress.JPG]]
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The write brothers first flight was 120 feet.  The first seastead ride was longer.
  
Getting the parts together.
+
===Worked Well===
 +
* Hinge was fine.  Never saw a time where opposite legs were trying to lean in opposite ways and so twisting the hinges.
 +
* The structure is very stable.  More stable than 50 person ferries nearby.  No danger of tipping over or a leg folding under.
 +
* The barrels could move in the waves without moving the structure much.
 +
* There was no need for diagonal ropes between opposite legs
 +
* Rope underwater was always straight (in tension) unless on a rock
 +
* Rope underwater did not seem to slow us down too much
 +
* Barrels did not hit the metal legs as they moved in waves
 +
* With 4 guys, one on each leg, we could pick up the seastead and carry it into the water
 +
* Putting two legs in deep water while we launched the kites so other two people could finish seastead launch worked well.
 +
* Kayak is good for evacuations to shore or going to shore to get an anchor.
 +
* Connecting 4 legs and then working center up is easy, or taking center down and removing legs
 +
* This structure is not shaped to move through the water and yet went plenty fast enough for a seastead.  If this were 1:4 scale then the full sized would move 2 times as fast as the model.  Should be fast enough to do a [[User:Vincecate/Migration|migration]].
  
[[Image:WaterWalker2Amoni2.JPG]]
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===Not so well===
  
Amoni checking out "crows nest" seat.
 
  
==Other Pictures==
+
* The force from the wind on the structure was larger than expected.  Really not practical for the pedal kayak (which really does pull well) to pull the model with the strong winds we had.  Even the small dingy that pulled us off the rocks had a hard time moving us.
 +
* Because of the drag we could not go as far to the left or right of downwind as expected
 +
* The wooden platform we stood on was suspended by ropes and could rotate.  Even though the metal structure of the model was really stable what we were standing on was not.  It meant we basically had to hold on all the time.
 +
* We should have used a location that would be fine even if we drifted with the wind.  A seastead model that is 32 feet wide and has ropes all the way around 4 feet underwater is good at catching all kinds of rocks.
 +
* Seems the GPS got tired of waiting for the launch.  Next time I want to make sure it is working right before launching.
 +
* Two of the barrels took on significant water - not measured yet but maybe 5 inches or more
 +
* We had a sea anchor but really should have carried our own regular anchor
 +
* We needed a longer rope for the kite and a more comfortable setup for controlling it and type that can self launch after hitting water.
 +
* Should have some rope ladder for getting from water to the platform
  
 +
==More Videos==
  
[[Image:Vincemodel15a.jpg]]
 
  
[[Image:ThreeBarrels.JPG]]
 
  
Got these 3 barrels for $20 each from the concrete plant.  Now planning on using 4.
+
<youtube v="T_Kl39eJ7Hk" />
  
[[Image:BeamOnRoof.JPG]]
 
  
This 3" by 3" square tube is 20 feet long and cost me $53.  Tropical island prices include shipping and duty, so are usually nearly twice mainland prices.  I just got one so far to make sure I can work with the ends and that it is strong enough.
+
<youtube v="r10pY_4aNqo" />
  
[[Image:SteelTest.JPG]]
+
Vacquelin was actually able to pull the seastead even in this strong wind, but it was hard to see the progress when in the water.
  
Testing 20 foot steel box-beam (square tubing) with 250 lbs on it.
 
  
[[Image:WoodTest.JPG]]
+
==More on WaterWalker2==
  
Testing 16 foot 4x4 with nearly 300 lbs on it.  The extra weight came on of its own accord.
+
There is a [[User:Vincecate/WaterWalker2Page2]] with more information, pictures, and videos.

Latest revision as of 23:59, 10 August 2009

Built a 1:4 or 1:5 scale model/prototype like the WaterWalker model that is big enough for 3 people to take a kite powered ride along the South side of Anguilla. The legs were 20 feet long. I have done several seastead models but this was the first large enough to play on.

WaterWalker2WithKite.JPG



Costs

  • Main Rope - $108.59 - 150 feet of 3/4 inch nylon rope
  • Barrels - $80 - 4 from a West Indies Concrete in Anguilla at $20 each
  • Steel Beams - $212 - 4 steel box-beams at $53 each (called "3-inch square tubing" at the store)
  • Hardware - $120 - hinges, nuts, bolts, L-brackets, washers, small rope
  • Wood beam - ~$20
  • Plywood - $35
  • Total $575.59

The barrels are a great deal. The rope price does not include shipping and duty. The other prices are tropical island prices which include shipping and duty - US prices should be less for these things.

Weights

  • Barrels 20 lbs
  • 3" square tube 20 feet long - 48 lbs
  • 4x4 at 16 feet long - 60 lbs
  • 4x4 at 20 feet long - 75 lbs

Flotation

The barrels are 54 gallons which is 432 lbs in fresh water and a bit more in salt water. The plastic underwater should float so only about half of the 20 lbs of the barrel really counts, or 10 lbs. The ropes holding the base in shape will probably be underwater and should nearly float.

  • Flotation 1783 lbs (from 4 barrels in salt water)
  • Using half each 891 lbs
  • Weight of beams 192 lbs (4 metal beams)
  • Weight of half of barrels out of water - 40 lbs
  • Weight of misc 100 lbs (short central beam, platform, and various hardware)
  • Available for people and other cargo 559 lbs

Might fill lower part of steel tubes with foam so they float. This would add a bit extra flotation.

If we had an aluminum box beam that was thick enough to weld to we could close off the end and make something to attach to at the same time. A 6 inch square aluminum box beam would be great. Aluminum is a better choice for a production model but it costs much more so I am not using it for this prototype.

Design Decisions

There have been several design decisions that I puzzled over.

  • Going from 3 legs to 4. I did this because it gives me a wider base and lets me use 4 of the cheap barrels I have available. With this I am sure I can carry 2 people and maybe more. Makes structure a bit more complex.
  • How to join the legs together at the top. With 4 legs the 4 hinge method on a central column seems good. But it is a potential weak link.
  • With 4 legs it makes sense to have diagonal ropes between the legs but I think this is not really needed. Without the diagonals opposite sides can move in or out while other pair does opposite. Should be limited range though as weight is transfered to legs coming together. Might reduce passenger motion. A WaterWalker with moving legs seems fun to try. Makes tying the platform not so easy, but might be OK without ties.
  • Ropes out of the water or at ends of legs? If the ropes are out of the water there is less drag for the structure moving through the water; however, the stress on the leg is more. If the ropes are in the water they can help to attract fish. Can also use the same attachment point used to tie barrels. Expect to tie at ends of legs.
  • Height/width ratio. If the structure is wider it is more stable, but there is more stress on the beams and ropes. With ropes at ends there is less stress on beams and I can make structure wider before breaking anything. I also think there is less risk of trouble from leaving off the diagonal ropes if the structure is very wide.
  • How to make platform for people. Don't want it to be too heavy but people need to be able to hang out for the whole trip. Decided on a small seat at the very top and a 4' by 4' platform about 4 feet down from joint. Can lean on the legs while standing. Attaching both with L brackets.
  • How to attach the barrels
    • Strap barrels along end of the leg - no movement or danger of hitting leg but bigger waterline area
    • Tie them so they float horizontally with tail fin so line up in direction of movement - could reduce drag when moving through the water. Complicated with what I have.
    • Tie them so they float in normal barrel orientation (vertical) - minimizes waterline area - some danger of barrel hitting leg. With ropes and legs in the water heave should not be too much of a problem. Choice I made.


Planned Route for Maiden Voyage

WaterWalker2map.JPG

My current plan is to do a 2 to 4 mile route that is mostly downwind and never far from land. Will go into the water at one beach and then get out of the water at another beach 2.5 miles over, or maybe the West end of that beach for a 3 mile trip, or if things are going really well a beach even further for about 4 miles. The wind is normally from the East and we will do this on a day when that is so. Will have a person in Hobie Outback nearby and may change people during trip. The kayak may pull the model a bit south at the start if the kite has any trouble pulling the model south enough to clear land 1/2 mile from start.

If we can average 1/2 MPH then it would be about 5 hours to make the 2.5 miles. At 1:5 scale this is simulating a 12.5 mile trip at 1.12 MPH.

Things to bring on experimental voyage

  * Life jackets for everyone (4)-  3 people on board model 1 in kayak
  * Sun screen
  * Water/drinks/cooler/food
  * Sea Anchor - test how much it slows model down  
  * Anchor 
  * Kite/pulley/attachment-rope,  maybe backup kite
  * Cell phones in dry bags (phones charged and with money)
  * waterproof camera in kayak
  * cheap camera in dry bag on seastead
  * expensive camera on land with tripod - with extra batteries
  * GPS - map, to record route, see how much off downwind we can go, how fast
  * Paper chart, print of Google maps in dry bag
  * Kayak/paddles/pedals
  * Extra rope
  * Log-book and pen
  * Maybe plan to tie sea-anchor between legs to make shade on platform
  * Hand radios in kayak, seastead, land (3 total)

Maiden Voyage Results

WaterWalker2launchprep.JPG

Miguel and Vacquelin did most of the construction for WaterWalker2. They were home from college for Christmas and heading back on Jan 8th. So the last day to launch was Jan 7th and we were in a hurry to do so. Vacquelin is the one who has done any nice sketchup drawing that I have posted.

We had 3 people on the Seastead, Vince, Miguel, Veselin. Vacquelin was in the Kayak, and Bob Hettinga was the land based photographer and responsible for getting any needed rescue boats.

We had the seastead folded up with the main rope still on when we drove it to the beach. It is a bit difficult to raise and lower when closed like an umbrella. It is easier to lower the center all the way down, but to do this you have to take off the main rope around the ends of the legs. It is also easier to load on a car one leg at a time than altogether and we only have to remove 6 bolts to take off the 4 legs.

WaterWalker2OnBeach1.JPG

WaterWalker2OnBeach2.JPG

<youtube v="AdEjM69Htj8" />

GPS / Speed / Angle

WaterWalker2GPSPlot2.jpg

In this plot of the GPS data we started at the upper right dot and head left and down some under kite power. Then we are working our way past rocks curving up, left, and then down. Then a dingy pulls us down and back to the right where we anchor.

The data says that the first line (kite portion) was 654 feet at a heading of 249 degrees. This is probably about right and means we did like 21 degrees South of West when the wind was going West. The kite was probably pulling us more like 45 degrees south of West. Our track was a compromise of the wind push and the kite pull. The GPS says we did this 654 feet in 12 seconds, but really it was like 8 minutes which would be around 0.9 MPH. This is faster than predicted.

I think the GPS went into a sleep mode after getting bored waiting to launch. Wish we could have had better data during the kite portion.

The write brothers first flight was 120 feet. The first seastead ride was longer.

Worked Well

  • Hinge was fine. Never saw a time where opposite legs were trying to lean in opposite ways and so twisting the hinges.
  • The structure is very stable. More stable than 50 person ferries nearby. No danger of tipping over or a leg folding under.
  • The barrels could move in the waves without moving the structure much.
  • There was no need for diagonal ropes between opposite legs
  • Rope underwater was always straight (in tension) unless on a rock
  • Rope underwater did not seem to slow us down too much
  • Barrels did not hit the metal legs as they moved in waves
  • With 4 guys, one on each leg, we could pick up the seastead and carry it into the water
  • Putting two legs in deep water while we launched the kites so other two people could finish seastead launch worked well.
  • Kayak is good for evacuations to shore or going to shore to get an anchor.
  • Connecting 4 legs and then working center up is easy, or taking center down and removing legs
  • This structure is not shaped to move through the water and yet went plenty fast enough for a seastead. If this were 1:4 scale then the full sized would move 2 times as fast as the model. Should be fast enough to do a migration.

Not so well

  • The force from the wind on the structure was larger than expected. Really not practical for the pedal kayak (which really does pull well) to pull the model with the strong winds we had. Even the small dingy that pulled us off the rocks had a hard time moving us.
  • Because of the drag we could not go as far to the left or right of downwind as expected
  • The wooden platform we stood on was suspended by ropes and could rotate. Even though the metal structure of the model was really stable what we were standing on was not. It meant we basically had to hold on all the time.
  • We should have used a location that would be fine even if we drifted with the wind. A seastead model that is 32 feet wide and has ropes all the way around 4 feet underwater is good at catching all kinds of rocks.
  • Seems the GPS got tired of waiting for the launch. Next time I want to make sure it is working right before launching.
  • Two of the barrels took on significant water - not measured yet but maybe 5 inches or more
  • We had a sea anchor but really should have carried our own regular anchor
  • We needed a longer rope for the kite and a more comfortable setup for controlling it and type that can self launch after hitting water.
  • Should have some rope ladder for getting from water to the platform

More Videos

<youtube v="T_Kl39eJ7Hk" />


<youtube v="r10pY_4aNqo" />

Vacquelin was actually able to pull the seastead even in this strong wind, but it was hard to see the progress when in the water.


More on WaterWalker2

There is a User:Vincecate/WaterWalker2Page2 with more information, pictures, and videos.