The traditional Iceboat:

The Iceboat was designed from the traditional wind powered iceboat models. These "boats" are sail driven and are often used on large frozen lakes in during the winter. The sail powered ones usually tavel at speeds around 60 m.p.h. in a good wind. They usually can travel about 10% faster than the wind. I have heard that you are not a real iceboater until your boat has fallen throught he ice. (Ours has)

Videos

Winter 2002-2003

Flip (Look closely)

Bumpy

Fast

Winter 2003-2004

Servo Jittering*

Fast on smooth ice-5°F out

Little Pond

Winter 2004-2005

Moving out (no audio)

Around the turn (no audio)

S-turn (no audio)

Our design:

Our design varies from the traditional design in that it is propeller powered rather than wind powered.  However the priciple is the same as we do not need to have traction on our surface to move.  A wind, or in this case propeller driven vehicle, (they are ultimatly the same) has the benefits of a low friction surface while it maintains responsive control.  Our iceboat is remote control, as a full scale model would be dangerous and also very costly.  Even so, our iceboat can travel at speeds around 50 m.p.h.  This is quite impressive when you think about the scale speed of the vehicle. (see calculations for more on this)  The project took about three winters to complete, or should I say perfect to work as well as it does.(see changes and crashes for more on this) Our iceboat also has another advantage of having wheels, skates and two types of skis that are interchangable.