Unit 5: The Engineering of Pontoon Boats

1. How displacement creates an upward buoyant force.

2. Hydrodynamics: The relationship between hull shape and skin-friction drag.

3. Stability & Center of Buoyancy: How the width and volume of pontoons prevent capsizing.

4. Propulsion Physics: How motor depth and propeller pitch affect thrust and efficiency.

5. Center of Mass vs. Center of Buoyancy: Balancing a vessel to prevent "pitching" or "rolling" in the water.

1. Calculate Density: Measure the mass and volume of different materials to predict floatation.

2. Shape Nose Cones: Use foam or 3D printing to create "dolphin-nose" cones to reduce drag.

3. Build Pontoons: Construct twin-hull vessels using PVC, foam, or recycled materials.

4. Optimize Propulsion: Mount small electric motors and experiment with depth and angle.

5. Load Test: Systematically add weight to the deck to find the vessel's maximum displacement limit.

The "Cargo Cross" Challenge: Students must navigate their pontoon boat across a 15-foot water tank carrying a specific "payload" (e.g., 2 lbs of weights). The final grade is based on a Technical Design Log that includes their buoyancy calculations, a hydrodynamic drag analysis of their nose cone, and a summary of how they adjusted the motor placement to achieve peak velocity.