Improved Low-Drag Pontoons for Water Bikes

Abstract

The popularity of modern water bikes increases due to the relatively high speed developed with the use of a human muscle power only. For example, the maximum speed of prototypes reaches the value 3 m/s. Similar vehicles can be used not only for recreation and fitness, but also for transportation. To increase their speed and tonnage, we recommend improving the pontoon shape and using electrical power. The underwater part of the pontoon shape was recommended to be similar to the body shape of the fastest fish in order to decrease the wave resistance and total drag. The optimal depth of the movement of corresponding shapes was calculated. The total drag and maximum speeds of the vehicles with the human muscle and electrical power are estimated. Expected success in improving the pontoon shape opens wide prospects for the use of these special-shaped hulls in shipbuilding.