OASIS

muscle-powered raft

This bachelor thesis is dedicated to the topic of recreational boats, especially pedal boats. With the increasing popularity of local tourism on lakes and the development of new concepts for leisure activities on the water, there is a great opportunity to develop the pedal boat one step further. In this way, existing as well as new target groups can be encouraged to move along the water with pure muscle power and enjoy the tranquillity and naturalness of the surroundings.

The final design concept is a floating, efficiently powered platform that can be used as a means of transportation on water and at the same time as a place of leisure and relaxation. Various adjustable elements enable individual use and maximum comfort while driving as well as when using it as a bathing and relaxation place. The design is functionally oriented to the external influences of the place of use and harmonises aesthetically with the calm and naturalness of the surroundings.

Bachelor Thesis
FH Joanneum Graz
Duration: 12 months
2019/2020

01 PROCESS

Go to final result

Briefing

Rethink pedal powered boats in terms of function, field of use and construction. Make use of their strenghts and lift them on a contemporary level. Design a boat that embodies both the natural and silent means of transport as well as a place of recreation and relaxation.

Goals

Get closer to the water.
Improve rest, relaxation and comfort.
Enhance luggage handling.
Enable transformation according to momentary use.
Emphasise the environmental aspect.
Design a pure means of transport aesthetically adapted to nature.

Research Insights

The need for offline experiences and growing environmental awareness has led to an increase in holidays in proximity. Experiences are often valued more than ownership.

The examination of the history of the pedal boat has shown how it went through the development stages from transport ship to recreational boat.

Picturing the various user groups led to a better understanding of the users' needs and also has shown areas of potential.

Evaluating existing products helped gaining a better feeling for ergonomics, the size and the use of the product. It revealed problems and weaknesses of the standard pedal boat.

Investigating material alternatives showed that there is a lot of potential in making the product more sustainable, while still keeping it highly functional.

Gaining market insight revealed that the pedal boat sector is relatively broad, but particularly sophisticated products can almost only be found in the sports sector.

Idea

“A floating oasis that is naturally powered and creates a place to rest, relax and enjoy the water and nature. Highlight the strengths of the classic pedal boat, and address existing weaknesses.“

Ideation

To find ideas, a morphological box was set up, in which possible solutions for the individual components and functions of the boat were developed and collected. Some of them were then tested using Lego bricks and 3D-printed prototypes. Proportions and size were determined via simple mock-ups and the use of VR.

Different ideas were then further developed through sketching. Out of the many variants, four different concepts were defined and evaluated. In consequence of this evaluation, one final concept was developed and executed in succession.

CAD

The final design was then developed in CAD using SolidWorks, Autodesk Speedform and Blender.

02 FINAL DESIGN

Go back to process

OASIS

Oasis is a floating, efficiently muscle-powered platform that can be used by two to four people as a means of transport as well as a place for relaxation on calm waters. The boat is moved by a water jet drive, which provides a pleasant riding experience by means of gear shifting and a flywheel. Various adjustable elements allow for maximum comfort. Sustainable construction is achieved by using materials that can be produced in Europe as well as recycled materials that can be disposed or recycled in an environmentally friendly way at the end of the boat‘s life.

Propulsion & Gear Shift

The gear shift enables driving in three different gear ratios. When the lever is moved back, the reverse flaps make it possible to drive backwards.

Steering

The steering is done via a rope pull, which can be moved by a handle between the two seats.

Seats

The two seats can be moved back and forth independently of each other.

Ladder

A ladder stored under the boat and can be deployed from the water. Part of the mechanism forms an extension of the two front railings, thus providing a handrail. The ladder can be pulled back in from the deck of the boat by using the rope provided.

Anchor

An anchor weight is stored in the front of the left hull. Attached to it is a rope that can be tied to a cleat.

Adjustable Backrest

Integrated into the sun deck is an adjustable backrest that can be easily tilted open and closed.

Lifting Handles

Two folding transport handles are integrated into the bumpers of the pedal boat.

Sun Shade

Integrated into the sun deck is an adjustable backrest that can be easily tilted open and closed.

Basket & Storage

A combined drawer and woven basket is integrated in the central console. The basket is intended for storing wet or frequently needed objects, while the drawer is meant to keep important things safe and dry.

Mechanics

The boat is moved by two water jets that can be pleasantly driven with the help of a gear shift and a integrated fl ywheel. The steering is done by a rope pull system that forms a closed circuit with the moving nozzles of the jets. This means that both jets are always moved in exactly the same way. Another advantage is the low weight of the rope pull.