Brave Puffin January 2026 update

2025 was a year of finishing and test launching two Brave Puffin boats, both into the Gulf Of Maine. There were successes and failures.

Puffin 2024

A previous year model. Was test launched and recovered multiple times. On its last mission, the boat started strong but eventually lost propulsion, drifted for many weeks, was washed ashore by a storm (only to be thrown back out later - long story), and eventually stopped sending updates after 8 weeks. The enclosed, fully battery powered backup beacon was a good enhancement. The boat is lost.

Puffin 2025

This was a simplified, lighter build, with even more 3D printed and off the shelf parts. It benefited from more testing on the water, and had a much better protection against propeller fouling by the sea grass. The boat was also launched a couple of times, but did not make it as far as the 2024 boat. On its last mission, it lost power, and was also washed ashore by a storm. Thanks to the backup beacon, it was found. I learned a lot from the logs and the recovered hardware.

2026 plans

I am still enjoying this hobby! 2026 model is in the works, with major changes. Can’t wait to get onto the water again to shake it all out.