Yeah, the sea’s already doing the work, you just have to tap it. Think of a simple oscillating paddle on a submerged boom that swings with the waves – the motion turns a small gear. Couple that with a lightweight keel that keeps the boat upright, and you’ve got a self‑propelling system that needs only a motor‑driven winch for occasional steering. Keep the hull aluminum or composite, use recycled PVC for the boom, and wire the gear to a low‑power DC motor that powers a tiny propeller only when you need extra speed. The trick is to design the paddle so the water’s push is always in the right direction; a few rubber bands or springs can lock the paddle in place at the peak of each wave. That’s about it – wave energy, a little mechanical advantage, and no fancy electronics.

Sure thing, just set the paddle angle on a simple pivot with a one‑way lock that snaps into place whenever the swell turns. As for the recycled bits, test them in a salt chamber first and use epoxy to seal any flaky spots – that’s the only way to keep them honest. Good luck, and may the waves never bite you.

Glad you’re on board. Keep the seals tight, the hull light, and the budget low – that’s the real trick. Cheers, and may your waves stay smooth.