Open marine hardware
Sailing robots, ocean drones and the sensors aboard
Protei documents open-source marine technology in plain words — build notes, gear guides and honest reviews of the hulls, rigs and instruments that go to sea.
Sailing robots
Wind-driven hulls and ocean drones: rigs, steering, power and what a long swell does to all three.
Read the notes →Sensing hardware
Environmental sensing kit aboard small craft — mounting, logging, drift and the calibration that keeps it honest.
Read the notes →From the workshop
What gets documented here is the part that usually happens off camera: the hull that leaked, the sensor that drifted, the fix that held through a second day of swell. Parts are named, methods are described in the order things actually happened, and the failures worth repeating are left in.
Go to the latest notes →Just off the bench
Latest from the water
Newest write-ups first — sea trials, teardowns and the gear that earns its place aboard.
How to Make a Mold for a Boat Hull: Step Guide 2026
To make a mold for a boat hull you need a rigid female tool whose gelcoated inner face becomes the outside of…
3D Printing Boat Hulls: What to Know Before You Build 2026
3D printing boat hulls in : filament that survives salt water, print settings, waterproofing steps, buoyancy math and a staged test plan…
How to Fiberglass a Small Hull for Beginners (2026 Update)
Learn how to fiberglass a small hull for beginners: resin and cloth choices, wet lay-up, bubble removal, curing, sanding and sealing. Updated…
How to Clean Salt Water Off Electronics in 2026: A Safe Guide
How to clean salt water off electronics in : cut power, flush salt with distilled water, dry for 24-48 hours, and skip…
How to Prevent Galvanic Corrosion on a Small Boat (October 2026)
Learn how to prevent galvanic corrosion on a small boat: map every metal, cut leakage paths, match anodes to your water, and…
How Sacrificial Anodes Work: Marine Corrosion Protection 2026
Learn how sacrificial anodes work on boats and marine hardware, why zinc protects iron, when replacement is needed, and how to inspect…
LiFePO4 vs Lead Acid for Marine Projects: Which Is Better 2026?
comparison of LiFePO4 vs lead acid for marine projects: usable capacity, weight, cycle life, charging voltages, cold limits, safety and total cost.
How to Charge Lithium Batteries on a Boat Safely (2026)
How to charge lithium batteries on a boat safely in – charger profiles, marine voltage guidance, fusing, fire prevention, storage and maintenance.
How to Size a Solar Panel for a Marine Robot (2026)
How to size a solar panel for a marine robot in : a load-based method covering daily watt-hours, worst-month peak sun hours,…