Jan 12, 2026
Hands-on production technology: Rattling boat race at Zeunerbau
This winter semester, the Institute of Manufacturing and the Chairs of Forming Technology and Machining Technology and Assembly once again invited students to take part in the traditional Knatterboot race. In small teams, students designed and built a steam-powered "Knatterboot". In the final race, the boats competed against each other on a four-meter-long stretch of water. They were judged on their driving and starting times as well as the characteristic rattling sound of the evaporator, for which they received a time bonus.
On the evening of January 9, the Zeuner Building was transformed into a lively racing arena: numerous students eagerly followed the launches of the self-built rattling boats and created an exuberant atmosphere.
Students in the 1st and 3rd semesters of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering as well as students on the Production Engineering lecture course from the Mechatronics, Material Science, Industrial Engineering and Engineering and Computer Science degree programs were eligible to take part. Students from the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Material Science degree programs competed against each other in this year's Knatterbootrennen.
A total of 12 teams with creative team names such as the "freshwater sailors" or "sTeam" and very different technical solutions took to the starting line. Each boat showed individual design ideas and manufacturing approaches.
Preparation for the race took place over several weeks. In three workshop sessions, the teams were able to exchange ideas with each other and receive support from the staff of Professors Alexander Brosius and Christian Schmale, who both took part in the competition with their own boats. Many groups also used additional time to further optimize their boats.
"The variety of solutions and the creativity of the students was particularly impressive - from particularly lightweight designs to ingenious evaporator systems designed to make an extra loud rattling noise," says Prof. Alexander Brosius, initiator of the rattling boat race.
In the race itself, it was not only speed and reliability that counted, but also the typical sound of the boats, which was rewarded with a time bonus. After two exciting heats, the team with the melodious boat name "Hai-Performens" finally came out on top, securing first place and defending its winning title from the previous year. The boats "Johanna II" and "Germania" followed on the podium. In addition to fame and glory, the three best-placed teams also received small prizes.
With plenty of steam, loud rattling and great enthusiasm, the Knatterbootrennen 2025/2026 impressively demonstrated how practical teaching, creative ideas and teamwork come together.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Alexander Brosius
Institute of Manufacturing
Chair of Forming and Machining Technology
Mail:
Phone: +49 351 463-37616