Tinker & win! - The Knatter­bootrennen 2025/26

This winter semester, the Institute of Manufacturing Science and Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering is once again inviting students to take part in the traditional "Knatterboot" race. Students work in small teams to design and build a steam-powered "clatter boat", which then compete against each other on a four-metre-long stretch of water. The judging criteria are the travel time, the start time and - with a time bonus - the characteristic rattling sound of the evaporator.

Students in the 1st and 3rd semester of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering areeligible to take part, as are students in higher semesters if places are available. In addition, students of the Production Engineering lecture in the degree programs Mechatronics, RES, Material Science, Industrial Engineering and Management and Computer Science can participate.

When joining the OPAL group, a non-binding registration is automatically made, which serves to organize the workshop dates. Anyone who is subsequently not interested is asked to unsubscribe independently or to request to unsubscribe by e-mail via the OPAL system.

Planned schedule:

• November 27, 2025: Introduction to the concept and first workshop date

• Workshop dates: 27.11., 04.12. and 11.12.2025, each 4-8 p.m. in the Zeunerbau (not mandatory, support and exchange possible)

• Boat building can also be continued outside the workshop.

• Registration for the race: by January 6, 2026 at the latest via OPAL with group number and team name

• Race : January 9, 2026, from 6 p.m., Zeunerbau

Teams: 2-4 people

Further information, technical specifications and all rules:
Announcement Knatterbootrennen WiSe 2025/26
Rules of the Knatterbootrennen 2025/26

What is there to win?
In addition to fame and honor for participating in this daring race, small prizes await the three best teams. The Knatterbootrennen combines creativity, manufacturing technology and teamwork - and provides exciting competitions and lots of fun just before Christmas every year.