Irina design (recommended current design)
Our current surface drifter model in use is the aluminum-framed “Irina” drifter, and we recently began using reinforced spars that seem to bend much less easily.
Through the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation, we provide drifter kits which contain all the materials (mast and spars, canvas cloth, buoy, transmitter, etc.) you need to build this drifter. Note that tools are not included such as scissors and a power drill.
To purchase a kit, click here.
Part 1: Build
The Irina drifter is assembled with 4 aluminum spars, one square mast, four canvas sails, a buoy, and transmitter. Detailed instructions are included with your purchase.
Part 2: Deploy
We are happy to work with you to help deploy your drifter in the best spot. We will also program your transmitter to the frequency you want, and make sure maps are provided of your drifter’s tracks.
Part 3: Track
All current month’s tracks are available at: https://studentdrifters.org/tracks. Click on the institution name to access the data (.csv) and in the status column to access the map (.html).
A note on design
We keep the basic configuration/size the same in order to maintain the oceanographic-standard drag but try to use materials available at any hardware store. The idea is that the drifter can be built in any high school shop class, for example. It is a project in materials science. See our full list of models under the “Drifter History” tab. They all have a cross-sectional area of approximately one square meter and, since the electronic package is getting smaller, we have been able to further reduce the windage with each new design.