An Easily Deployed, Low Cost And Light-weight Spar Buoy For Making High Frequency Wave Height Measurements

Abstract

A low-cost, lightweight spar buoy has been developed to measure high frequency waves. The buoy weighs 2 2 Kg and is 4.3 m long in its stored configuration. After deployment, the buoy extends to a length of 10 m. Buoyancy is provided by a 29-cm diameter Styrofoam float attached to the buoy 2.4 m below the waterline. Heave stability is provided by a 76-cm diameter damper plate, approximately 9 m below the waterline. A 3 m wire wave gauge is used to measure ocean waves. The wave gauge electronics and FM telemetry system are located at the top of the buoy. The buoy is simple to construct, uses off-the-shelf hardware, and requires very few, easily machined components. The buoy is small enough to be deployed from a 8 m, open work-boat or from a small helicopter. A larger version of the buoy could be built to operate in higher sea states.