Cardboard Boat Races

[87Warrior]

While enjoying a free Josh Gracin concert this evening in the city park, one of the county guys was passing out flyers to the crowd. Turns out it was an information sheet regarding an upcoming cardboard boat race at the local lake.

 

See here for details: http://junctioncity.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1021&month=8&year=2013&day=7&calType=0

 

Naturally my mind has been spinning a variety of design ideas ever since....

 

Since CC has such a diverse user base, I figured I would check and see if anybody has experience with this type of event or if anybody has any design recommendations. 

 

My initial thought process has lead me to an long and slender hull, internally ribbed with multiple corrugated cardboard layers taped together and skinned with a pliable cardboard, then water proofed with tape. 

 

Thanks!

Brett

 

 

[mnkyboy]

I know a guy who just did one, I didn't get to see it but it was some sort of catamaran. I guess he finished but it didn't do very well.

[RubberDuck]

Duct tape can do amazing things.. if i were nearby, i'd suggest a canoe with an outrigger, made from those free postage tubes you can get at the post office, and boxes.. from wherever you get boxes.

[mpace6a]

Produce gaylords would probably work great. Theyre made from really thick cardbard (almost .5") thats all waxed for waterproofing when transporting produce. Strong, pre waxed cardboard and duct tape would be a winning combo, i would think

[Automan2164]

Hell, a fully duct-taped shell would be the winner. I'm surprised there isn't a limit on materials. A local town has a plywood boat regatta, and they limit you to a certain amount of wood, hardware, and overall materials. Seems with a no limit on duct tape, you could just wrap an entire cardboard structure and be good to go. May cost you a mint, but I'm sure there are the above and beyonders.

 

Rob

[87Warrior]

Hell, a fully duct-taped shell would be the winner. I'm surprised there isn't a limit on materials. A local town has a plywood boat regatta, and they limit you to a certain amount of wood, hardware, and overall materials. Seems with a no limit on duct tape, you could just wrap an entire cardboard structure and be good to go. May cost you a mint, but I'm sure there are the above and beyonders.

This is my train of thought. Keep water away from the cardboard frame and if the design is solid it should be a winner.

[Automan2164]

I would think if you wanted to go for a single, build a quick kayak skeleton out of plywood with the general shell, skin that with cardboard, and skin that with tape...

 

Edit...

 

What do you know, instructables has something on this:

 

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-cardboard-kayak-for-less-than-40/step11/ENJOY-YOUR-ONE-OF-A-KIND-CARDBOARD-KAYAK/

[johnny quest]

Did this at work last summer; sandwich the cardboard layers together and use foaming spray adhesive. spray with some sort of latex paint.   the more layers the better. ours was sturdy enough that even after 20+ minutes in the pool, it was still sturdy enough to stand up in. 

[87MJTIM]

An article in our local rag, Frederick News Post, about the magic of duck tape.

 

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/your_life/life_news_collection/human_interest/article_e682b43e-a00a-53ca-8688-260553ffd2bd.html

[jvd]

I think mythbusters had an episode where they made duct tape boats

[mpace6a]

I think mythbusters had an episode where they made duct tape boats

They made a duct tape boat AND a duct tape cannon