I wanna: build a toy boat!!!

ashleyrossuk

Not sure if this is the correct place to post.

My 5 year old son has to build a boat out of materials from around the home to build a boat that will stay afloat for one minute. I have tried several times with paper all resulting in total failure, i was hoping that some kind person could help me with a good strategy.

Many thanks for any help provided!

liam8282

A plastic bottle perhaps?

wallbash

I/m thinking, throw some house hold items into the bath!!! those that float AND stable are a good start.

A plastic bottle perhaps?

Yes it will float, but will also 'spin'. so icecream container, but its not boat shaped.

Lorian

Use candle wax on the paper before making the boat.

ashleyrossuk

Thanks for the replies, been testing out a milk bottle just not sure how to get it to look like a boat, i am so terrible at these things my husband used to do all this kind of stuff but now he is unable to do so due to his ms. Although he does take great joy from me shouting at the paper boats sinking in the bathroom sink.

Thanks again for the replies will keep trying.

Meepster

Why not use a baking tray? Then you can dress it up as you please, as it will have a large surface area to float on....

Little_John

Ok I did this as a kid at cubs.
We used card to make the hull, not just any card the type that is shiney on one side like a cereal box, we got a huge flat sheet from a local printers. folded it in half and stapled the ends shut. sealed them with candle wax. We then used plaster of paris to add ballast in the bottom of the hull , the POP was spot on as when it set it didnt move about so the center of gravity never changed if it was knocked about on rough water. We tried to sink it with rocks

if you can't get coated card then shape the hull then dip it in hot wax to seal it.

tr3mor

Like this...?

http://www3.sympatico.ca/herbert.mcleod/skiff.htm