Introduction: Make a Cardboard Boat
This is an easy way to create a cardboard boat. Why build a cardboard boat? Well every year races are held at the river, and it's fun. I cannot guarantee that it will float. I typically build "stylish" boats.
Step 1: Gather Materials
You will need:
-Cardboard
-Water proof Tape (duct tape is best)
-Box Cutter/ Scissors
-Newspaper
-Something to draw with
-An idea and necessary decorations
-Paint (optional)
-Cardboard
-Water proof Tape (duct tape is best)
-Box Cutter/ Scissors
-Newspaper
-Something to draw with
-An idea and necessary decorations
-Paint (optional)
Step 2: Get a Basic Shape
It would be better to build the boat in more of a speed boat shape, but since i go the "creative" route, my first two boats were shaped like boxes. This year it was an oval shape so it went a little faster.
Draw out the basic shape, then cut it out.
Draw out the basic shape, then cut it out.
Step 3: Create the Walls.
Cut cardboard into the height of the walls you want. It is easier to keep the wall in a strip so you don't have to tape them together and risk more leaks.
Line up the walls to the base. If you are going around a curve then mark it. Score the line and fold it so it goes around the curve. Keep doing this until you run out of cardboard and tape it down inside and out.
Tape all the sides on and any walls that need to be taped together.
If the base of your boat is sticking out, cut it off before taping it.
Line up the walls to the base. If you are going around a curve then mark it. Score the line and fold it so it goes around the curve. Keep doing this until you run out of cardboard and tape it down inside and out.
Tape all the sides on and any walls that need to be taped together.
If the base of your boat is sticking out, cut it off before taping it.
Step 4: Strengthen It.
I normally tape the bottom first. Tape the bottom so no water can get in, also tape the sides a little, you don't have to go up all the way.
Take strips of cardboard that are about 4-5 inches in width and score them in half. Then fold them so they create a 90 degree angle and tape them on the bottom inside of the boat.
To strengthen the sides on the top, get another piece of cardboard the same size as your boat. Cut the cardboard so it has tabs connected to the sides (see picture). Fold tabs around the sides and tape them. Attach with tape to the top of your boat.
Take strips of cardboard that are about 4-5 inches in width and score them in half. Then fold them so they create a 90 degree angle and tape them on the bottom inside of the boat.
To strengthen the sides on the top, get another piece of cardboard the same size as your boat. Cut the cardboard so it has tabs connected to the sides (see picture). Fold tabs around the sides and tape them. Attach with tape to the top of your boat.
Step 5: Decorate It
If you have more to add to your shape then add it. I created a dome for the head to sit on so it looked more duck like, rather than to put it on the front.
Add tape or paint if you want. I used latex paint because it will be waterproof for a short time.
Add tape or paint if you want. I used latex paint because it will be waterproof for a short time.
Step 6: Making a Head.
Crumple up news paper
Wrap the crumpled up balls into other sheets of paper and tape them closed. (they are easier to handle that way)
Make as many as you need to get the desired size and tape them together to get the shape you want.
Cover it in tape/ paint to make it look like a head.
Attach to the body with tape.
Wrap the crumpled up balls into other sheets of paper and tape them closed. (they are easier to handle that way)
Make as many as you need to get the desired size and tape them together to get the shape you want.
Cover it in tape/ paint to make it look like a head.
Attach to the body with tape.
Step 7: Set Sail
Go out in your finished boat.
Where a life jacket because if your boat is like my first boat, you will sink.
Where a life jacket because if your boat is like my first boat, you will sink.