How to Build a Regatta Boat
A regatta racer is fun to build and even more exciting to race. Parents can guide their child while they help fine-tune a vessel in preparation for one of the most fun Boy Scout events, the regatta sail boat race. If you’re looking for a positive activity that will teach new skills, help your child build his own regatta racing boat from the start, all the way to the finish line.
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Things You'll Need
- Regatta Boat Kit (BSA Supply no. 17090)
- Fine sandpaper
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrush
- Superglue
- Spray paint
Instructions
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1
Smooth the bottom and sides of the boat with sandpaper. Add two thin coats of polyurethane. Let it dry thoroughly between each coat. Sand any remaining roughness with sandpaper until it is smooth.
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2
Glue the keel and the rudder to the bottom of the boat at center, three-quarters of an inch behind the mast. Place the keel just ahead of the rudder, so they are both perpendicular to the bottom. Make sure the keel’s angled edge points forward. Keeping the weight toward the back helps during racing time.
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3
Spray the paint with three thin coats to help give the boat a distinctive finish. Once it dries, secure the mast onto the boat by placing in the hole on top of the hull.
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4
Cut 1/4 inch off the top of the sail and 3/4 inch off the bottom. Trim the corners so they don’t catch on the rain gutter during the race. Punch a new hole a half-inch above the bottom of the sail. Glue the sail to the mast 1 1/2 inches above the deck of the boat and so it is at a right angle to the center line.
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Tips & Warnings
You can purchase a Regatta boat kit through the Boy Scout website or catalog.
Decorate the sail with a decal kit from the Boy Scout website (see Resources).
An unfinished hull with the mast and sail attached without glue is best for racing.
Take care not to change the shape of the boat when sanding, and keep the bottom of the boat as flat as possible.
Make sure the boat doesn’t get top heavy by placing the sail too high.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
