How to Build a Toy Boat

Building a toy boat with your child provides bonding time and encourages imagination and creativity. It doesn't require much effort to make and provides fun in the bathtub or outdoors on the water during the summer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Styrofoam
• Sharpie
• Square, straight edge or ruler
• X-acto knife
• Hacksaw
• Balsa wood
• Sandpaper
• Rubberband
• Poster nail

1. Mark the shape of boat on 3/4-inch thick styrofoam (trace a flat iron) and draw a centered rectangular 2 1/4-inch opening at the wide end for the paddle wheel. Use a straight edge or ruler to draw and cut out with a x-acto knife.

2. Use balsa wood that is 3 by 1/4 inches to create the notched paddle. Mark off two 2-inch parallel pieces and cut with hacksaw or x-acto knife. Sand the corners of the pieces to prevent splintering.

3. Draw and cut notch marks an inch deep to accept half of the other piece of wood. Fit the notched wood pieces together, using glue to secure. Wrap a rubberband that is knotted at each end around notches.

4. Insert a poster nail into each end of the knotted rubber band and press into the top of the styrofoam boat on either side of the opening for the paddle wheel. You wind the paddle wheel backwards to propel the boat forward in the water.

5. Decorate the boat with paint or other media. Add a personal touch by giving the boat a name.

Tips & Warnings

• Leftover styrofoam can be used to make a pilot box.
• Be careful using the x-acto knife and hack saw.