How to Build a Ship That Sinks

From the hubris of the Titanic, to the tragedy of another packed ferry collapsing to the Mediterranean floor--ships that sink have a distinct place in the cultural pantheon. Building your own ship that sinks is much easier than building one that sails. For this exercise, we'll build a small model, but for a larger version, simply make everything bigger.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large rock
• Paint
• Cloth
• Wooden rod
• Strong glue

1. Find a suitable hull. For your purposes, you want to ensure the hull is not made of a buoyant material. Granite could be a great choice, but most large rocks will do. It helps to choose one that resembles the narrow pointed shape of a ship.

2. Paint the rock. Add little windows, some fancy lines along the hull and a suitably ironic boat name. The S.S. Lousy would be a good fit.

3. Construct a sail. Since the ideal ship will sink before it gets too far from shore, the sail won't be expected to withstand much wind. Still, it's nice to have one. Cut the cloth into a triangle, whose longest side is a bit shorter than the wooden rod. Glue this side of the cloth to the rod.

4. Attach the mast. This part is the most difficult--find a smooth spot in the middle of the ship to affix the mast with glue. If it's possible to drill a hole in the rock and set the mast in that, do it.

5. Set sail to sink! Place the SS Lousy into the water and watch her plummet to the bottom.

Tips & Warnings

• If you built a boat out of ice, that would eventually sink as well.
• This ship can be sunk in an aquarium and stay there as decoration!
• Never board a ship that sinks!
• Do not place valuables, friends or family on board a ship that sinks!

[carldude]

on 10/30/2008 Intresting.Very intresting.