How to Make Boats With Cardboard

Cardboard boat racing has become a popular activity, particularly in summer festivals. The materials allowed vary as does the amount of time allowed. A cardboard boat can be anything from a collection of cardboard sheets hastily taped together to a carefully constructed, waterproof boat.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Knife
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Caulk
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Make the bottom of your boat. Attach several sheets of cardboard together to make a bottom sheet that is about 10-12 feet long. You can make a simple wide, rectangular hull for a very easy-to-build, stable boat, or taper the bottom at the front for a quicker boat.

2. Make a second bottom layer out of cardboard. It should be exactly the same shape as the first, but should have the joints between the cardboard pieces at different places so that the bottom doesn't have built-in creases. Glue the two pieces together with Elmer's wood glue or a similar adhesive. Spread the glue as evenly as possible between the two.

3. Make double sidewalls and a stern wall. Cut two layers of cardboard each for the sides and stern of the boat and glue them together.

4. Paint all the pieces with a waterproof paint such as polyurethane outdoor paint. If you have time, use two or three coats.

5. Attach the sidewalls and sternwall to the hull with glue. Once the glue dries, apply caulk to the outside of the joint to seal water out.

6. Use duct tape to make any last minute repairs.