How to Make a Paddlewheel Cardboard Boat

Design and Building

• 1

  Cut a 6-inch-by-10-inch piece of cardboard.

• 2

  Draw a house-shaped prow on the boat. This will become the front, or bow of the ship.

• 3

  Measure about 1 inch in from both sides at the back (stern) of the boat, and draw two 2 1/4-inch lines perpendicular to the edge. Draw a third line joining these two.

• 4

  Draw small notches 1 inch from the stern of the boat, along both sides.

• 5

  Cut the ship out along the lines described.

• 6

  Trim about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the sides of the cut-out from the rear of the boat. This will become the paddle of the boat.

Powering the Boat

• 7

  Slip the rubber band around the notches at the rear of the boat.

• 8

  Slide the paddle into the rubber band, between the top and bottom halves of it. Position it so the paddle is centered in the band.

• 9

  Turn the paddle on the rubber-band axle over and over again when ready to sail. Make as many rotations as you can without damaging the boat. Hold the paddle until you're ready to race.

• 10

  Place the boat in the water and let go of the paddle. The boat will race through the water.