Make the ultimate raingutter regatta racer
A winning raingutter racer stays on an even keel, moves in a straight line, keeps the bow above water and does not drag.
If your boat does all this, it finishes ahead of any boat that can’t. Here’s how to build your winner.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Regatta Kit (BSA Supply No. 17090, $3.99, http://www.scoutstuff.org)
- Fine sandpaper
- Scissors
- Polyurethane
- Paintbrush
- Superglue
- Spray paint (optional)
- Adult permission and/or supervision
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Step 1: Sand the balsa wood hull’s sides and bottom until smooth.
Step 2: Put the mast in, and bend back the mast to “rake” it a little. Take the mast out for now.
Step 3: Seal the hull, using two coats of polyurethane, then sand it smooth.
Step 4: Add the keel and the rudder. Put both on the centerline and at right angles to the bottom of the hull. Put the keel on as far back as you can, just ahead of the rudder.
Step 5: Glue the keel’s narrow edge next to the hull and the angled edge forward. This makes your boat harder to tip and quicker to right.
Step 6: If you paint the boat, keep it simple — spray paint works fine. Three thin coats make an attractive finish. Attach the mast after painting.
Step 7: Trim 1/4 inch off the top and 3/4 inch off the bottom of the sail. Cut a new bottom hole 1/2 inch above the old one. Clip off the bottom corners so they can’t snag the gutter.
Step 8: To keep the sail above the gutter, attach it so that the bottom is 1 1/2 inches above the deck. Glue the sail to the mast so that it can’t move. Attach the sail at right angles to the centerline.
HOW TO CAPTAIN THE BOAT
No matter how well you make your boat, victory demands a skilled captain. An even wind, for instance, moves the boat faster than do frantic puffs.
Practice long, steady breaths. Your breath should hit the sail directly behind the sail and just below the center.
If you’re too high, blowing downward, you will force the bow down, slowing the boat. You’ll blow your chance to win.
Position yourself so that you are blowing from behind the boat and slightly up, using a gentle, steady breath.
i dont know what color?i need
help!
Towmorrow is the race and I’m gonna win!!!!!
These directions are great!!!
Started building the boat at 3 pm, placed 1st at 7 pm. Even took out a catamaran on the way!
Our RGR had a “siblings” category, which was hilarious.
My Weblos only lost one race- to his sister! She was undefeated!
We didn’t use the polyurethane (but only because we didn’t have any.) The alterations to the sail made all the difference! Other boats kept running into the sides, or getting caught on the gutters. If you do nothing else- Sand the boat and trim the sail!!
a catameran is way better
I agree catamaran is faster. My son would give the single hull boats a 10 second lead then with two puffs win the race.
Awsome tips. We put the polyurethane on after painting but it didnt matter 3rd in pack and 2nd in group 90 kids total. Trimming and Glueing the mast is the most important step. Thanks a ton!
that is so cool
I have found that the “skins” for the pinewood cars, as an alternative to paint, create an awesome and smooth look to the boat. Also reduces resistance in the water. fast, effective, and very eye catching. (top 2 finish 3 yrs in a row! :-))
I like this idea better than others. Bye, thanks for the tips.
these plans do work. son took 1st in den and 2nd in pack.