Make the ultimate raingutter regatta racer

By Mark N. Lardas
Illustrations by Judy Zipkes

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.

Check This Out!

RA // May 25, 2011 at 2:47 pm // Reply

My boys and I have followed this guide with a few modifications (mostly to the hull), and my 9yr old son has come in first place every year. My youngest son at 7 yrs old even came in 3rd beating out several older competitors last year. Looking forward to another winning year.

dukes985 // May 17, 2011 at 10:43 am // Reply

only 15 in my pack no den leader lol hes too lazy

dukes985 // May 17, 2011 at 10:35 am // Reply

My race is this weekend i hope i can win with my idea and these are pretty good instructions so..GOOD LUCK 856!

dodo // May 8, 2011 at 9:32 pm // Reply

thx it will help

3rd place // May 2, 2011 at 4:18 pm // Reply

Thanks for the great information my 4yo came in 3rd place in her age group.

calimom // April 29, 2011 at 8:23 am // Reply

We used this design and my son took home the 3rd place trophy last night. We beat one catamaran but not the other (which took home the 1st place trophy). He had a blast! We will definitely be using this design next year!

Excellent info!! // April 21, 2011 at 1:37 pm // Reply

Followed the directions for last years race and our 2 scouts earned second and third place! It was their first time doing the race. We’re gearing up for this years race and will certainly follow directions again! Thanks so much!