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 used these instructions and won first prize in my first race. I sanded, used 5 coats of paint, put stickers on, and then sprayed with polyurethene. Keel, rudder and sails were the same as you said, and I won against 42 scouts, including a couple of catamarans.
this is good. I love it so much.
I love it
this better work!
I hope this works, my dad helped with my pinewood derby and it looked awesome, a surfboard with a bionical riding it…it looked awesome but it only placed 5th.
good try
I am folowinwing the instructtions but am gowing to have to stop at the polyurethane step do you know if we could use it without polyurethane ?
The polyurethane makes it water proof. A must!
what if u put the potualuugh stuff after u paint it
These directions were great! My son took first place in his raingutter regatta race tonight. I think the big difference was inverting the keel and putting it right against the rudder. His boat was not as “tippy” as most of the other boats. Most of the other boats had the keel right under the mast and they tended to be nose heavy.
sorry typo with the marieman
good ideas
The tip really works
THANKSS FOR THE INFORMATION IT ACTUALLY WORKS GOODD 🙂