Make the ultimate raingutter regatta racer
By Mark N. LardasIllustrations by Judy Zipkes
From the August 2002 issue of Boys' Life magazine
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.
this looks useful
how good is it
i beat i could make a better boat
Awesome!!!
Hydrofoil design with cupped sail works alot better. You can find plans with a google search. Much easier to keep boat moving. We don’t even use keel or rutter and shave weight from front to keep boat balanced. Try it.
that is a good idea.
It helped my boat!
Great boat, I followed these directions to the number and took first place.
they stink,it desroyed my boat
its awesome tips they ROCK!!!!!!!
I think thats inresting
This is a good idea but i pin my sale down to the boat
my packs raingutter ragetta is this sunday hope i win
great instructions!!! boat worked perfect, 1st place!! Thank you!
how far into the hull do u insert the keel and the rudder?
used this design today and took 2nd place still not bad for first time. The kid that took 1st obviously has raced few times before had a good blowing technique. lots of other boats tipped over or nose dived. Also we shortend mast to reduce top weight
halflife 2rocks!and so does this
this better work…
AWSOME
just wandering will it beat a catamaran style boat?
i can build a way better boat!!
I helped my son build this boat and he raced it 5 times and won them all. The other boats were tipping over and this one sailed smoothly. Also the lifting the sail 1.5 inches made a big difference. The other sails were rubbing on the top of the gutter.
thanks for the design