Building A Raingutter Regatta Boat: Step-By-Step Guide

The Raingutter Regatta is a fun activity for Cub Scouts, where they build and race sailboats. The boats are powered by the Scouts blowing into the sail through a straw. While there are official kits available, the boats can also be made from recycled materials. This is a cheaper, more environmentally friendly option that encourages creativity and resourcefulness. The rules and specifications for the boats may vary from event to event, but the most important thing is for the Scouts to have fun and learn valuable lessons in the process.

Sourcing materials from recycling bins

Plastic Bottles:

Collect plastic water bottles or soda bottles from recycling bins. These can be used as hulls for the boats. You can cut them in half to create two boats from each bottle or leave some whole to experiment with different boat designs.

Food Trays and Containers:

Look for styrofoam food trays, small plastic food containers, and aluminum food containers. These can be used to construct the boats, providing a base for the sails and masts.

Pool Noodles:

Check recycling bins or garages for old pool noodles. These can be cut into smaller pieces and used as a buoyant base for the boats. They are also easy to poke masts into.

Cardboard and Paper:

Collect cardboard boxes, such as cereal boxes, and paper products like construction paper, index cards, or craft paper. These can be used for making sails and decorating the boats.

Other Recyclables:

Scavenge for items like straws, skewers, small dowels, pencils, or even Popsicle sticks. Straws can be used as masts, and skewers or dowels can be attached to sails. Popsicle sticks can be used to create a raft design.

Duct Tape and Glue:

Make sure to have duct tape and glue readily available. These will be essential for assembling the boats and attaching the sails and masts.

When sourcing materials from recycling bins, it's important to involve the participants, such as Cub Scouts, in the collection process. This promotes creativity and a sense of ownership over the project. Additionally, it's a good idea to supplement the recycled materials with a few additional supplies to ensure a successful boat-building experience.

Boat design and construction

The Raingutter Regatta is a fun activity for Cub Scouts, who use kits to build trimaran sailboats that are 'wind-powered' by blowing on the sail. The boats are raced down a water-filled rain gutter, and the Scouts can work on making their boats more aerodynamic.

The boats must look like sailboats, and all pieces in the kit must be used in the design. The sail can be triangular, quadrilateral, or square, and be made from construction paper, scrapbook paper, printer paper, cardstock, or craft foam. The Cub Scouts can cut out their own sails by hand, or print out sail images and cut them out. The sail is then glued to the mast, with the bendable straw acting as the mast.

The hull of the boat is made from balsa wood and should be sanded until smooth. The mast is then put in and bent back to 'rake' it a little. The hull should then be sealed with two coats of polyurethane and sanded again. The keel and rudder are added, with the keel put on as far back as possible, just ahead of the rudder. The keel's narrow edge is glued next to the hull, with the angled edge forward, to make the boat harder to tip and quicker to right itself.

The sail should be attached so that the bottom is 1.5 inches above the deck, and glued to the mast so that it cannot move. The sail should be at a right angle to the centre line.

For those who want to recycle, boats can be made from juice boxes, slabs of foam insulation, water bottles, soda bottles, Capri Sun pouches, and Popsicle sticks (to create a raft design). Masts can be made from straws, skewers, small dowels, or pencils.

Painting the boat

Before you begin painting, it is important to prepare the surface of the boat. Use sandpaper to lightly sand the balsa wood hull until it feels smooth to the touch. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface. Once you have finished sanding, use a tack cloth to wipe away any dust or debris.

When choosing paint for your boat, it is recommended to avoid water-based paints such as acrylic or latex. These types of paints will not hold up well in the water and may start to come off during the race, turning the water dark and murky. Instead, opt for spray paint or other non-water-based paints.

Start by applying a thin coat of primer or polyurethane to the sanded surface of the hull. This will help to seal the wood and create a better base for the paint to adhere to. Allow the primer or polyurethane to dry completely, following the instructions on the product you are using. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surface again with sandpaper and wipe away any dust with a tack cloth.

Now you are ready to start painting! Apply two thin coats of light-colored paint, allowing each coat to dry for 1-2 hours before applying the next. This will ensure that the paint job is even and durable. It is important to remember to paint in a well-ventilated area and to follow all safety instructions on the paint can.

Once the paint is completely dry, you can add any additional decorations or designs to your boat using stickers, permanent markers, or other craft supplies. Be creative and have fun with this step, but be careful not to add too much weight to the boat, as it may affect its performance during the race.

Finally, after you have finished painting and decorating your boat, it is important to seal the paint to protect it from the water. You can do this by applying a clear coat or another layer of polyurethane. Follow the instructions on the product you are using and allow it to dry completely before handling the boat or putting it in the water.

Attaching the sail

Firstly, trim 1/4 inch off the top and 3/4 inch off the bottom of the sail. You can use scissors or a craft knife for this task, but be careful and ensure adult supervision if needed. This step ensures that the sail is the optimal size for catching the wind and propelling your boat forward.

Next, create a new hole for the mast by cutting 1/2 inch above the old one. This new hole will help position the sail correctly in relation to the mast and the boat's deck. After that, clip off the bottom corners of the sail. This step is important to prevent the sail from snagging on the gutter during the race. You don't want your boat getting caught or torn during the competition!

Now, it's time to attach the sail to the mast. You can use glue or tape to secure the sail in place. Make sure that the sail is attached at a right angle to the centerline of the boat. This positioning will ensure the sail catches the wind effectively. Also, ensure that the sail is glued securely and cannot move, wiggle, or spin. A firm attachment will help your boat move in a straight line during the race.

Finally, position the sail so that its bottom edge is 1 1/2 inches above the deck of the boat. This height will keep the sail above the water in the gutter and prevent it from dragging or getting soaked.

Remember, the key to a successful raingutter regatta boat is a well-attached, stable sail that can catch the wind and power your boat to victory!

Testing and racing

Testing

Before the race, it is a good idea to test your sailboat to see how it performs. Find a pond or pool and test how it moves in the water. Focus on the airflow by practising long, steady breaths that hit the sail directly behind its centre, from slightly above and behind the boat. This will help you avoid blowing downward, which will force the bow down and slow the boat. Taking deep breaths will also help you maximise your air output and prevent you from getting lightheaded during the race.

Racing

On the day of the race, you will compete against other Scouts in several heats. Each Scout will blow into their sail through a soda straw to power their boat down the water-filled rain gutter. Remember to practise your breathing technique and maintain a steady airflow. Keep an eye on your boat and make sure it stays on an even keel, moves in a straight line, and keeps the bow above water. If your boat starts to drag along the gutter, adjust your breathing and try to keep the sail above the water. The Scout with the fastest time across all heats will be the winner, so stay focused and keep a steady hand!

Frequently asked questions