Q&A for How to Build a Cardboard Boat

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  • Question
    Do you think this can hold 240 pounds?
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Answer
    It definitely can if you make your boat big enough! A box that's 1 by 1 by 3 ft (0.30 by 0.30 by 0.91 m) can fit a 187 lb (85 kg) person without sinking, so you should have no trouble building a boat that supports at least 240 lb (109 kg).
  • Question
    How many people can fit?
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Answer
    That depends on the size of the boat! The key is making the boat large enough to support a certain amount of weight without taking on water. Just multiply the height, width, and length of your proposed boat to get the volume—then, multiply this number by 62.4 to see the combined amount of weight it can support in the water.
  • Question
    Could you go on a lake/river with it?
    Janice Tieperman
    Community Answer
    Definitely! Lots of community regattas are held at public pools and lakes. Just be sure to apply varnish to your boat so it doesn't get soggy when it hits the water.
  • Question
    Can I make a cardboard boat that can sail on real water?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Make sure to add a couple layers of cardboard so it doesn’t sink. Remember, cardboard isn’t the best material to make boats out of, but you can.
  • Question
    My parents won't allow me to ask, can I use other items such as laundry bins?
    Goodvillain034
    Community Answer
    Yes, if it is big enough, unless you plan on setting sail in actual water. Even a cardboard boat would not work for use in real water. But, in the future, if your parents tell you not to do something, you probably shouldn't do it.
  • Question
    How long should the boat be?
    Community Answer
    The boat should be big enough to hold your crew. So, depending on how tall your crew members are, then that's how big your boat should be but also remember about reinforcing your boat and the weight of the boat so it won't sink!
  • Question
    Could this boat go down rapids?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    It might be able to handle miniature "rapids" in a small creek or pond but if you put it on real rapids, you'd likely not see it again.
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