Q&A for How to Make a Paper Boat

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  • Question
    Can I use heavy paper for origami folding?
    Robert Homayoon
    Origami Expert
    Robert Homayoon is an Origami Expert known for his engaging YouTube videos and accessible instructions. He has been teaching origami on YouTube since 2009. His channel has a following of over 676,000 subscribers, and his videos have garnered over 211 million views. Robert uses his channel to highlight his passion for teaching people origami, crafts, and how to solve puzzles. He graduated from SUNY Albany in 2007 and earned his D.M.D degree from Temple University Dental School in 2013.
    Origami Expert
    Expert Answer
    A heavier paper typically implies greater thickness, often measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Depending on the specific model of origami and the desired outcome, using thicker or sticker paper can present challenges in folding. For instance, when teaching how to make an origami boomerang, I recommend a certain GSM, approximately 100, and include this advice in my instructions. In general, it holds true that heavier paper can be more difficult to fold, particularly if the model involves numerous folds layered on top of each other, making the paper denser and harder to manipulate.
  • Question
    Can I use a sheet of aluminum foil?
    Community Answer
    Yes, and it won't sink as quickly, since it'll be waterproofed.
  • Question
    Can you put things in your boat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but not too many things, and not things that are too heavy or too big.
  • Question
    What happens if you use normal paper? What sort of difference will it make instead of using origami paper?
    Community Answer
    It may be slightly harder to fold, since normal paper is thicker than origami paper.
  • Question
    Can I make decorations?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may. But too heavy or too big decorations sink your boat.
  • Question
    Could I make it out of cardboard?
    Tokayyoshi
    Community Answer
    No, it would be hard to fold and it would likely break at the creases instead of bending. If you want a strong boat, use a flash card or construction paper.
  • Question
    What type of paper is the best to use?
    Community Answer
    The best type of paper is origami paper.
  • Question
    Would it sink if I put it in water?
    Community Answer
    At first it will float, but eventually as the paper gets waterlogged, it will come apart.
  • Question
    Can I turn a paper boat into a hat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can turn a paper boat into a hat. As you are making the boat, stop at step 4. You will have your paper hat. If you have already made a paper boat, undo steps 5 to 10.
  • Question
    Can I do this with square Post-It notes?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can try to make a very small paper boat with Post-It notes, but it won't be easy.
  • Question
    Can I use a square piece of paper to make the boat?
    Community Answer
    It's easier to use rectangle pieces of paper as you have to fold the paper at the beginning.
  • Question
    Does it matter how shallow the water is?
    Community Answer
    No, it doesn't. The boat will just float on the surface.
  • Question
    How long does this take?
    Community Answer
    It takes about five minutes to make a paper boat according to these instructions.
  • Question
    I had to fold my boat at the end to keep my mast straight. Should that be added to the directions?
    Community Answer
    It could probably be added as a suggestion, but it's not something you must do.
  • Question
    Can I use any kind of paper for a paper boat?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Bigger or smaller papers mean bigger or smaller boats. The thickness of the paper will also determine how strong your boat is and how well it floats, so play around with different papers and materials to see which one creates the best boat.
  • Question
    How do I make the bottom of the boat flat in order to make it float?
    Community Answer
    Keep making paper boats. Practice makes perfect. If you keep trying to do it, eventually you'll get the hang of it.
  • Question
    What's the maximum weight of an object I can put on it?
    Community Answer
    No more than the weight of the paper boat itself. For example if the paper boat weights 50 grams, the object shouldn't weight more.
  • Question
    How can I waterproof it?
    Butterfly7398
    Community Answer
    You could tape aluminum foil on the outside of the paper after folding it. However, the boat won’t break just because you put it in water without doing anything to it.
  • Question
    What is the best type of material I can use other than paper?
    Community Answer
    Aluminum foil is waterproof and does not sink.
  • Question
    Can I make a sail to go on top of the boat?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can make a sail go wherever you would like to on the boat.
  • Question
    Would wax help it float and keep it from sinking?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you covered your boat in wax, it would seal the paper, making it so your boat won’t sink as easily.
  • Question
    How can I learn more origami?
    Community Answer
    Find a book or do a little searching on the internet.
  • Question
    Can I use a square piece of paper to make it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will be more difficult and it may be smaller than intended. I recommend using normal rectangular paper.
  • Question
    How do I add more mass to a paper boat?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how thick the paper is and about what type of paper you are using.
  • Question
    How do I move a paper boat in water?
    Community Answer
    Gently push it with your finger, but make sure that you're not putting too much weight on the boat. You could also try blowing on it from behind or using a fan.
  • Question
    Can I use any color paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes. It says in the beginning that you can use copy paper, construction paper, or origami paper, and you can use whichever color you want.
  • Question
    What is the difference between kitchen foil and aluminum foil?
    Community Answer
    They're the same thing.
  • Question
    What do I do if my paper boat doesn't come out right?
    kat douglas
    Community Answer
    Start again from scratch. Try following the instructions exactly or watching the video.
  • Question
    Will this hold a substantial amount of weight? If, not is there a way to make it hold a lot of weight?
    Community Answer
    It can hold around 30 pennies. If you want your boat to hold more weight, make it bigger.
  • Question
    I can't do step 9. Can you explain it better?
    Community Answer
    Grab the two corners and pull them apart (like opening an egg). If the center wobbles or flops over, just straighten it or secure it with tape.
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