Family boat building contest - Ideas needed!!!!?

Question

So I'm thinking of putting a family boat building contest together this summer just to have some fun and I need help. I need some "rules" for making the boats. I was thinking something like:

- it needs to float, be moveable and stear-able

- you can't spend more than $20(?)

- It has to hold one adult and one child

I need a way to "judge" the competion, preferably several categories that encourage the fun aspect. My tentative plan is to have let everyone know (like 6 weeks in advance), all meet on a Saturday and Launch/race our boats. I want everyone to use standard household items - I think.

Please share any ideas, success/failure stories to give me some ideas. 10 points to for the best answer or story!!!!

Answer 1

The local elementary school does a Carboard boat derby every spring.  The rules are that you can use any cardboard and glue and tape you wish.  It must be human powered or sail powered (carboard sails are great) and any sail powered craft can only use two wood dowels from the local hardware store.  It is a blast and they race to a marker about 60 feet from shore and back.  The one (maybe only one) to finish first wins.  I have done it for several years and the designs people come up with are great.  You may want to hit up the local Home Depot/Lowes Stores for Refrigerator and stove cartons.  Those usually work best.  Have fun.  I know this answers your question.

Answer 2

http://ncmm-friends.org/calendar/watercr...

Our local marine museum has several "build a boat in a day"

classes coming up. You could get some ideas from them.