How to make a working boat using straws, polystyrene, glue, cardboard, etc?

Question

Parameter:

can carry max load,

can ship without inverted,

using scientific skills... etc..

Dimension:

Max: 30cm (wide) x 30cm (length) x 15cm (height)

Min: 25cm (wide) x 25 (length) [no limit for height]

Rules:

Flat top area not less than 10cm x 10cm (for rig weight:50g-10kg).

The straw would be arranged together to make the boat.

Material :

5 ping-pong balls

20 straws

polystyrene board

20 'satay' sticks

1 manila card

cellophane tapes, scissors, paper cutter, ruler, pen, pencil and etc.

Can't use:

Styrofoam

Plastic board

DIY ship/boat equipments

No other materials can be used throughout the competition.

Answer 1

Boats love to flip over so I would make it as wide as the straws will go to make it stable.  I would start with the ping balls in a pattern like the number 5 on dice.  Keep the balls  on the table as you build so they are even.  Glue a stick up from each ball but not to high.  Then the straws across like an X and straight across.  May not be a fast boat but it would make a good barge.

Answer 2

If you're the one entering the competition, then you should be the one to create the design, not us. ;)