How would i make a toy boat move by using a co2 cartridge?

Question

i mean like what do i do to the co2 cartridge for the boat to move. and is co2 cartridge dangerous to use? and what size cartridge should i use so that it would not go reallllly fast. i want the boat to just move normally like a toy boat in the water. a good answer gets best answer!!! plz help mee

Answer 1

Find something else.  you need more power

Answer 2

I have run co2 cars before, the design for propulsion is simple. A 3/4" diameter hole in the back of the boat will hold the cartridge. I would support the motor mount between two pontoons, catamaran style. This would help with tracking and stability. You will need a starting mechanism. A sharp pointed drywall s***w set in a hinged plunger would do the trick. Kind of a launching ramp for the boat. The biggest problem you face is time. Too short of time that is. When pierced, the co2 runs out within seconds. So you would get a quick burst of speed then nothing.

I have had my students build rubber band powered boats with some success (a paddle wheel design seems to be the most workable with home made parts.

Electric battery powered boats are far better to move the way you want though. Add radio control and you could have fun for 10 to 20 minutes.

Answer 3

The issue with CO2 cartridges is that they are under a lot of pressure and you'd need to have a piercing stage and a valve and thrust o*****e downstream to control the output.    

If you can disassemble an old CO2 powered gun to yield a useable piercing mechanism that won't let the cartridge get away and fly around the room like an out of control rocket, you might be able to do what you're asking.