I have to make a model boat go across a pond in less then 3 mins, whats the best design?

Question

For my course i have to do this. I cannot buy parts for the model boat which are spefically designed for model boats for exampel moters. What the best way to get the boat across the pond?

I thought maybe using sails or even possibly rocket fuel or something.

Any tips would be gratefull.

Thanks

Answer 1

Again, depending on the pond, sail and wind vane seem to be your best bet.  I once made a sail boat from half a V-8 can.  I cut it in half top-to-bottom, melted a couple inches of paraffin into the bottom for ballast.  I used a stick (dowel) for a mast, and another for a "lanteen" sail.  Two dowels and a piece of Styrofoam made an outrigger while I filled thew rest of the can with insulating foam to assure flotation.  the toughest part was the self-steering rudder.  Look on-line at several sailboat sites and search for "self steering vanes". Also, go to the hobby shop and see how the vanes on model sailboats function - then build one, its not difficult.

Good luck and smooth sailing.

Answer 2

I woud use a bird as the powerplant as they are designed with power to weight in mind.

You just need a pair of tin snips and some rubber bands and you can modify a pidgeon to make some serious pond hp.

Answer 3

I was thinking like "mark t". Some type of rubber band set up. Make a "Stern-Wheeler" and then just wind it up. Give it a full keel along the bottom and this may help it maintain a straighter course.

The picture so you know what I talking of, may use Popsicle sticks;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/desmo_dave/...

When I read the first part of you question I thought of the You-Tube link below, but, it have an engine;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSW7AqjXB...

Answer 4

Compressed CO2 cylinder for a rocket?

Answer 5

Long time ago, the way to get across a river was to stretch a rope across and use it not only to pull the boat across but also to navigate it, (not being swept downstream)

You can use this across the pond.  Go to home depot, Lowe's or other hard ware store and get   builders string. Its also called leveling line, surveying twine, brick string etc.  its cheap like $4 for 1000ft spool.  

Using two stakes string it across the pond.  You want it fairly tight.  not drooping into the water.

You will need a hoop on the boat for the stretched string to go through,    eye bolts, pieces of drinking straws, loop of a clothes hanger any thing you can think of that will guide the boat along the string.

Means of getting the boat across, simplest way is attach a string to the boat and pull it across.  Other methods use Estes rocket motors (sold at wal-mart) sails (gotta have wind that day though) etc.  but all will work once you  get the boat to follow the line straight across the pond on the line.

Answer 6

Hint: Use a weed wacker motor..

Answer 7

You'll need an Estes model rocket setup. That will include the rocket engine, ignitor, and ignition control. The way to make sure it goes straight across is to do as the previous poster stated and run a string across the pond as a guide. Put an eye hook on the front and back of the boat and you'll cross in less than 3 seconds, not to mention 3 minutes!

Answer 8

How about using a rubber band powered airplane prop? Like from the small wooden planes they sell at the hobby shop.

Answer 9

That depends on the size of the pond.  If the pond is big then it would definitely have to be a motorized boat (or maybe model rocket like you wrote).  Actually rocket would not burn for 3 minutes (or anywhere near it).  

But whatever you choose if you do not steer it (radio control), it will probably never make it STRAIGHT across.

Good Luck