The bow of a boat?

Question

If I were to put a rectangular cardboard box in a pond, sit in it, and have a race, will the fact that I don't have a pointed bow make a difference? Will I be able to steer properly and will I be able to go fast?

Answer 1

You have to think outside the box! Every square box has four 90 degree corners, call any one of them the bow. Use a coated box and you should be able to float for a while. You didnt mention your source of propultion.

Answer 2

it DOES slow you down,,imagine walking through snow,,,now put a flat square piece of plywood in front of you,,now walk,,,you go MUCH slower,,,now think of that snow moving around,,swaying,,every time a "wave" of snow hits you, it will ALWAYS hit at a different angle,,which push's you every which way,,it can be done,,,,,to make life easy on ya,,,tilt the "top" of your "bow" out at an angle,,,this will help a LITTLE hehe

Answer 3

wear a flotation device on your person

Answer 4

Yes!

The flat sides of the box (especially the front) will create too much of an obstruction to make it go fast, and it would be hard to steer. You will be plowing the water. And the cardboard box will fall apart.

Answer 5

It would slow you down by creating water resistance, a pointed shape would have less resistance.

Answer 6

Make the bow pointed for less drag. Dont put rocks or water in the boat for ballist, it will sink fast enough!!!Dont forget your pfd!!Happy sailing. PS  Stay near shore...ok?

Answer 7

It will make no difference,  a pointed box or not you will still be slow and unmanageable.  At least look for a coated board box from a plastics supplier.  It will not absorb water and keep you afloat longer.

Answer 8

If you had to use the box, rig it so it would drive a corner forward. Otherwise, you want a point at the bow running back to a similiarly tapered stern. Think of how a fish is shaped. Any time you're trying to push an object through a fluid, flat panels and sharp edges are the enemy. Smooth, curved forms let water or air move around the object quickly, giving less resistance.