Foam Raingutter Boat Kit

The foam raingutter regatta boat kits are easy to build and can be very fast. This kit contains two different hulls. The rules dictate which one you will use, but you can cut up or shape the other to create a unique design for your boat.

Note: rules allow Cubbies' foam boats to be wider so they can't turn sideways as much.

Preparation

Materials	Optional Tools
1 piece styrofoam approx. 1/2 x 2.5 x 6 inches (standard hull) 1 piece styrofoam approx. 1/2 x 3.5 x 6 inches (Cubby hull) 1 styrofoam cup (sail) Water-proof glue not provided but highly recommended (low temp hot glue may work, but be careful!)	Small toothed saw or serated knife Sand paper 180 to 200 grit

Assembly

Assembly is very simple. The optional steps below may improve speed and "look".

1. (Optional) Cut the cup (sail) in half along its length or across the middle.
2. (Optional) With a saw or knife, carefully slope the front-bottom of the hull over the first inch or two allowing it to hydroplane on the water. Sand lightly to smooth.
3. Glue the sail-cup to the hull with its open side to the rear; place the sail close to the rear for less forward tipping.
4. Make bumpers to reduce adhesion between foam and gutter when wet.
5. (Optional) Choose a theme and decorate the boat for the design competition. Acrylic paint and permanent markers work fine. Cut up and sculpt the other foam block to add structure and character to the deck. Stickers may come off unless coated with clear acrylic. Do not use oil based paints - it may "melt" the foam.
6. Sparks and Upper clubbers boats must weigh at least one ounce. Foam boats will need about an ounce of weight. That's about 11 pennies.

What is a raingutter regatta?

A regatta is a miniature boat race held in two narrow channels of water, ten-foot plastic raingutters with end caps. At the shout of "Go", participants blow into their boat sails or paddle wheels hoping to be the first to cross the finish line or reach the end of the gutter. The speed competition is a test of blowing skill and boat design. A design competition is also held in which the boats are judged for construction, creativity and novelty.