The Sandbox

Experiments!

Jet Boat | Making Waves | Underwater Scope | Eruption! | Water Swinger | I Haven't The Foggiest Idea | Old Sea Salt | Why Boats Float and Elephants Sink...

Jet Boat!

Some sailors just don't have the time or patience to let their crafts drift on the gentle breezes. For these captains, there is the balloon-powered jet boat, perfect for racing in pools, ponds or bathtubs. To make one, you'll need a ½-inch diameter plastic pipe elbow (ask at your local hardware store), two 5-1/2 by 8-inch Styrofoam food trays, a balloon and a rubber band.

Directions:

Thread the nut on the plastic pipe elbow, cut a hole in the bottom of one of the trays, and push through the elbow's non-threaded end. Stretch the balloon over the threaded end. Secure the elbow underneath the tray with the rubber band, wrapping it around several times. Cut a rudder from the second tray, and insert it through a slit cut in the stern of the boat. To operate your vessel, inflate the balloon by blowing into the elbow. Block the end of the pipe elbow with your finger as you set the boat in the water, then release it and watch the boat zip away!