Make a Boat from a Two Liter Soda Bottle

By Ken Denmead

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This easy build uses two important scientific principles, buoyancy and stored kinetic energy, to float and drive a simple boat. The parts are all readily available around most homes, and the boat can be assembled in minutes, though a bit more time with waterproof markers can add some style to the outcome. Consider experimenting with additional components like fins for stabilization, to improve the performance.

June 25, 2013, 9:12 am PDT

Parts

Rubber Bands, Large enough to span the diameter of the soda bottle, and rigid enough to wind up and provide drive. (2)
1/2 liter plastic soda or water bottle (2)
Wooden Sticks (10" - 14" long), "Chop" sticks or simiar thin wooden dowels will work. (2) [optional] you can also use wooden pencils, while not as long they will work, and then wrap tape around them for a neat look.
Plastic food lids, or other sheet plastic, The plastic lids from coffee cans or large water jug containers are perfect (2) Need enough area to cut two rectagles each with one side just smaller than the diameter of the two liter bottle, and the other side about 3/4" longer.
Tape, Duct, or other reasonably waterproof tape (1)
Two Liter Plastic Soda Bottle (1)

Tools

Scissors Can use a craft knife instead
Ruler

Steps

Step #1: Attach the Sticks

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Using the tape, attach the sticks or dowels on opposite sides of the soda bottle (empty, but with cap secured) so that they overlap the bottle by about 1/3 its length, and then extend 6" - 8" from the bottom.