A few weeks ago I was searching the Internet for methods of waterproofing cardboard.  I was hoping to use some of the boxes lying around here to make a bird house.  However, most of the information I found was geared toward cardboard boat building, something I found very interesting. So interesting, in fact, that I decided to build one for myself.  Most of the plans I found were for boats designed with racing in mind, and therefore designed to stay afloat for only a short time.  I set out to build a more durable watercraft.  Time will tell whether or not I have succeeded.

The structural part of my boat is made entirely of cardboard.  There’s no wood, metal or other substances used.  It is held together by paper tape, contact cement, and wood glue.  To waterproof the hull, I used layers of varnish and several editions of the Fulton County News. The inside of the boat is coated with Dry-lock paint.

The good news is that it has survived its first voyage of several laps around our pool.  Click here to watch the video.