Test Pilot Wanted for Experimental Water Craft

The morning starts with the construction and testing of model boats. The goal today is to build boats capable of carrying a tinkerer... one capsized banana later, and everyone says that we are all going to drown.

Banana Overboard

One tropical fruit sent directly to Davey Jones' locker, onlookers both worried and gleeful.

A Hull Design Problem

It turns out that having a boat with an upward arching bottom is not a very good idea.

A New Hull Design

A pointed prow and a nice wide flat bottom - Team A has settled on a working design.

A New Bow Design

Theo remember reading that the WWII landing craft were designed to be stable in all conditions - so Team B adopts the design and works up a model. The sloping front and flat bottom combine to give it nice handling in the water tank.

Endless Amusement

A hot-wire foam cutter (with lots of good ventilation) makes for a pleasent distraction from the boat works.

Joined at the Hand

Unbeknownst to either of their parents, Nikhil and Winslow were born joined at that hand. A fate which has caused them such embarassment, they have been forced to hide their conjoined digits in this makeshift cardboard tube.

From Model to Boat

After performing the standard sit-measurement ("Fiona, sit here and draw the outline of your posterior.") the lines and size of the watercraft begin to take shape.

Insert Tab A into Slot B

It is a moment of triumph when Team B folds up the sides of their design and discover that a boat is taking shape.

A Tricky Prow

The curved lines of the Team A boat require some careful cutting and measuring. The brief foray into mathematics temporarily clears the assembly deck and only the prospect of getting to use a razor sharp knife brings the team members back.

All Hands to the Knives

Various struts and spars are required and Team A is there to do some serious cutting. Four kids with razor sharp knives, zero injuries - a Tinkering School tradition carries on.

Duct Tape Techniques

Nikhil and Fiona discuss the fine points of handling live duct tape while Tywen wait patiently and Winslow provides background music.

Professional Seat Installer

Piper lines up the seat boards before applying duct tape.

A Delicate Negotiation

Theo needs the knife to cut some plastic sheeting, Winslow needs the knife to trim a foam plug for the outrigger pontoon. These situations sometimes require delicate diplomacy.

Cardboard Thwarts

Rolled into a tight cylinder, the single-sided cardboard makes a sturdy thwart - much to the amazement of Team A.

Things Happen on Many Levels

Piper on tape, Theo at the tape measure, and Harlo discussing the relationship between humanity and the sea.

Ne Pas Enlever Cete Etiquette

Final placement of the seat boards c'est finis.

Finishing Touches

Eschewing the pre-departure game of tag, Fiona stays behind to "touch things up."

Boats at Repose

One Ikea carton, one roll of plastic sheeting, one PVC pontoon, three rolls of duct tape = two boats. Teams still dubious.

To the Truck!

Keeping in mind that the Owl and Pussycat went to sea in less, Team A hauls their boat up to the truck and what they are sure is their certain doom.

Photonic Fluids

Typical of her later forms, Robyn exlpores the high end of the exposure range while deftly manipulating the shutterspeed.

Destination Unknown

Their faces revealing some clues about what may lay in store for them, the teams ride into their uncertain futures upon the sea.

Survivor: Princeton Harbour

Much puttering and pontificating ensues as the teams delay the inevitable moment when the boats (and their creators nerves) must be put to the test.

Level 2 Procrastination

Perhaps I was a bit too blunt when I warned them earlier in the day that "this project has never been done before" and "these things may go straight to the bottom when we sit in them." Theo and Winslow discuss the exact location of Maverick's, while the rest of the team studies their shadows (yes, the weather has been beautiful so far).

Team A Braves the Fickle Waters

Despite the relentless lapping of the nearly double-ankle-high waves, Team A takes their craft into the water (but not actually on it).

A Guyden Voyage

Harlo is quick to point out that he is not a maid, so it's not a maiden voyage. Nevertheless, much exciting paddling ensues.

Captain Winslow at the Helm

Despite the fact that the paddles cracked in half before we reached the water, the boats prove quite maneuverable with just a single paddle.

Hanging Five

Surfing becomes a popular activity (with occasional fits of giggling capsization) when it is discovered that the boats will actually catch the little wavelets that work their way in through the jetty.

Some Adjustments Necessary

Despite the sturdy construction, the boats occasionally require re-application of tape.

Two Kinds of Repose

Tywen and Nikhil, each in their own worlds.

Big Enough for Two

Despite the fact that the craft is clearly not labeled for dual occupancy, Fiona and Tywen decide to put it to the test.

Big Enough for One (Adult)

Now it becomes a challange to see what will sink these durable craft. Robyn finds that it is "a little tippy."

Big Enough for Two Too

Not ones to sit idly by, Fiona invites Gever into the Team B boat to see how it holds up.

Waiting for the Big One

Winslow becomes complacent and listless as Theo waits for just the right wave. "This is where Mavrick's is, right?" he asks a few minutes later.

Get Ready

"The perfect wave is coming, get ready!" yells Theo.

Soggy

Winslow and Theo discover that water has leaked through both layers of plastic and is now attacking the structural integrity of the cardboard.

Sand Master

Nikhil displays his mastery of the sand-drip castle arts.

King Ozzie

Recently deposed from his Connecticut estate, King Ozzie contemplates the majesty of his new castle construction project and inwardly decries the quality of help he is getting his new serfs Harlo and Tywen.

Boat or Waterballoon?

While it steadfastly refuses to sink, Team B's boat has taken on considerable water and has all the structural integrity of a wet napkin. Fiona sums it up when she exclaims "it's just a taped up wad of cardboard!"

Draining the Boat

Not only does it float, it holds water quite well.

A Boy and His Pelicans

As our departure nears, Winslow spends some quality time with the Team B boat and wonders if there is anything he hasn't thought of to do with it.

A Fine Thing it Is

"It's a bit lumpy," says Ozzie. "Yes, but it's got a good harbor view," replies Harlo.

One More Thing

Realizing what he had forgotten to try, Winslow stands up and surfs the Team B boat into shore.

A Unanimous Opinion

Their earlier pessimism forgotten, the teams head back to the ranch with smiles all around.

A Race!

Begging to be let out at the top of the hill, the tinkerers get some running in before heading into the house for showers.

The Deliberate Stragglers

Tywen and Theo bring up the rear (because they decided to add an extra sprint back up the hill to the run). As they pass, I ask them what they were talking about. They shrug and head for the showers.