http://www.instructables.

com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Food Living Outside Play Technology Workshop
Make an open kayak from recycled bottles
by bugcatcherjake on December 30, 2013
Table of Contents
Make an open kayak from recycled bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Intro: Make an open kayak from recycled bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 1: Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 2: Step 1 The Deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 3: Step 2 Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Step 4: Step 3 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 5: Moar assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Step 6: Step 4 The seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 7: Step 5 The final step! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Step 8: Completion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Intro: Make an open kayak from recycled bottles
A few years ago I was inspired by a very short video of a man making a small boat from recycled bottles. No matter where I looked, I couldn't come up with any
instructions on how to make one of my own, so I had to set out without much guidance. I decided it would make a great dorm project because it was odd, messy, and yet
totally inoffensive.
This is a really entertaining way of reclaiming and recycling those pesky plastic beverage bottles that always seem to be lying around, and it always turns a few heads on
the lake. As an added bonus, it's completely recyclable. Be warned though, this project is most definitely not BPA free!
The boat I've made resembles an open-topped kayak. It measures approximately 3 x 7.5 feet, and weighs roughly 50 lbs. Because the lids of the bottles are twisted on
tightly, they keep the thing afloat, even if its swamped with water, so its basically self-bailing! It's perfect for flat water, and surprisingly durable, but I wouldn't advise
anyone to try even small rapids with it.
Step 1:Materials
You will need just 3 things:
Plastic bottles with lids tightly in place (about 270). I used 20 oz. sports drink bottles because of their size and durable construction.
Adhesive. I used Liquid Nails polyurethane adhesive. I tried to use silicon caulking, but it just wasn't sticky enough for me.
Caulking gun
Step 2:Step 1 The Deck
The design resembles a simple flat-bottomed boat, or one of
those open kayaks you can buy at sporting goods stores. Were going to make a few flat, raft-like layers and stack them on top of one another. Start by gluing bottles
side by side in neat sections. A line of adhesive about 3/16 1/4" wide is sufficient. You need a total of 12 horizontal sections for the deck of the boat. The sizes of
sections are:
6 x 11 bottles
2 x 9 bottles
2 x 5 bottles
2 x 3 bottles
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Step 3:Step 2 Hull
Once these sections are glued, allow the adhesive to cure
according to the instructions on the tube. While youre waiting for them to cure, you can begin assembling the next layer of the boat, which will act as the hull. Its going
to be slightly smaller than the first layer, but constructed similarly. You need 11 horizontal sections for the second layer. Their sizes are:
5x 10 bottles
2 x 8 bottles
2 x 4 bottles
2 x 2 bottles
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Step 4:Step 3 Assembly
After you have allowed all of the sections to cure, begin gluing them end to end. Place a big glob of adhesive in the bottom of each bottle, and squish the caps of the
adjoining section into it. You want the smallest sections at the ends, and the largest sections in the middle, to approximate an ellipse, as in the highly technical diagram
above.
Keep the bottle caps facing towards the end of the boat until you get to the 6th section. At the 6th section, glue the 7th section with the bottle caps facing the opposite end
of the boat. You want the caps in the back half facing the stern, and the caps in the front half facing the bow. Allow this layer to cure.
Step 5:Moar assembly
Once the base layer has cured, begin gluing the second layer
on top of it. These bottles should be glued into the shallow V between each bottle of the base layer. Additionally, each section of the second layer should be offset, so
that it touches 2 sections of the base layer, as shown in the picture. This second layer acts as the bottom of the boat, and gives it a rough hull shape.
Press the sections together tightly with heavy books, weights, or slow-moving relatives and allow to cure.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Step 6:Step 4 The seat
Next, make the seat. You will need to construct a 2 x 11 section of bottles and glue it in position on top of the larger layer of bottles. You may choose to put it in the center
of the boat, or just behind the center, depending on your size. It should be noted that this seat is really uncomfortable, so you'll probably want to supplement it with a nice
foam cushion, or at least a folded up towel.
Image Notes
1. The placement of my seat
2. "bow"
3. "stern"
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
Step 7:Step 5 The final step!
Finally, you must construct the gunwales. The gunwales are the railings that go around the edge of the boat. In this project, they are useful for carrying the boat and
reducing the amount of water that splashes in. Glue 2 rows of bottles side by side around the edges of the largest layer, being sure to gently curve them to a point at the
bow and stern. After you have glued these in place, add one more row of bottles on top of the gunwales, for additional height/splash protection.
Image Notes
1. the "graceful" curve of the gunwales
Step 8:Completion
Now you're ready to take it out on the water. By far the best method of paddling is a regular kayak paddle. I've used a canoe paddle before, but it's significantly more
difficult to keep the boat going straight. I weigh about 180 pounds, and what might be called the "deck" of the boat sits juuuuuust above water level. If you're any heavier
than me you may want to consider adding a third layer of bottles to the hull. This should provide you with enough buoyancy to keep you from getting too too wet. Keep in
mind though, this is just a glorified bath toy and I wouldnt expect to stay very dry while using it.
My hope is that this Instructable is helpful in guiding you in constructing your own boat from recycled bottles. You're welcome to ask me any questions if it isn't clear
enough, and please feel free to get creative with your own design (I'm hoping for a viking longboat). If you've enjoyed it or found it helpful, please vote for me in the 2014
"Green Design" contest. Have fun and good luck!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
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Comments
16 comments Add Comment
Lambert98 says: May 8, 2014. 4:41 PM REPLY
This is DEFINITELY goin to be one of my projects this summer, seeing as how I have 2 ponds. Thanks for the 'ible!
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 7:18 PM REPLY
One for each pond!
justbennett says: May 8, 2014. 6:02 PM REPLY
We'd love to build that boat, but we don't have enough bottles. (My daughter insisted I tell you. She's 5.)
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 7:15 PM REPLY
I collected mine over the course of a year. I had friends, family, and people in my dorm help me gather them. I even got permission to go dumpster diving
at the recycling center for the specific type of bottle I was looking for. That last one might be a little advanced for a 5 year old...
rimar2000 says: May 8, 2014. 5:48 PM REPLY
Very good project, congratulations.
Inspectorq says: May 8, 2014. 2:07 PM REPLY
This is the greatest instructable in all of history! I think this would be perfect for Magikarp fishing. Have you tested it in rough waters? I ask because it's
frequently storming at the Lake of Rage and I wouldn't want to capsize around all those angry Gyarados'. >~*O*~<
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 2:58 PM REPLY
It's not very well suited for rough seas I'm afraid. You should probably bring your Lapras along, just in case you run afoul of the weather.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-an-open-kayak-from-recycled-bottles/
echoalex says: May 8, 2014. 2:18 PM REPLY
Total awesomeness !!
aweaver4 says: May 8, 2014. 1:38 PM REPLY
I love this! We live at the lake and the grandsons would have a blast. Being smaller than a grown man, they will ride higher as well. Life-jackets, of course.
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 1:45 PM REPLY
I always have my life jacket with me too. It makes a perfect, multifunctional seat cushion.
darrenhall says: May 8, 2014. 1:14 PM REPLY
This is the best instructable in years - you thought it through, built it, and it works - big big respect
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 1:43 PM REPLY
That is probably the biggest compliment I've ever recieved! Glad you enjoyed it.
jtollakson says: May 8, 2014. 1:12 PM REPLY
You should enter the Green Design Contest! you've got voters waiting for your amazing entry!
bugcatcherjake says: May 8, 2014. 1:40 PM REPLY
It's been entered. I think they just need time to process it. Anyhow, thanks for the encouragement!
builditjones says: May 8, 2014. 12:43 PM REPLY
You mean Oarsome?
amekdala says: May 8, 2014. 12:10 PM REPLY
awesome