: Hi,

: We are not regulars on your list, but would really appreciate some help with
: a problem. We do realise that you a serious group and please excuse/ignore
: this post if it is inappropriate. We are building a home made quick and
: cheap outrigger for a raft race at work (a Fisheries Research Institute in
: Tasmania, Australia). None of us has any kyaking/canoeing experience and
: we have been challanged by the boys (we are a girls team!). It has to be
: stable and have enough floatation for 4 people and be as fast as possible.
: Materials we have available include polydrums, plastic pipes,fishing
: floats, large plastic containers etc (just about anything we can
: scavenge). The only rule is that it cannot be composed of any water going
: vessel (ie: surfboard, existing kyak etc). We realise a shaped front and
: back is necessary to reduce drag, but are not sure about
: length/size/distance from the main part for the outrigger bits. Does
: anyone have any ideas/suggestions/handy hints (dimension/floatation needs
: etc)? We have searched the web but not really found much on this. Please
: help us kick the boys' buts!

: (race date is 15 Dec 2000)

: Thanks. I say get a bunch of those foam noodles aprox 3" x 3' and about 10 rolls of duct tape and you could build just about any thing. One noodle will float about 175 Lbs. A craft 3' wide and about 12' long would requier about 80 noddles But would float fast and well you could lace them togeather with duct tape and the rope the ends shut to form a craft .....