D.I.Y. Project: Wooden Unlimited Hydroplanes

"WINGED WONDER HYDRO"

Many memories of our youth includes unlimited hydroplane races.  During the off-season we would race our own mini hydroplanes - either by running and pulling them on a string until we got dizzy going in circles to mimic a race course or by pulling them behind our bikes.

I have decided to offer these as a gift to help keep the spirit alive in our youth. Build your own hydro to pull along or race behind a bike. The graphics for several options, including some fantasy boats, are located bellow. Feel free to print them on either a full-sheet label or on regular paper and use spray adhesive to affix to the board. When the "paint-job" gets beat up you can just print another one and affix it over the old one.
Materials List
  • 10" x 5 1/2" board
  • Saw (to cut out shape of boat)
  • Sandpaper
  • Tack cloth or rag (for removing sanding dust)
  • Pen or pencil (for tracing template on board)
  • Full-sheet label or paper & spray adhesive
  • Means to print graphics (home printer or local Staples, Office Depot, etc)
  • Scissors
  • Screw Eye (hook)
  • String
Template:
Right click on picture to open and print full-sized image.
NOTE: Kids can help with sanding, tracing and scissor tasks like cutting out the template and the graphics sheet(s).

Donations gladly accepted
Assembly Instructions:
STEP 1:
Select a board, it should be at least ​ 10" x 5 1/2".
STEP 2:
Print template on regular paper and cut out.
STEP 3:
Using template, trace pattern on board.
STEP 4:
Cut-out boat shape and sand as needed.
STEP 5:
Ensure boat shape is dust-free.
STEP: 6
Cut out and affix graphics sheet to boat shape.
STEP 7:
Attach screw eye (hook) to front of boat.
STEP 8:
Tie string to eye hook for pulling.
Graphics for Hydroplanes
These graphics are all hand-drawn and are free to use with the above project.  Please get permission to use in any other way by emailing [email protected].  Other formats are available by request.
(Right click on image to open and download full-size version.) 
When printing, scale to full 8 1/2" x 11" sheet size.  (Graphic's will print to be about 10" long.)
Boat Graphics:

U-1 (U-25)

U-76

U-6