Saranac Lake’s Annual Corrugated Cup Cardboard Boat Race

Entry

$25/racer

All proceeds support Play ADK’s Clubhouse and community programming.

Race Categories

Kids 8-12
solo, tandem, or team

Youth 13-17
solo, tandem, or team

Adult (18+)
solo, tandem, or team

Mixed
tandem or team

*Team is three or more in a boat

Awards

First Place in Each Race Category
Best in Show
Most Lake-worthy
Best Team Costume
Most Enthusiastic Crew
Most Sailors Afloat
Cardboard Crusader
S.S. Minimalist
Titanic Award
Most Duct Tape
Play ADK Imagination & Creativity

Boat Construction Rules

• All boats must be built out of cardboard. Other acceptable materials include duct tape, glue, and latex paint.
• No treated cardboard, sona- tubes, cellular, fiberglass, plastic, wood or flotation materials allowed in hull construction
• No two part epoxies or adhesives.

All supplies including cardboard, duct tape, sharpies, and paint will be available between 10am-2pm for anyone that wants to build a boat on the day of the race.

Racing rules

• Be safe — have fun!
• All participants MUST sign an assumption of risk and release of liability and photo release form.
• All participants MUST wear a Coast Guard approved PFD (life vest) of an appropriate size.
• All participants MUST wear protective footwear.
• No sharp objects allowed on board any vessel.
• Only single blade paddles may be used made of wood or plastic.
• Any boat deemed unsafe to paddle will be disqualified.
• The “cabin” of the boat (where the crew sits) may not be enclosed above chest height.
• All crew members must be in the boat as it crosses the finish line.
• Participants must retrieve their boat — or its remains — from the water and dispose of it properly before leaving the race area.
• Boats must be removed from the beach after your race. Boats, boat parts, & debris, must be completely removed from the water and disposed of appropriately by participants.

Tips

Look for large, heavy-duty appliance boxes. Since the rules prohibit treated cardboard, make sure you’re using plain, untreated corrugated cardboard. The thicker the cardboard, the better, as you can’t use other flotation devices.

Your primary waterproofing will come from latex paint. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each to dry completely. This creates a strong, water-resistant shell. You can use glue to reinforce seams before you paint.

Use duct tape strategically to reinforce seams and joints. Focus on using it at stress points where the cardboard might tear or separate.

A wide, flat bottom is your friend. This design displaces more water and provides better stability. Avoid narrow or V-shaped hulls, which can be prone to tipping. A simple, boxy shape is the easiest to build and the most reliable.

Use layered and folded cardboard to create a rigid internal frame. Cross-bracing on the inside of the boat will prevent it from sagging or collapsing under your weight. 

Be meticulous about sealing every single edge. Apply extra glue and paint to all exposed edges to prevent this.

Online resources for plans and inspiration: YouTube videos + 15 design ideas