Mousetrap Boat
Technical Report
Joe Baublitz
Table of Contents
Abstract...................................................................................................................................1
Introduction.............................................................................................................................1
Design......................................................................................................................................1
Construction Procedure...........................................................................................................2
Operation of the Mousetrap Speed Boat.................................................................................2
Conclusion / Recommendations.................................................................….........................2
Resources.................................................................................................................................2
Technical Drawings.................................................................................................................3
Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................3
Abstract
A mouse trap powered boat had to be built of race against other boats. Research on boats and
how they move through the water. After that research, design ideas were thought about developed. The
type of boat that was decided on was a boat with a paddle that is connected to the trap by string and
when the trap is released then the paddle spins. Materials were gathered like string, styrofoam, and a
mousetrap then put together to form a boat. The boat was first in the time trials, but after modifications
it got stuck and didn't move much in the competition.
Introduction
The problem was to figure out how to develop a boat out utilizing a mousetrap and no other
energy. The regulations were:
1. The device must be powered by no more than two Victor brand mousetraps (1 3/4" X 3 7/8).
2. The mousetrap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be drilled only to
mount the mousetrap to the frame and a mousetrap's spring can be removed only to adjust the length of
the its lever arm.
3. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than what can be
stored in the mousetrap's spring itself. (This also means that you cannot push start your vehicle.)
4. The spring from the mousetrap cannot be altered or heat treated.
5. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees.
6. Vehicles must be self-starting. Vehicles may not receive a push in the forward direction or side
direction.
7. The vehicle must steer itself.
8. Maximum length, width or height of the vehicle should not exceed 0.18 meters.
9. No pre-built devices are allowed. All boats must be built by the student to be considered legal. No
points will be given for a pre-built boat. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness
of any additional items that might be used in the construction of the racer.
Keeping these regulations in mind a boat had to be built that could float in water and move from the
mousetrap.
Design
A 17cm by 10cm piece of styrofoam is the base of the boat. The front is cut in a v-shape with
the hull curved for maximum Laminar Flow. On the opposite end a 8cm x 3cm area is open for a rod
that holds a paddle (two 4cm x 4cm pieces of cardboard). Two mousetraps are on the center to create a
good center of gravity. Only the right on is used. A string is connected from the rod on the trap to the
rod on the rod that spins the paddle. The entire boat is covering in duct tape so boat is sturdier and more
buoyant. The paddle is wound so the string is almost completely wrapped around the rod. And the long
rod is hooked on by setting the trap. When placed in water and it is set off then the string pulls and
makes the paddle spin which pushed the boat forward.
Construction Procedure
After reading different forums and looking at kits for mousetrap boats the idea was developed
for a paddle that spins. After looking at them then the idea for the rod to connect to the other rod with
string was thought up. While the boat was being constructed it was tested out to see if the paddle would
spin. It didn't work a few times and the mousetrap was turned a few time until the idea to attach a rob to
the trap came up in the mind of the developer. That work and it was tested in water in the time trials
and worked. It was then modified to have a long rod. That was tested twice and worked, but in the
competition it didn't.
Operation of the Mousetrap Speed Boat
This mousetrap boat works by winding up the paddle the opposite way it would spin to push the
boat forward (so when it is set off it spins the correct way). Pull the rod the whole way down on the
rear and have the string tight. Hook the other rod (originally from the trap) onto the cheese. Make sure
the long rod is underneath. Set the boat in the water and grab a ruler. With the ruler hit the cheese and it
will set off. Watch the boat speed along and enjoy!
Conclusion / Recommendations
Something that would be helpful to change is the rod. If it was a little longer and sturdier the
boat would have moved better. This modification would allow the boat to go further distances. Another
modification would be to make the paddles stronger. Gluing two pieces of cardboard together made it
weak when it was in water for too long. A better development for these paddles would go a long way.
Resources
There were no resources needed to write this technical report.
Technical Drawings
Acknowledgments
A thanks goes out to Mr. Smith and Mrs. Wilson for being such wonderful teachers!