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Jericho Vermont

Hello boating enthusiasts. I am attempting to get our first pumpkin regatta going in Vermont this year and would like some input from some veterans. I would like to know the min and max weights that make a pumpkin boat good. Unfortunately I am growing a couple of rounds and wheels this year but they might still make it to the water. Thanks for your help.
John

7/28/2008 7:47:13 PM

Colorado Springs.Co

Sounds like a blast John. I've seen them on the idiot box but never first hand. I hope they have one close to me in Colorado this year. Thats a camping chair and cooler of beer event for sure.

7/28/2008 8:06:09 PM

Dallas, Oregon

400 lbs. is about the min. for a adult up to about 160 lbs. I find that a punk between 600-800 lbs. seems to work the best for most people but I've also seen two people at the same time in a 1100 lbs. one, so it depends on your shape, the pumpkins shape and how crazy your feeling. the smaller the boat you can get into the easier it is to paddle. Having a broader bottom to it helps with stability.

7/28/2008 8:32:05 PM

Western NY

no real max, but the heavier it is, the more weight you're pushing through the water, although they are more stable. i'm about 155-160#, and the fastest boat I was in started out 482# before gutting it.

7/28/2008 9:53:07 PM

Jericho Vermont

Thanks for the feed back guys. I really hope I can get this to the water this year, it has been a lot of work.

7/29/2008 6:56:05 AM

hamilton,Ontario

they had that guy that pulls around a toaster for a trailer do a full show on this topic...the winner sprayed that foam insullation right through...Im sure you can see the episode somewhere on the internet it was real interesting and I believe they talked about the weight on there> it was on the food network

7/29/2008 10:02:16 AM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

That was Leo Swinamer on the Glutton for Punishment show. He uses big pumpkins, 700 or so I think before he starts, and shaves the walls down to an inch before putting it in the water. I have paddled a 435 and found it plenty big and stable. I tried a smaller one last year and sunk right off the line.

7/29/2008 10:44:29 AM