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Nottingham, UK

Any idea how big a pumpkin needs to be to build a boat?

I guess they all float.

Mine is around 300lbs, cc 107, ee 65, ss 65. Pretty sure I could get in it. I weigh about 180 lbs

9/9/2011 8:11:24 AM

South Hero, VT

I've volunteered at the Lake Champlain Pumpkin Regatta in VT for the past 2 years.500-600 lbs seems to be the minimum weight. 800+ lbs is ideal. Round pumpkins don't work very well.

Check out the videos on YouTube to get an idea of how big and what shape a pumpkin needs to be for a boat.

This is a case where size does matter.

9/9/2011 8:29:31 AM

Nottingham, UK

Would 300 lbs spell disaster?

If that be the case I shold use it as a lantern and wait until I grow a bigger one next year. Although I like the challenge you can't argue with 'physics'

9/9/2011 9:21:36 AM

Western NY

The problem w/ a 300 is being able to fold your legs up and get into it. A 180# guy would be a really close call on floating. Scrape the insides out as much as possible to thin it out and lose as much of the pumpkin weight as possible.

Ya never know. post the video for us to laugh at if you get wet.

9/9/2011 10:18:18 AM

West Sacramento Ca.

I won elk grove in 09 and 10. the pumpkin in 09 weighed around 450 and it just floated me at 220. I think 300 might be just to small look around for at least 400. Good luck. Scott in west sac

9/9/2011 10:32:01 AM

Nottingham, UK

Thanks everyone.

My 5 year old daughter still wants me to do it.

She will want to be in it as well and the only way I would let that happen is if I got in the water to stabalise it so that there was no chance of her getting wet.

After that I would be wet anyway so why not give it a go.

I'll get a video posted up when I try it if only to prove you all right.

I wish we had regattas over here in the UK.

9/9/2011 12:01:44 PM

South Hero, VT

Flotation devices are needed for all concerned. That water will be COLD, if not deep. Several people have drowned in Lake Champlain here in Vermont this year--none of them was wearing a flotation device.

This message was brought to you by Mama Steve.

9/9/2011 12:18:56 PM

Westford, MA

Try a couple of outrigger pontoons.
Make it like a Trimaran, with pontoons 2-3' out on both sides.
Or catamaran, with 1 pontoon.

Pontoons could be hollowed out/capped Pumpkins, or plastic equivalent(painted to look pumpkinlike)cargo net or lifting tarp, could be the trampoline to sit on.
Wet suits are bouyant and warm.

9/12/2011 10:32:05 AM