Cardboard Boat Race

Bob Mattson discovered his passion for camping later in life, having previously been an avid boater in the Port Huron area. His love for the water naturally extended to camping at Eagles Cove, where he became a member during its opening year and brought his camper the following spring. Bob was a familiar sight, driving around in his red golf cart, and engaging in friendly conversations with anyone willing to chat.

When we introduced him to the cardboard boat races, his enthusiasm was palpable. With his background in boating, Bob had witnessed many races and understood the excitement they brought. He was present during the inaugural year, cheering on participants with great enthusiasm. Sadly, shortly after the race, Bob passed away. He had shared with his wife, Judy, how much he enjoyed the races, and we hope that everyone continues to find joy in them as he did.

• Division 1: 14 years of age and under.
• Division 2: 15 years of age and up.
• The following are the ONLY MATERIALS permitted to build your boat:
  • Cardboard
  • Duct tape
  • Packing tape
  • Hot glue
  • Rope
  • String
• Cardboard tubes are permitted but the ends cannot be capped with wood or plastic.
• Not permitted:
  • Pre-treated cardboard
  • Waxed cardboard
  • Paint
  • Coatings of any kind
• Design is the builder’s choice.
  • Make your boat look like a race car, yacht, dragon, flying saucer, etc.
  • Let your imagination reign supreme.
• Only permanent markers and crayons can be used to decorate your boat.
  • Use of paint, stickers, etc., will result in disqualification.
• No wrapping in tape.
  • However, you may use any type of tape to reinforce the bottom of your boat, and its seams.
• You must provide your own oar and paddle.
  • Paddles may only be used to propel your boat.
  • Oars can be constructed from any material, or they can be purchased.
  • Rafts or flat boats that use legs for propulsion are not permitted.
• Each participant must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when in, or on the water.
• Each team may have multiple entries.
  • However, individuals can be associated with only one entry.
• Each boat must carry at least one team member.
• Boats may be built prior to race weekend.
  • All boats must pass inspection prior to racing.
• Team members in the boat must not be enclosed above the shoulders, and must remain visible while the boat is in the water.
• Team members who start the race must finish the race without exiting the interior of the boat.
  • If a team member exits their boat for any reason during the race, the team will be disqualified.
• When a boat has finished the race, each team must:
  • Remove the boat, and any associated debris.
  • Dispose of it in the designated trash area.
• Teams are not allowed to sabotage anyone else’s boat.
• Roughhousing on the water may lead to disqualification.
• All participants must wear a swimsuit and shorts (no denim).
• Team members must supply their own towels.
• Judging will be based on time at the completion of the race, or distance traveled, and time the boat sinks.