Technical details
Description, documents, and source code.
Build a boat powered by a backward water jet
Assemble a motor-driven jet boat and explore Newton’s third law, buoyancy, centrifugal pumping, rudder steering and simple circuits. The impeller sends water backward through the spray tube; the reaction force pushes the boat forward. The hollow hull provides buoyancy, and the pointed bow helps reduce water resistance.
Assembly and experiments
- Connect the motor, switch and battery contacts with the red and black wires, following the illustrated polarity markings.
- Fit the motor in the hull, press the impeller onto the shaft and install the impeller cover and spray tube.
- Install the contact plates, battery cover and pressure blocks. Secure the parts with the supplied screws.
- Fit the steering wheel from above and the rudder from below. The steering is manual, not motor-driven; this is not a remote-control boat.
- Place the boat in a shallow basin before switching on. Change the rudder angle and spray-tube direction to compare the boat’s path.
Illustrated parts list
- Hull, rudder, battery cover, impeller, motor, steering wheel and impeller cover: 1 each
- Pressure blocks: 2; decorative sticker: 1; screwdriver: 1
- Red wires: 2; black wire: 1; switch: 1; water spray tube: 1
- Screw A: 3; screw B: 2
- Negative spring contact, positive/negative contact plate and positive spring contact: 1 each
Battery powered. Follow the battery type and polarity markings on the supplied compartment and instructions. Batteries are not shown in the illustrated parts list; do not assume they are supplied.
Specifications
- Approximate assembled dimensions: 170 × 100 × 65 mm
- Listed product weight: approximately 210 g, excluding shipping packaging
- Construction: plastic hull with motor, metal contacts and wiring
- Suggested age: 8+, with adult guidance; assembly required
Care and safety
Test in a shallow sink, basin or tub, never in ponds, rivers or other open water. Put the boat in water before turning it on. Keep water out of the interior and fingers clear of moving parts. Switch off after use, remove the batteries for storage, and drain and dry the boat. Contains small parts; keep away from young children.