One Person Water Scooter

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As the final step, paint the wooden components of the water scooter, to protect them from the rigors of marine life. Choose a good oil-based waterproof paint in your favorite bright (again, for safety) color, and give the wood several coats. It's important that you take extra care to thoroughly seal any exposed ends of the sheathing (using silicone if necessary), since cut plywood is particularly susceptible to moisture separation.

Roll the Boat to Shore

Once the paint's dry, simply pull the tube over the bulkhead "wings" and inflate it until the valve stem area begins to swell and the pneumatic doughnut is tight against its frame. For security, pass the four girth lines around the rubber ring, snap them to the metal eyes, and tighten the lines as necessary.

I find it easiest to roll my boat to the water's edge, then clamp on the motor and place the battery in the adjoining front compartment before shoving off. (I usually carry along a small hand pump and a life preserver, just in case the inner tube "lets me down" en route.) Naturally, common sense dictates that a simple craft such as mine should be used only in calm bodies of water, but don't believe for a minute that my little aquascooter isn't stable. The nearly five-foot "stance" of the gigantic tube just about guarantees that you'll always sail along on an even keel, and the craft's built-in buoyancy allows it to carry a total load of — I'd guess — well over 200 pounds.

In any event, you'd be hard-pressed to find a boat of any sort that's as inexpensive, easy to build and just plain fun to use as the one I've made here. And, if you do decide to knock your own scooter together, I think you'll agree with me that I haven't "blown" its capabilities out of proportion!

(And, before you take to the water, be sure to check the boat-licensing and water acces regulations in your area.)

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