Raingutter Regatta--With Power!

[JoeyGee]

This year our cub scout pack is doing a Raingutter Regatta. Each scout has the option of building a traditional boat with sail powered by lungs and a straw, or by some means of propulsion.

I had the idea of providing said propulsion with compressed air. Since the size requirements are still fairly small, I am going to hopefully use one or two of those mini cans of compressed air--the ones used to clean electronics.

I am having trouble coming up with a way to turn the air on and off. I plan on taking the nozzle off, and placing the can(s) horizontally in the boat, with the air shooting out of the top of the can.

Can anyone picture what I am saying and suggest an easy way to turn the air on and off?

[dbhost]

When you said some means of propulsion, why did model rocket engines come to mind?

[LCHIEN]

think CO2 cartridge - will be a lot smaller and have more total volume than a compressed air can. They have all sorts of holders, valves and tubing at paintball supply stores.

[Weverst]

How about a light weight u-shaped copper or aluminum tube that would have one side either clamped or glued to the aft deck of the boat (pointing towards the rear) with the other open end ( in the verticle plane) having a clown's "Scuplture" type long balloon attached, prior to setting the boat in the raingutter?
Of course you would inflate the balloon first and hold a finger over the open end at the aft deck unitl the start of the race.

Hope you can visualize this.

DO YOUR BEST!