How to Make a Sturdy Paper Boat That Actually Floats

Learn to fold a classic paper boat that's strong enough for water play using simple newspaper or magazine pages.

1. Choose the Right Paper. Start with a full sheet of newspaper, magazine pages, or wrapping paper - these work better than regular printer paper because they're slightly thicker and more water-resistant. Avoid construction paper or cardboard, which get soggy quickly. The paper should be rectangular, about 11x17 inches for the sturdiest boat. Glossy magazine pages are especially good because they repel water longer than plain newsprint.
2. Make the Initial Folds. Fold your paper in half lengthwise, bringing the short ends together. Make sure the fold is crisp by running your finger or a ruler along it. Open the paper back up - you should see a clear center crease running across the width. This crease will be your guide for the next steps.
3. Create the Triangle Top. With the paper oriented horizontally and the crease running left to right, fold the top two corners down to meet at the center crease. You'll have two triangles that form a larger triangle at the top, with a rectangular strip of paper hanging below. Press these folds firmly - loose folds will make a wobbly boat.
4. Fold Up the Bottom Strips. Take the bottom rectangular strip and fold it up over the triangular part. Flip the paper over and fold the other strip up the same way. These folded strips should cover the bottom edge of your triangles completely. Tuck any corners that stick out behind the triangles to keep everything neat and secure.
5. Form the Boat Shape. Hold the folded paper by the bottom point where the strips meet. Gently pull the two sides apart, opening up the inside of the triangle. The paper will naturally want to form a boat shape. Keep pulling until the bottom is completely open and the sides stand up straight. You should now have a little paper hat shape.
6. Create the Final Boat. Take the two bottom corners of your hat shape and pull them apart in opposite directions. The hat will collapse and reshape into a diamond. Flatten this diamond, then grab the two outer points and pull them apart again. Your boat will pop into its final shape - a sturdy little vessel with pointed ends and a flat bottom.
7. Make It Extra Sturdy. To help your boat last longer in water, rub a candle or crayon along the bottom seams where water might seep in. You can also apply clear tape to the bottom corners for extra reinforcement. For the longest-lasting boats, try coating the entire bottom with a thin layer of clear nail polish and let it dry completely before sailing.