The ferryboat was one of the ways folks got from island to island. Usually ferries make quick, short trips from one spot to another, picking up cars, people, or packages and transporting them across the water. In Venice, you’ll hear the ferry also referred to as the “water bus” or “water taxi”. Ferries that travel longer distances usually transport cars and trucks.
If you live in a waterside city or group of small islands, then the ferry is probably in your daily routine, because they are much cheaper than building complicated bridges or underwater tunnels.
Some ferries don’t have a “front” and “back”, but are double-ended and completely reversible, which allows them to shuttle back and forth across short distances without turning around. You’ll find these ferries in Australia, British Colombia, and Washington state.
There are many different types of ferries, including hovercraft, hydrofoils, and catamaran. Hydrofoils (shown in the image above) have special “wings” attached to the bottom of the boat that actually lift the boat out of the water when the speed increases. The special wing is designed to work in water and generate enough lift to move the massive boat out of the water so only a small part of the wing remains in the water to minimize friction (drag) force on the boat. With less friction, the boat can go even faster!
We’re going to make a simple ferry that works in the pool or bathtub. Don’t forget to add a remote control with extra-long wires!
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If you are using fresh water in a bathtub, your circuit should be fine. But you would not want to put this ferry in salt water, because salt water would short out the current from the battery.
i meant to say does the water harm my circuit? but thx for your answer aurora.
As long as you dry everything once you’re done, the wire should be fine.
Does the water harm the bare metal of the clip lead?
You’ll want to use the battery connections as shown in the video. A 9V will not have enough amperage to sustain the motor while it’s working through a heavy load (like water). Try using the AA batteries as shown.
My motor does not work we clipped it on to the terminals and 9 volt battery that is working bit it would not work
You won’t get shocked – the amperage in the batteries is so low that it is ok to put the motors in. Do keep the batteries out of the water.
how can I put the ferry in water without getting shocked?
Yes of course!
oohh..we could use styrofoam.
What else do you have that would work with water? Wood, foam, cardboard that you’ve waterproofed, etc?
what can you substitute for the popsicle sticks
Thanks so much for your kind words, Amber! Please just let us know if we can help with questions.
Happy experimenting!
Thanks for sharing this, Mike! She did a great job on the ferry.
Thank you! I was able to login without problem. My older three kids (11, 9, and 7 yrs) and I watched your free class today and loved it! My 9 year old son is especially excited to try all the experiments that include a motor. I was thrilled to learn about the curriculum conversion chart. We have used Apologia for several years and intend to continue in the program. Thank you for making it easy for me to combine the two! I really appreciate having projects my kiddos can do “on their own” while I care for the toddler and baby.
Keep up the good work! And thank you for making real science accessible, understandable, and FUN!
A mama with one less thing on her plate,
Amber
My daughter enjoyed your (class) today and wanted me to send you a photo of her two bottle fast ferry.
Thanks for your work!
No – the motor will still work underwater. You will need to dry it off well when you’re done so it doesn’t rust. (Use a hair dryer.) If you’d like to make it waterproof, then look at the instructions for the thrusters for the ROV project.
If you put the motor on the bottom, and it’s submerged in the water, won’t that cause problems?
The short answer? All of the ones that interest you most: rockets, robotics, electricity, electronics, chemistry, radios, satellites, lasers, aeronautics… whatever you love most to learn about, that’s what you do and don’t stop. 🙂
I’d rip one off an old handheld fan or old toy… that’s the best place, and you also get a motor!
Sure – why not? And send me a picture! 🙂
how do i find a propeller or a battery box
what classes would I have to take if I wanted to get a degree in mechanical engineering in college
Can you put it in the swimming pool?
Great question! You can read about that here. (I get asked that a lot, so I wrote it down!)
what gave you the inspiration to start making project videos,teach kids and stuff
Well, you have a couple of options… see the email I sent to you privately… 🙂
We are finding it difficult to locate propellers in our area. Our hobby store only sells large ones for model planes. Can you suggest an online reatailer that sells the kind you use in the video?
Thanks!
Funny you should ask – I was actually trying to get one to work this afternoon – the only way I seem to be able to do it is if I use a BIG power supply. The problem seems to be getting the ferry fast enough to lift up out of the water. It works, but my version uses a car battery right now. I guess the short answer is: I am still working on a safer version of it for you. More soon!
I want to make a hydrofoil ferry – do you have plans for that?