RULES Using at least one bicycle and no more than a $200 budget, build a human-powered boat under 150lbs that can go out, turn around and come back. The one that does so in the shortest amount of time wins. What is This? The pedal powered boat race was thought up over the 2002 Christmas holidays by the Carambat family who are based mostly out of Covington, Louisiana. The races are a huge success every year and the race gets alot of publicity from both newspapers and television. Click here for the 2003 Race Page Click here for the 2004 Race Page The race is open to the Carambat family and friends. We are also a popular unofficial event of the annual Northshore Seafood Festival and are sure to have a large crowd watching and laughing at us this year :) Where and When Does this Take Place? The 2005 competition will take place on July 4th, 2005 at 11AM. We will be racing in the same location as last year on Lake Ponchatrain, on the Northshore in Mandeville, Louisiana near the annual Northshore Seafood Festival. Can I Participate? Although there still isn't any prize for winning, you are welcome to compete! It's still mostly the Carambats racing again this year, but we'd love the extra competition. if you have questions or wish to promote this event in some way you can email us at: info@pedalboatrace.com Here are the current 2005 competitors: (CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. SORRY!) Click thumbnails to enlarge The Sea Chopper II (unofficial title) Built by Mike Carambat Sr., of Covington, LA. This mostly wooden pontoon boat uses two small, very light and highly streamlined pontoons. A now simple method of bending wood is used to make the pontoons. Propulsion is via a prop driven by a a twisted chain drive (winner coolest invention award 2004). Steering is via a rudder in the back. It's pretty darn quick and a boat to watch! The Long John II (unofficial title) Built by John Noel Carambat, of Covington, LA. It's a pontoon boat made entirely out of wood. The version uses TWO or FOUR custom made oars (not decided yet) which are directly attached to the pedals. Steering is via two small rudders mounted behind each pontoon. The AquaSquirt Built by Mike Carambat Jr., of Covington, LA. This tri-maran uses PVC pipes for pontoons. It is propulsed by two 4" thrusters located beneath the boat. The thrusters pump water out the back in large, fast volumes. Steering is done by having adjustable nozzles on the end of each thruster that allow for vectored thrust. Construction Photos The Hamster Wheel (unofficial title) Built by John Carambat, of Covington, LA. This rather unusual design is exactly what it appears, a big pedal powered hamster wheel. It's design combines floation with propulsion as it "rolls" through the water rather than being pushed. Plexiglass windows will allow the rider to see out. Steering is dubious at this point. Construction Photos [an error occurred while processing this directive]