Build a steam powered toy boat (FAKE?)

Build a steam powered toy boat (FAKE?)

F for FAKE. This video has been labeled a "Faux-To". Commonly contested as bogus science, we believe this video to be a hoax. What's your opinion? Comment below.

Using a dowel, candle, plastic toy boat and copper wire you can create a steam powered boat that runs off of water.

Hosted by metacafe.com
Creator's Site: www.metacafe.com
Curated By: bird crick

Comments

+1
robbace (9) 1 year ago
great stuff...im going to try this out with a cord of wood, 2" copper pipe, and my 12' aluminum fishing boat.
+1
Amie (11) 1 year ago
dont bother
i already perfected it

also works with my hovercraft
+1
HTCS 9 months ago
The copper tupe kinks when I try to bend it. How can I keep this from happening? What kind of copper tube are you using?
+1
DrLithium 7 months ago
I agree with this being a "Faux-to"

This works... for about ten seconds. Because fluid pressure applies equally to all directions it would be impossible to suck in water using that boiling coil placed above the fluid level. Sucking implies negative pressure which can't happen in that setup. The initial propulsion results from boiling the water already in the coil. Once it boils out, the device is useless. It will not give continuous motion without some extensive modifications. I would classify this as fakery. The information presented strongly implies continous propulsion, which cannot occur. Therefore it's at the very least misleading.

It may work if the boiling coil were placed below the fluid level. But that type of setup requires a great deal more explanation then what is presented in the video.

Perhaps if it was presented as being a transient propulsion method that only worked for several seconds i would grade it higher. Instead, it makes false claims..
+1
Spoonybay 7 months ago
We used to play with these boats when I was a kid in the 40's. We used to get them at the " five and dime" store. I don't recall having any problems with them, in fact I still think about them today and what a simple setup it was. I've thought about how my grandsons would enjoy them. But in todays world you wouldn't give a kid something to play with that required matches and flames. We didn't have plastic back then, but a little tin boat and it putted around the local pond quite well..
+1
kalle16 (-1) 5 months ago
works fine, i had one when i was younger, thx
+1
worddog 5 months ago
Heres my theory but i'm just a youngn'. Looking at the coil it spirals up. heat rises. so when its heated wouldnt that push it out the higher tube and suck more water through the lower? just a guess at how it works but i know nothing. cool tho haha :)
-1
knutfreddy (4) last month
Here's how it works:
The coil is heated and forces out water. this makes a vacuum that sucks in more water thatb is heated, forced out, vacuum, suck in water etc...
+1
knutfreddy (4) last month
This isn't fake! I have a steam boat like that!
Add your comment:

Money + Face = Art

Remember sleeveface? There's a new craze to hit the web, and though maybe not quite as fun, it's worth noting. Moneyface. Take a bill, any bill, strategically place in front of your face, point, and ...

Man Aims to Set World Record With 100MPH Lawnmower

I thought lawnmower racing was purely a redneck sport, but apparently not. With the world record speed currently at 80 mph, the UK's Project Runningblade aims to squash it at 100 mph. "Project ...

1000+ Ways to Open a Beer Bottle

Here it is, the first 15 methods courtesy of WonderHowTo, plus 1001 and counting from Stefan Lampert's blog solely dedicated to the subject. Stefan's blog is in German, so English speakers should ...

Holiday Cookies: Lab Mice, Chocolate Atoms & Gingerbread Scientists

In spirit of the recently posted brightly frosted cupcake periodic table, here are some equally clever, beautiful science-themed holiday cookies from Not So Humble.  The creative cooking blog ...

Deliverance Style Old Dude Creates Fully Automatic Crossbow

I have to say, this thing is pretty awesome. I find the smooth movement of the apparatus mesmerizing. However, I also have to say, the inventor totally gives me the creeps (no offense, old man). Known ...

loading...