Hi Sibley          

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The younger bathers will like Hi Sibley’s Barrel-boat, a novel craft that is propelled by moving two levers back and forth. Truly amphibian, the boat may be rolled on land or water with equal ease.

Thirty-gallon oil drums in good condition serve as floats on water, wheels on land. In the exact center of each end of one drum is welded or riveted a 3-inch long axle with flange, for the front roller. On the rear roller longer axles are attached, with cranks at the outer ends set at a 90-degree angle to each other. Angle iron paddles are welded or riveted to the rear drum, and all leaks stopped up.

Axle bearings have brass bushings cut from tubing, to prevent wear and reduce friction. Make the framework light but strong, using only screws for fastening, and reinforcing with a strap iron X-brace at the bottom.

Paint all of your beach equipment in gay colors, first applying two or more coats of marine paint to all metal parts to prevent rusting.

Stay out of the deep water with all of these wheels. They’ll work just as well in water three to five feet deep, and there will then be little danger of an accident.

Originally published online:  http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2007/07/23/three-water-wheels-for-the-beach/