model boat project, need help

[sorandom04]

Okay, i have this project I need to do. The requirements are:
1. the boat must fit in a 18 inch cube
2. the boat must be able to sail across an entire pool
3. the boat must be able to support 5 pounds
4. its a race with other boats
5. cannot exceed 50 dollars in the price

Can anyone please provide me with some kinda suggestion as to whether i should use a battery powered motor or how i should go about starting this?

I know this is a forum for real boats, but I thought I'd throw this question out to you guys to see what kinda feedback I can get.

Thanks for the time guys

[Tim B]

I would suggest a catamaran, 18" long, 18" wide, each hull perhaps 3" beam.

Assuming that the boat is controlled, two decent sized electric motors (one per hull) and two model-boat rudders (one per hull).

If you can vacuum-form the hulls I suggest you do that with a bridge between the hulls. (all electronics except the motors can go in this bridge) remember to put a beam in to make it strong enough though!.

(Oops, I think that may come to more than $50 with the controls)

Good Luck,

Tim B.