I'm On A Boat! ...A plastic bottle boat?

Kirk Gillock

Kirk Gillock

Rebel with a cause
DVXuser has been a long-time supporter of Isara Foundation and many members have even become monthly sponsors. So I thought I'd share with you our latest project.

Next month we will begin our "Think Before You Throw" campaign in southeast Asia. It will focus on educating people along the Mekong River about the dangers of polluting their environment (a huge problem over here). To make the campaign more interesting we decided to build a boat using more than 5,000 1.5 liter bottles, hundreds of plastic bags, solar energy, and recycled vegetable oil for fuel.

The 5,000 plastic bottles were donated by Isara students, parents, and local businesses.

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The frame was built by local carpenters and then put together by our volunteers.

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The boat was launched (tested) on Dec. 7th with only 2,000 bottles in the hull.

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We're now working on the boat's cabin, electronics, engine, and steering.

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And this wouldn't be a proper DVXuser topic without a video. So here's one we put together using some time-lapse photography. :)



Thank you to DVXuser and all our sponsors. This wouldn't be possible without you. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! and Happy New Year!!!
 
Looks like a great campaign Kirk, just what one would expect from the foundation

and now my nerdy video comment; I like the smooth time-lapses in the video :thumbsup:
 
On the open ocean wind power would be the best way to go but going against the current, on a river that is sometimes only as wide as a football field, it's best to use an engine. We wanted to use an electric motor but couldn't find (or afford) one in this area. Using recycle cooking oil is a nice alternative. Plus, we'll be giving off a nice aroma of french fries as we go.
 
Great idea. I hope it makes a difference. Here in Israel, littering and other pollution-causing behavior are also very big problems. It's easy to simply get angry at the culprits but that won't change anything. Inspiring people—particularly children—as this project will, is the way to go.
 
Pirates of the Mekong!

That's awesome, Mr. PK! Congrats on the boat and good luck with your campaign. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks a lot, Jordan, Simon, and Terry. :-)


People will be able to follow the boat's progress on our website as it goes up/down the Mekong.
 
hey there PK how you be? you doing good like always keep up the good work my righteous brudda!...........hopefully nobody lights up a cig and throws out the match............................. plastic bottles melt?
 
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But where oh where is the pic of you of the boat?

How can i create a masterpiece without PK on a boat....:happy:


Well done btw.:thumbsup:
 
Thats amazing Kirk - I remember looking at the boat plans on Isara months ago. When does the epic voyage commence?
 
Because of some engine and steering issues, we took a break from the boat for a few months to focus on other projects. But now we're back in full swing and looking to set sail later this month.

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This week we'll install an engine that was donated to the project. Once it's installed we'll be taking her for another test drive.
 
Some pics from Saturday's launch ceremony. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate so we couldn't launch the boat as we had planned.

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Thank you to our Isara sponsors and volunteers for making all of this possible!
 
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