If you have an old v-bottom or flat bottom boat from 10 to 14 feet in length, but that is no longer safe to be used in the water or has too many patches, think about making it into a sandbox for your children. It is the perfect size and will be happily used by any child for many years. The amount of money needed will depend on how many accessories you might want to add. (If you do not have children, this is also a novel way to make a flower or vegetable garden).
First, remove all the hardware from the boat that you do not want to use or keep. Remove all the wiring and cables if they exist. You may want to leave the steering wheel and the windshield to keep the sandbox looking exactly like a real boat. Save one or two of the seats with the anchor plate on the bottom. Fill in any holes that may be left if you remove lights, cleats, or other hardware.
Second, carefully cut the boat in half-lengthwise, removing the bottom section and leaving approximately one to two feet from the top edge of the boat. This will keep the edge of the boat above ground level and keep water from running inside. Then, carefully sand the boat down removing any sharp edges, corners, or areas that may hurt a child. Primer and paint it in a glossy waterproof child safe paint. Each section may be painted in a different primary color or, if you are especially artistic, paint on designs of your choice. Decals can also be added. Just remember that any design needs to be added above the level of the boat that will be below ground level.
Next, lay the boat on the ground, topside up and mark a line around the exterior of the boat to make an outline of the shape. Remove the boat and then cut out a four-inch deep channel following your line. Replace the boat into the channel and fill around the edges of the boat on the outside.
The next step will be to set up the boat seat you saved. This can be done by cementing the bottom of the seat to the ground. You can install a pipe that the seat post will slide into to stabilize it. You can also bolt the seat to a wide board since the board will eventually be covered with sand and will not move or tilt over. It is also a good idea to drill a few holes in the seat so that water will not fill the seat when it rains.
You can also cut out the front section just in front of the windshield area. If you have cut out the front of the boat, fill this section with good planting soil. You can plant several types of short flowers, such as phlox, in this section to attract butterflies and moths. If you have a concern about bees, using one of the variegated, ornamental or sedge grasses may be used instead – or nothing at all. You may want to install a flagpole in the middle, but you can use any type of pole or post and fly a garden flag. There are several nautical designs or find one of your favorite dog or cat.
Alternatively, you can also add a toy box to the front of the boat to store all the toys. Make a wooden box inside the hole (or frame a large plastic tote). Cut out a lid larger than the opening and hinge it to the boat. You may have to use some wood stripping if the boat is made out of fiberglass to keep any screws or bolts from pulling through.
Fill the inside of the boat with playground quality sand up to the level of the transom on the back of the boat. The sand should be at least a foot deep. The transom makes an excellent step for children to enter the boat sandbox. You can also attach a flag to each side of the transom or near the windshield.
You may also want to surround the outside of the boat with rubber mulch, sand, pea gravel or other safe play material for the children to walk on. The benefit of using rubber mulch is that it is soft and can also be purchased in different colors, including blue. Four to six feet around the boat will help keep the area safe and it can be washed with a water hose. The depth of the mulching should be at least four inches and may be contained by decorative border edging for simple rubber edging. The children will feel (or at least pretend) as though they are actually on water. Add plenty of safe outdoor sand toys, buckets, and shovels.
To cover the boat to protect it from rain or animals, you can either use a tarp or build a cover yourself.
Every child loves a sandbox and there are many different types and styles offered in stores today. However, with a little ingenuity, imagination, and an old boat, you can make something special for the children or grandchildren in your life.
