[Kartbuilding] Help Please

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Josh,

Depending on whether you built a go-kart before, perhaps it might be an 
option to build the wooden go-kart with a lawnmower engine. See: 
http://kartbuilding.net/Lawnmower_Powered_Wooden_Go-Kart_Plans/
The full set of parts, materials and everything required is listed on that 
above website.

The wooden kart is very crude and it doesn't look very well. However it is 
light, and is easy to put together. You will have to ask the team and see 
what they say. It sounds like its a big project that ye have to undertake, 
making the kart into an amphibious vehicle. I think you are on the right 
approach in making a boat/ float and just sitting the kart on top. Perhaps 
attach larger wheels or blades to the kart wheels to power it on water. 
There is certainly a lot in it and as a result I don't think ye will have 
much time to focus on asthetics and looks.

Apart from the above wooden kart and lawnmower engine, you could go with 
the racing kart at http://kartbuilding.net/racingkart/index.html or the 
off-road kart at: http://kartbuilding.net/Freeplans/plans.htm

I'd go with the wooden go-kart myself.

If you have any specific questions, just ask.

Best of luck,
-steve


On Mon, 29 Mar 2010, Josh Camerlo wrote:

> Good Morning Mr. Burke,
>
> My name is Josh Camerlo. I am a student at Legacy High School and I am in
> this advanced program called Legacy 2000. For the fourth quarter of our
> school year my group and I have to research and design a project. We are
> trying to build a go-kart, and we don't know what exactly is accomplish
> able. We were wondering if we could get your thoughts on it.
>
> We have eight weeks to construct a go-kart. We have a little bit of money to
> buy materials, a lawn mower engine and various household objects. We have
> little constructing experience, but I do know a couple people who know
> vehicles very well that could help us. We are looking for a design that
> would allow us to be lightweight, steer left and right, brake and
> accelerate. What do recommend us doing?
>
> The hard part of this program is the next step. We will need to modify and
> engineer the kart to be able to go on water. Be amphibious. We have planned
> out to build a boat that can fit the kart inside with the wheels of the kart
> extending through the upper side of the boat. This is why we need the kart
> to be lightweight. What design do you think would be most appropriate for
> us?
>
> Thank You,
> Josh Camerlo
>