We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Do Pumpkins Make Good Boats?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 759
Share

If Disney's Cinderella is to be believed, pumpkins make excellent carriages – as long as you have a Fairy Godmother (and don't stay out past midnight).

It turns out that pumpkins can also be used for transportation in real life – though not as carriages, but as boats. Last month, on the morning of August 27, a Nebraska man named Duane Hansen set off from the Bellevue Marina, sailing down the Missouri River in a hollowed-out 846-pound (384-kg) pumpkin.

Hansen – who made the trip on the day after his 60th birthday – had to remain vigilant at all times to keep the pumpkin upright and avoid getting swamped. He navigated around rocks, shallow sand bars, the wakes of other boats, and other obstacles. With family members and city officials following along to document the journey and provide assistance if needed, Hansen paddled for around 38 miles (61 km). Nearly 12 hours after setting off, he disembarked in Nebraska City.

Bobbing around in the SS Berta:

  • Hansen is confident that his journey will earn him a coveted spot in Guinness World Records for "longest journey by pumpkin boat," though his application is still being processed.

  • If successful, he'll be ousting the former record holder, Rick Swenson, who sailed 25.5 miles (41.04 km) down the Red River in 2016.

  • Hansen's "boat," dubbed the S.S. Berta, has a circumference of 146 inches (370.8 cm). He spent over a decade (and thousands of dollars) trying to grow the perfect pumpkin to break the record. .

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.
Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/do-pumpkins-make-good-boats.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.