DIY Recycled Bottle Kayak

A recycled bottle kayak uses empty plastic bottles, grouped together in a chicken wire cage, to create a floating watercraft. Such kayaks can be controlled using a traditional kayak paddle. Creating a recycled bottle kayak is a challenging project requiring creativity and experimentation. Basic guidelines can get you started, and then creative problem solving is needed to tweak the final product for use on local waters, as current and water conditions may require additional stabilizing features such as an outrigger.

Things You'll Need

  • Roll of chicken wire
  • Wire cutters
  • 3 to 5 garbage bags worth of empty plastic bottles with caps on
  • Zip ties
  • 3 yards 1-inch nylon webbing
  • Campground seat
  • Lightweight kayak paddle
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure 7 feet of chicken wire, and cut it off the roll. Place heavy objects on the corners, to flatten out the curve in the wire.

    • 2

      Remove the flattening objects, and curl the chicken wire longways. Connect the short sides with zip ties, creating a hollow tube with cinched ends. Leave the top open.

    • 3

      Fill your chicken wire kayak with the empty plastic bottles. All bottles must have lids screwed on tightly, and not be crushed. Pack the two ends and sides very tight with bottles, and leave the center somewhat looser.

    • 4

      Secure the top of the kayak closed with zip ties. Tuck the loose wire ends into the boat, and twist them along the frame to make sure they don't scratch the operator.

    • 5

      Open your campground seat all the way so it lays flat, and place it longways in the center of your kayak. On dry land, sit on it to depress the bottles and create a suitable "dip" in the bottles for you to sit in.

    • 6

      Strap the camp seat to the kayak directly in front and behind where you will sit, using the nylon webbing and square knots.

    • 7

      Launch your kayak in shallow water. Both legs should hang off the side of the boat, giving you additional stability. Use your paddle to move the recycled bottle kayak in the water.