Greetings C-Brat Brothers and Sisters,
As the holiday season gets closer, we are presented with a perplexing situation and looking for a creative solution. Our annual Lighted Boat Parade is only three weeks away. Two years ago, we won our category with our catboat, decorated with a candy-cane theme (with the mast being the red & white centerpiece). Last year we were thoroughly trounced when Wild Blue was put in the same category as the gazillion dollar big boats.
This year, Joan has come up with a great idea... but I am at a bit of a loss for how to execute it. The most prominent structure in our small town is the lighthouse (built in 1852, and an important part of the history of this area). Joan would like to incorporate a lighthouse into our boat decorating.
Now, my concerns...
* How to build it? It should be large enough to see that it IS a lighthouse, but light enough that it isn't a burden to the boat. Since we have limited storage area, it would likely be a one-time decoration, so I'm not looking to spend a lot of $$. It needs to be sturdy enough to make it through winds that will likely be 15+ knots (conditions for the last few parades). It would need to be something that I could easily build (and keep in mind that for most of my adult life, my best tools have been a camera and a credit card).
Of course, we will be decorating the boat with lights, too.
So, C-Brat Brain Trust... any ideas? :idea Thanks in advance for what I am sure will make some interesting reading.
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
PS - on edit, here's the judging criteria...
Vessels will be judged based upon the following criteria:
1. First impression~ 2. Theme~ 3. Special Effects~ 4. Amount of Lights~ 5. Animated Characters
As the holiday season gets closer, we are presented with a perplexing situation and looking for a creative solution. Our annual Lighted Boat Parade is only three weeks away. Two years ago, we won our category with our catboat, decorated with a candy-cane theme (with the mast being the red & white centerpiece). Last year we were thoroughly trounced when Wild Blue was put in the same category as the gazillion dollar big boats.
This year, Joan has come up with a great idea... but I am at a bit of a loss for how to execute it. The most prominent structure in our small town is the lighthouse (built in 1852, and an important part of the history of this area). Joan would like to incorporate a lighthouse into our boat decorating.
Now, my concerns...
* How to build it? It should be large enough to see that it IS a lighthouse, but light enough that it isn't a burden to the boat. Since we have limited storage area, it would likely be a one-time decoration, so I'm not looking to spend a lot of $$. It needs to be sturdy enough to make it through winds that will likely be 15+ knots (conditions for the last few parades). It would need to be something that I could easily build (and keep in mind that for most of my adult life, my best tools have been a camera and a credit card).
Of course, we will be decorating the boat with lights, too.
So, C-Brat Brain Trust... any ideas? :idea Thanks in advance for what I am sure will make some interesting reading.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
PS - on edit, here's the judging criteria...
Vessels will be judged based upon the following criteria:
1. First impression~ 2. Theme~ 3. Special Effects~ 4. Amount of Lights~ 5. Animated Characters