The Story
Boston's Fourth of July fireworks display is second to none in the United States - almost certainly making it the best in the world. There's only one problem: if you want a good view, you have to get there early or sit behind medium to large sized groups of people. People that are probably taller than you.
Four years ago, we had an idea. What about boats? Hundreds of intrepid individuals take to the Charles River in their motorboats, canoes, and kayaks every year. Why couldn't we be one of them? Rental boats command a price of $100+ for just a couple people and require a $1000+ deposit - you also need to drive them around or return them late at night. Ugh!
What about inflatable rafts? They're cheap, durable, wacky, and cheap. You can't go wrong. Basically, it's the best idea ever.
This year it's a proven idea. With three years of history, we have it down to a science. And this year, we're going to be more organized about it so we can all spend less time worrying about rafts, safety equipment, the coast guard, and all that and more time being the laughingstock of weathier, better-equipped boaters.
The Packages
We have three Project Best Idea Ever packages this year for people with varying levels of equipment. All packages include transportation of your stuff to the dock, a mission briefing outlining the plan, dinner and drinks on the water, and an American flag.
Prices are per person, so when you get the Patriot, for example, you're really getting half of an inflatable raft. It's good if you have an idea of someone to team with -- once we get a final count, we'll set up a page were people can form teams.
If you want to buy, you can either pay with Paypal online or pay us in cash at Beef and Beer. The deadline for signups is Sunday, June 29th, at 6pm. We need to have a deadline so we can form teams and order supplies.
The Patriot $39.99 |
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Includes:
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The Sailor |
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Already own a raft from an earlier Project Best Idea Ever or from something else? The sailor is for you.
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The Hobbyist $9.99 |
Have a raft and all the safety stuff you want? Go for the hobbyist.
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Questions about anything? Email Anthony or Andrew.
FAQ
Q: Aren't you just selling something you did for free in the past?
No, not really. Our profit margins are around 5-8%, which covers the costs of Paypal and ensures we don't lose money if we have to, say, buy an extra 12 pack of hot dogs when only one more person needs some.
If you shop around, you'll find that it would likely cost more to buy everything included in the package on your own - we're going to order online and in bulk.
Q: Do I really need a life jacket? Can I pay less and not get one?
Well, yes and no. Last year, several boats got pulled by the Coast Guard for not having life vests. Massachusetts law actually states that rafts don't need to wear life vests, but ultimately it comes down to the individual Coast Guard officers, who have the right to pull anyone they think is being unsafe off the water.
So we're suggesting that everyone bring or buy a life jacket. I know I'll have one.
Q: I bought a raft last year and left it there. Can I have it back?
No. Lots of the left behind rafts were left behind at last year's house or in cars or something like that. Also, many more of them are missing oars.
Q: If I already have everthing, can I tag along?
Of course! We don't own the Charles. You can meet us down by the water, but the mission briefing, food and drink, and the afterparty are open to official Project Best Idea Ever signups only.