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.
Five 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 four 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 in person. The deadline for signups is Sunday, June 28th, at 8pm. We need to have a deadline so we can form teams and order supplies.
The Plan
We'll rally near Davis Square (because we live around there) at 4pm, give a quick mission briefing and issue equipment, then hop on the T and regroup at the insertion point on the river. We'll put in, paddle a short way down the river, serve up some eats, and enjoy the best view of the best fireworks! Final details on times and locations will be emailed out on Tuesday, June 30th to participants.
The Patriot $44.99 |
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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 $14.99 |
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: I bought a raft last year and left it there, or my friend took it, or something. Can I have it back?
Sadly, no. Many rafts that were left behind were damaged somehow, lost, or left in various places. Furthermore, many more of them are missing oars.
Q: Do I get to keep the equipment?
Absolutely! You get to keep everything you buy, including the raft, American flag(s), life vest (with Project Best Idea Ever branding!) and the lighting.
Q: Aren't you making tons of money off this?
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.
Also, the more uniform everybody's equipment is, the easier and smoother things go.
Q: Do I really need a life jacket? Can I pay less and not get one?
Well, yes and no. Two years ago, 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.
Last year when most people bought life vests we had no issues, and we're looking forward to another incident-free year.
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.