There's a whole fleet hiding in a single square of paper, and the motor boat is one of the most satisfying to set loose. With its perky raised bow and pointed stern, this little speedboat looks ready to skim across a pond or a bathtub at full throttle. This photo tutorial takes you through all twelve steps, from the first half-folds to the final tucks that lift the hull and sharpen the prow. It's a quick, beginner-friendly fold that kids especially love — fold a whole squadron and stage your own regatta. Whether you're crafting a paper harbor, decorating a nautical card, or just killing a rainy afternoon, this is a fold that always floats (at least for a little while). Grab a bright square and let's launch one.

STEP 1

Fold it in half and make a crease.

STEP 2

Fold it up at the position shown in the photo.

STEP 3

Turn it over.

STEP 4

Fold it in half.

STEP 5

Pull out the lower triangle and fold it.

STEP 6

Fold down the top corner.

STEP 7

Fold it up.

STEP 8

Fold it down further.

STEP 9

Spread it out.

STEP 10

Open it and fold it inward at the bottom crease.

STEP 11

Open it and fold it up along the second crease.

STEP 12

Open it and fold it in at the top crease.

Completion!

The motor boat is complete.