When I was a kid I remember making toy boats with my father . . . rather he made
them and I 'helped'.  This is a copy of one of them . . . simple and easy to make.
In the edge of the surf where it was more calm was a good place to play and believe
me, I played.  In fact one could see the sand and shells directly in the shallow water
and that's what I recall . . . the shadows and reflections of anything floating.    Ray