Creating the Santa Float

Creating the Santa Float is not a job to be taken lightly. There are several key factors that need to be taken into account:

1. The float needs to be robust and safe
2. It should be able to be packed flat after use
3. The trailer must not be damaged by the float
4. The float must last several years with minimum maintenance

With all of that in mind a full sized template was located and purchased, printed out on A4 and all of the pieces of A4 were then trimmed and taped together. As I write this section, we have just finished transferring the template to 2 pieces to 12mm ply wood that was 8ft by 4ft and then the long process of cutting the intricate design out started.

Creating the Santa Float

This is where we stand today 13 November 2025.

The trailer has had wooden batons secured to the side with metal brackets that use the weight of the wood itself to secure everything to the trailer. This ensures that it can be removed after use with no damage at all to the trailer. A clever design created by Mark Davies, that includes hinged corners meaning that the whole mounting system can be stored flat after the sleigh sides are removed from the batons.

Obviously, our next step is to paint the sleigh on both sides of both panels. We are using weatherproof wood paint with a 10 year warranty, this of course helps minimise maintenance.

After that we have some fine finishing touches that have to be completed. So, next step sanding and painting.

Watch this page for more updates.

 

17th December Update:

So, Mark Davies got started early and painted the sleigh Red, then Steve and Mark got to work on the runners and Steve cut our 2 x S and 2 x C so that the float could carry Santa’s initials.

Now, the gold is gold is gold for the runners, but the SC for Santa Clause needs so extra bling so watch this space as Steve cover’s his desk and office space in bits of Gold Leaf and attempts to get more on the letters than the rest of his office…… So far, he is losing!!!