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Anyone built and/or performed a bunder (coconut) boat? Anyone seen one in action? How long will the coconut last before going bad? Will the timing stay pretty much the same from use to use with the same coconut? Does the flow of the stream act like an on/off switch or does it trickle when first starting and then finishing?

the magic of Louis Histead, and Sharps conjurers hydraulic and pnumatic secrets will answer all your questions on this interesting effect. I believe that Craig Browning has also had dealings with it.

Thank you for the leads. Those are two resources that I don't have on my shelves. I'll check LPP, the local magic club and then go from there.

Based on the sketches that I do have on hand and my concerns about the shelf life of the coconut as well as the consistency of timing from coconut to coconut, I'm pretty sure I'll be substituting it for a similar shaped object that is more permanent. Along the lines of plastic or ceramic.

IMO, this is an overlooked principle that can either be presented in its traditional manner or completely revamped to fit everything from yuk-yuk chilldren's magic to deep mentalism. The method is totally reliant on physics so the boat, coconut, etc. used can be substituted for items that would better fit the performer. It's pretty much self-working, allowing the magician or mentalist nearly 100% focus on the patter and audience.

I'm really, really excited about this. I hope it pans out.

coconut shell, lasts a very long time.