Boat?

Hi all, well I've just signed up. I'm looking at getting into model boat buidling. Used to build tanks in my younger days and having found model boats on internet by accident whilst googling thought I might give it a try. Anyone recommend a good starter boat?

Cheers Richard

Sailing boat, submarine, merchantman, military, tug, fishing boat, lifeboat etc etc

What interests you?

How large a model?

Richard. Welcome to the forum.

How about starting with something really easy, and to boot you can put one of your tanks in it!!

It can be scaled up from 1/32 to fit anything really.

Ashley

Hi Richard,

There are plenty of wooden boat kits on the SLEC range, which you can build the whole boat, or many quite expensive kits where the hull is moulded and you build the top with fittings etc or you can buy a plan from the Sarik range, the world's you oyster 😉👍⛵

Regards Ray

Richard, you really do need to give us some idea of what sort of boat you are looking for, size, type etc. as mentioned above. We are not mind readers!

Colin

Ever since it appeared a long time ago, the 1:72 Revell Snowberry corvette has been a good starter, especially for those with some previous modelling skill. Mostly just a bunch of new words to learn.

Fairly easy conversion to radio, big enough to get both hands in, small enough to carry to the pond, enough performance to look good, low enough performance to be forgiving.

Malcolm makes a very good point, if a warship appeals, it's difficult to beat. My son bought me this kit some years ago, and although I've been scratch building all my life, I really enjoyed building it. It's also huge fun to sail, one of my favourites.

Plus, you can add extras, smoke, swiveling guns, sound, etc. Plus, there are upgrade kits available to improve the model later on. Plus, a cheap 385 motor and simple nimh or gel cell battery will make it go. Plus, there are lots of online videos on converting the kit to radio control.

It's worth considering.

Chas

Hello Richard,

Some very good, practical advice from the others.

I think there are quite a few considerations as well - building space, tools (including machine tools), timescale, budget (?), not to mention distance from sailing water (assuming a working model).

Probably, at the top of my list would be 'inspiration'. This will help carry you through the difficult bits to arrive at a finished model. Have a look at plastic kits (huge variety these days) and Youtube videos. Also, visit the different manufacturers' websites eg Model Shipyard, SLEC etc, and, look at the 'Albums' on this forum to give you an idea of what can be achieved.

Tons of help here once you're a little further down the road...

Dave C

Richard

Have a look at the Eezebilt boat website. The are a number of simple plans to download and print on a home printer or you could scale one up to make a bigger boat. You can add extra detail if you wish. They are based on the balsa kits we used to build in the 60's.

Tim

Picture of an enlarged PT Boat I built.

Edited By Tim Cooper on 17/08/2020 19:58:24

Edited By Tim Cooper on 17/08/2020 19:59:21

Its more the wooden kit built boats that you build I am looking at. Nothing too big to start of with. Something with not too many sails. That's whats scaring me the most I think.