Forum sponsored by:
Grand Banks Cruiser build
| Peter Fitness | 04/05/2009 00:30:59 |
 510 forum posts 215 photos | In October of 2008, I started construction of a Grand Banks Cruiser, to a free plan by James Pottinger in MMI magazine. I had the plan enlarged slightly to give a hull length of around 80 cm. Jim was kind enough to send me copies of some of his photos of full size vessels for reference.
Construction is plank on frame, most of the hull planks being cut from 1.5 mm ply, while the deck planks are cut from pine. The frames are from 6 mm ply, and most of the superstructure is made from 1.5 mm ply.
The main cabin is fitted out with appropriate furniture, and the cabin windows are big enough for the detail to be seen, even though the cabin roof is a permanent fixture. I am currently in the process of completing the fly bridge.
The boat's tender is a scratch built RIB, using pine dowel, with an outboard motor made from scrap wood and brass bits. I have made a decal of the Mercury outboard name which will be put on soon. I have named the boat "Lady Catherine" after our daughter, and that decal was printed on our computer on to water slide decal paper from Crafty Computer paper.
Construction has been somewhat stop and go, being interrupted by several trips away (retirement is marvellous), but is proceeding well at the moment, as we are home for several months before our next caravan trip.
       The rest of the photos may be viewed in my photo albums, under Grand Banks Cruiser build.
Peter.
|
| Bob Abell | 04/05/2009 08:05:02 |
 9337 forum posts 2985 photos | You`ve made a nice job of it, Peter
Bob
|
| Barry Foote | 04/05/2009 08:25:00 |
 161 forum posts 93 photos | Beautiful as usual Peter.. |
| David Meier | 04/05/2009 09:28:09 |
 205 forum posts 81 photos | Hi Peter. The boat looks great, you have done a lovely job on the planking. Why did you choose ply for the hull planks and not pine as for the deck? I couldn't help noticing your little helper in one of the pictures. Looks very much like our Rosie.
 Cheers.
David. |
| Peter Fitness | 04/05/2009 23:53:32 |
510 forum posts 215 photos |
David, the main reason I used ply, and not pine, for the hull planking, was convenience, or just plain laziness. It was easier to cut strips of ply than pine, plus I had some planking left over from my Nordkap kit, and the ply matched the thickness of that perfectly. Because the hull is sealed and painted, the difference is not noticeable.
Well spotted, my "helper" is also a Corgi, called Cassie, who usually lies under my feet while I'm in my shed.
Peter. |
| Peter Fitness | 15/05/2009 02:59:37 |
510 forum posts 215 photos | I am nearing the end of this build, with just a few finishing touches to add before the maiden voyage, which should take place next week, weather permitting.
David, here is a shot of our Corgi
Peter.
   Edited By Peter Fitness on 15/05/2009 03:08:14 |
| David Meier | 16/05/2009 08:01:41 |
205 forum posts 81 photos | The boat looks really smart Peter. It is beautifully finished. What do you use for glazing the windows? They look nice and clear and there is no encroaching glue showing. How do you mount them?
Cassey looks pleased with life, I suspect she is one lucky dog and knows it.
Our corgi likes to come for a ride on the boat rescue canoe at the pond, when ever she gets the chance.
David. |
| Peter Fitness | 16/05/2009 13:52:54 |
510 forum posts 215 photos | David, the glazing is clear 1.5 mm styrene sheet, which comes with a protective plastic layer on both sides to prevent damage. I bought it at a model shop in Lismore some time ago. The glue is aeromodeller's canopy glue, which seems a type of PVA, and it dries very clear. Any excess can be wiped off with a damp rag, much the same as woodworker's PVA.
Cassie loves nothing better than going body surfing, yet is not keen on still water. She happily hurls herself into broken waves at the edge of the surf, and has realised, if she gets carried out a short way, she can catch a wave back in to shore.
Peter. Edited By Peter Fitness on 16/05/2009 13:53:48 |
| Paul T | 16/05/2009 14:46:53 |
 7340 forum posts 1229 photos 2 articles | First class model Peter.
When will you be sailing her?
Paul
|
| Peter Fitness | 16/05/2009 23:45:29 |
510 forum posts 215 photos | Thanks, Paul. I should finish it today so, provided the weather holds, and the forecast is not promising, she should be having her maiden voyage this week. Her first club outing should be next weekend, when our club is hosting a visiting club from Brisbane.
I will post some photos at the first opportunity.
Peter. |
Please login to post a reply.
Magazine Locator
Want the latest issue of Model Boats? Use our magazine locator link to find your nearest stockist!
Sign up to our Newsletter or Special Offers
Support Our Partners
Competitions
Shopping Partners
Article Database
Member Contributions
Join a Club!
Distributors of Model Boats for our overseas readers
Frequently Asked Questions
MPBA Information Leaflets
Highlights
Make sure you never miss out on the latest news, product reviews and competitions with our free RSS feed
Make your own contribution to the Website
We welcome well written contributions from Website members on almost any aspect of Model Boating with a particular emphasis on practical hints, tips, experience and builds.
In order to maintain a consistent standard and format, all suggestions should first be sent to me by Personal Message for approval in principle. Only a very limited amount of time is available for editing contributions into a suitable format for placing on the website so it is important that the material is well presented, lucid and free from obvious spelling errors. I think it goes without saying that contributions should be illustrated by appropriate photos. I shall be happy to give advice on this.
The Member Contribution area offers space for short informative mini articles which would not normally find a place in Model Boats magazine. It is an opportunity for Website Members to freely share their expertise and experience but I am afraid that virtue is its own reward as there is no budget to offer more material recompense!
I look forward to receiving your suggestions.
Colin Bishop - Website Editor
Register
Log-in
Model Boats Magazine
- Dynamic Diving Sub Free Plan
- 2022 Fast Electric Nationals
- Solar Power Ideas
Digital Editions
- Access your digital editions
Subscribe Now
- Every issue delivered right to your door
Renew Now
- Save & never miss an issue!
All Forum Topics > Scratch build > Grand Banks Cruiser build