Beginner’s kit – simple, not too dear

[Henry LawParticipant @henrylaw52736]

[Henry LawParticipant @henrylaw52736]

My son-in-law, a practical young man, good with his hands and knowledgeable on electronics and such, wants to build a RC model boat with his two sons (my grandsons). He's enthused by the stories he's heard of how my father and I built RC models together (planes as it happens, but no matter), and how I personally have never forgotten those experiences.

I've been trying to find a kit which he can build, with a bit of involvement from the two youngsters (aged 8 and 5) so they can feel some ownership as it were. But all I can find is hugely detailed kits for semi-scale tugboats and trawlers and such, at UKP250 and up not including radio. I can't afford that, he doesn't have the time, and the youngsters aren't really old enough, I think.

Frankly a "runabout" boat with flat decking and a cockpit of some kind, with lots of room underneath for some simple running gear and the radio kit, would do. If they all take to it then they can start building 1:10 scale models of HMS Hood later. But we don't want one of those plastic ready-to-use speedboats which spend more time in the air than the water …

A thread on this forum from January suggested a TID tug from Mobile Marine Models, but if you get all five packs it's UKP260 … and radio on top. I also found references to Model Slipway but their web site is defunct.

Any suggestions? Am I looking for something that doesn't exist?

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Welcome Henry,

Have a look at the SLEC kits.

**LINK**

The Fire Boat is generally well thought of and should fit into the category you are looking for.

For something a bit cheaper you could try the Sea Scout or Sea Nymph which ar updated versions of the traditional Aerokits range.

For an open runabout launch you could also look at the Sea Breeze. Our former Editor Graham Ashby did a build blog on it which you can see here:

**LINK**

Although there is a lot of general chat on the blog you can see from Graham's photos how the boat goes together. The other boats are constructed in a similar fashion.

If your son in law registers on here he can see it for himself. Our members will be very happy to help youngsters get into this fascinating hobby.

Colin

[Chris EParticipant @chrise]

These two?

Hughes

Amera

When comparing costs remember to include delivery. If you order small cheap items the delivery can be as much as the item ordered and if you order bits one at a time there can be a lot of delivery charges to pay.

 

Edited By Chris E on 14/03/2021 10:50:22

[Chris EParticipant @chrise]

Forgot these. Nice kits which come complete with items such as rudders which are extras with other kits. Made with German efficiency.

Aeronaut

[Henry LawParticipant @henrylaw52736]

Excellent; thank you all for immediate, knowledgeable (and sympathetic) replies. I'm on the links right now and will surely find what I want from one of them, but wanted to post straight away to acknowledge the help.

Now don't tell the young lads, will you?

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Henry

Have a look at the Eezebilt.tk website. There are plans there for the small KK boats some of us used to build in the 60's. The plans are designed to be printed off on a home PC, and are based around standard balsa sheets. Instructions and build logs also there. Boats are small and easy to put together, and can be quite cheap, if using a basic radio set.

Tim

[Trevor Drabble 1Participant @trevordrabble1]

Henry , My suggestion would be either the Sprinter Tug Boat or a pair of the Tug Mini boats from shg-models , who now trade only on ebay . The kits are easy to build , comprehensive, easily customised and hence ideal for your purposes . They also sell everything else you need to complete the models , incl r/c , and so is a one -stop shop . The owners , Graham and Sue are very knowledgeable and helpful . I have no connection with the company other than as a very satisfied customer . Trevor

[Henry LawParticipant @henrylaw52736]

Posted by Tim Cooper on 14/03/2021 12:42:05:

Henry

Have a look at the Eezebilt.tk website.

Keil Kraft! My, that takes me back. I remember as a boy my dad and I had a Keil Kraft Super 60, high-wing monoplane; lots of fun to fly. The wing attachment dowels broke pulling out of a dive and the fuselage continued straight on down, went into the ground like a tent peg …

[Henry LawParticipant @henrylaw52736]

Although there is a lot of general chat on the blog you can see from Graham's photos how the boat goes together. The other boats are constructed in a similar fashion.

I read it from end to end (and I like the general chat: it's like I was in the room, listening politely). My worry is that it's making me think that I myself might like to have a bash at this. I built many planes in my youth but never had a go at a boat!

[Dave Cooper 6Participant @davecooper6]

Hi Henry

Like you, I also came from a 50's /60' s aeromodelling background. The fact is that modelling skills are generally transferable across different disciplines – model railways, cars, boats, planes etc.

With a recommended kit most of the difficult part is done for you – design, selection of materials and so on. Just take your time and follow the instructions carefully.

The radio side is also mostly fool-proof these days, so if you still have some basic tools, give it a go. The experts on this forum are always on hand to help (there are some very good guys here with tons of experience !).

Happy modelling,

Dave C

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

The "UTE" by Glynn Guest.

UTE Work Boat – Short Kit (Set) – Sarik Hobbies – for the Model Builder

[The Long BuildParticipant @thelongbuild]

And lots of pictures of various variations of the model.

model boat ute – Bing images

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