Scratch build yacht plan

[Edward BoyceParticipant @edwardboyce88824]

With good plans from Dave Milbourn and article from MBM and build log from Bluebird, I am on my way to completing my first two models – Fairey Swordsman and Huntsman. Looking for plan for scratch sailing yacht. Have learned that there are plans and then there are plans. No chance to study before you buy. My limited skill has been helped immensely by good plans and an understandable explanation. Any suggestions?

[Edward BoyceParticipant @edwardboyce88824]

[Gareth JonesParticipant @garethjones79649]

Hi Edward,

To some degree it depends on what sort of yacht you want to build, do you want a class racing yacht or a more semi scale model of a real yacht? I have been impressed with the sailing abilities of a Vic Smeed Starlet which would fall in the second category. The plans are available from Sarik (MM1048) and there is quite a lot of background information available, including that originally published in Model Boats magazine back in Dec 1966 onwards. It's a relatively simple ply hard chine hull about 34 inches long and would be a logical follow on from a Swordsman or Huntsman. Wood packs and sails are also readily available – have a look at the Belair website **LINK**

Gareth

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Edward

Thanks for your kind comments.
I must agree with Gareth to the extent that Vic Smeed's designs are second to none – the man was quite simply a modelling genius. The Starlet has been a consistently popular model since it was first published over 50 years ago. If you adopt the materials, techniques and adhesives which you used building the two Fairey boats then I'm sure you'll enjoy building a Starlet or similar. Things have progressed a long way beyond balsa cement and cellulose dope!

Dave M

[Eddie LancasterParticipant @eddielancaster]

Hi, Edward, I too was looking for a project last year after a hip replacement, and I came across Varmint in the September edition of MB. there is a good instructive article on the build and once the hull has been made sails and mast etc. are all readily available off the shelf. After that I was searching for another yacht to build and stumbled across the Racing Sparrow from New Zealand, for around £8.00 you get the plan and instructions to download, its around 78 cm. long, the mast is simple to construct and I used many of the fittings from the Dragon Force yacht to complete it. I made the sails, but with the sail plan that wasn't too difficult, I have attached a photo of it below.

Good luck with your search.

Eddie

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

A quick google for "free model yacht plan" will pop up a surprising number of hits. If you stick with hard chine designs from what is available, you can develop from the techniques learnt from the previous builds.

A nice size simple design here – http://www.sealevel.demon.nl/english/downloadsXL25modelyacht.htm –

Bears a remarkable resemblance to a design called "Akela" from the late '80s. Assuming that the object is pleasure sailing rather than formal racing, any of the designs suggested so far will do the job.

A massively important bit is the ballast – much easier to arrange on a slab type fin by using lead sheet, a large yacht with a long fin and tube type weight needs you to learn about casting lead, smaller versions can use reshaped fishing weights.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi All,

I thought I would nip down to Wickes for lead sheet flashing, was surprised the smallest roll was £40 which makes the commercial keel bulbs look like good value  I do cast my own, so no church roof is safe around here :-!

Regards Ray

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 02/04/2018 10:48:23

[Derek BradleyParticipant @derekbradley32270]

Edward,

Have a look at the 'Building Ardent' blog, which may give you some inspiration. Plans can be obtained from Sarik – they are very good – and also include a copy of the original article from MMI.

Derek.

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