Model Boats Q&A
Ask any question related to building model boats and ships.
I can't promise I have the answer to everything, but I'll promise I'll give it my best shot.
IMPORTANT NOTE
through the contact page.
Every once in a while I receive questions about just about everything related to model boats. Just recently I got a very similar question as one I had already answered a few months earlier. This spawned the idea to this Q&A.
So, in an effort to be more helpful to more model ship builders, here is where questions will be answered. It's not a Forum in the common sense, but hopefully more to the point.
Questions from other Visitors
Click below to see questions from other visitors, or to comment...
Catamaran Propulsion
I'm currently in the process of putting together a catamaran style craft, as a kind of "proof-of-concept" for automatic floating debris retrieval. This …
How to Make Ribs?
I have the plans of my boat (is my first attempt at making a model boat) and I can't figure out a way to make the ribs. How do you figure out the shape …
motor and drive shafts
I'm trying to scratch build three semi-scale model boats: two that are going to be identical single prop, 13 inches long by 6 inches wide by 2.5 inches …
Midwest Boothbay Lobster Boat Power System
Midwest suggest their MEPSIII elctric motor to power this craft 30 inches long x 10 inches wide).
Can you suggest a suitable alternative electric motor/ …
Model Boat Stands
I have a question regarding stands for model boats I have looked every where. Do you know anyone selling stands?
There are many types of stands for …
More ESC and Motors
It's been a while since I have been in touch, but I have run into a bit of a problem with my model. I purchased a fan motor from the local wrecker. I …
Flatten Ship Plans
What is the best way to flatten large paper plans?
If the plans are vintage or antique, and potentially valuable, find an archivist for advise how …
Placement of RC Equipment
I'm at the point of installing the RC components in my Hellen Trawler. I have a 2.4Ghz system. Any placement pit falls to watch out for regarding location …
RC boat electronics
I have built a model boat which is 1.2 meters in length and I am up to the fitting of the electronics. Problem is, I have no idea about electronics. I …
Painting Waterline
I am building my first RC tug, the Bugsier 3. I have marked the waterline and sprayed the red below the waterline, that is fine and I have hand-painted …
Connecting Batteries
I have scratch built a few working models and I wanted to know about hooking up batteries in series so as not to multiply the voltage. Is this possible? …
Attaching Sole Plate on a Sailing Barge Kit
I am building my first model boat and have gone for Billing Boats' "Will Everard" Sailing Barge Kit. I have set out the keel and frames on the first …
Pond Boat Rigging
Where can I find rigging directions and diagrams for a 1 meter pond boat made in about 1945?
Here are a few option off the top of my head:
Search …
Lafitte Skiff Propulsion
First I'll tell you that a Lafitte Skiff is a local (south Louisiana) shrimp boat. I am building a 1/12 scale model for my grandson. I am using the traditional …
Gas Engine Gearbox
I am in the process of building a model of our local ferry boat. It will be powered by a 26cc petrol/gas engine, but I can't find any gearboxes for that …
Location of Water Pickup
I am building a step hydro hull, and would like some help in locating the position for the water pickup, to cool the electronics.
It makes …
Pond Sailboat Rigging
I just acquired a pond sail boat that is in a very sad state of disrepair. I have completed the restoration of the hull and getting ready to put the …
Balsa Wood Thickness
Yesterday I downloaded your boat plan, PT 109 model boat.
It will be my first adventure in the world of model boats. I'm writing to ask a technical …
RC Boat Propulsion System
I recently completed a 1:30 scratch built scale model of a Cape class coast guard cutter, inspired by the Lindberg plastic model kit.
It turned out …
Fiberglass over balsa planking
What is the best technique for applying fiberglass over a balsa planked hull on a model tug two feet long?
The best way to fiberglass a model …
Motor size & ESC
I've built RC sailing boats but the Helen RC Trawler is my first powered model. It's taken me 6 months to find one. The model arrived yesterday but …
Planking HMS Bounty's Jolly Boat
Building the HMS Jolly Boat. Very first build. I am trying hard to plank the hull. Impossible to get the planks to bend and stay in place. Nails …
Model Boat Building for Beginners
I'm retired and am looking to start a boat building hobby, so I have some questions.
1. Any suggestions on inexpensive "light tables" for transferring …
Selecting Propeller
I have just fitted out a 965mm (38") shallow V mono hull, transom is 360 (14") x 100 (4"). I fitted a 2550kv/rpm brushless motor, with a 180A programmable …
Remote Controlled Model Boats
I have always been interested in remote controlled model boats. I'm not really handy in building things. But I think with the right basic course I could …
Model Row Boat
Many years ago in a boat magazine I saw an illustration of a rowing mechanism for a model boat. The drive came from one source but the rowing could be …
Converting a Lindberg North Sea Fishing Trawler to RC
I'm converting a Lindberg North Sea Fishing Trawler to RC and need a motor, stuffing box, prop, rudder kit and ESC for it.
The weigh is about 1 3/4 …
Drilling Mast holes for a Privateer
Please help me with drilling holes for the masts on a solid-hull model "Rattlesnake" privateer. Do i drill them straight or at an angle? If at an angle, …
Drawing waterline on a tug boat model
I am working on the Revell plastic model HARBOUR TUG BOAT of 23,1 cm (1:108 scale). My problem is how to draw most possible precise LWL (level water line). …
Fort Sumter Class Pilot Boat
I am a retired Senior Chief Quartermaster US Navy 21 years and a licensed Master in the Merchant Marine 14 years. I have spent my entire adult life on …
Powering a Pilot boat model
I am building my first ever wood deep vee static build model of a Fort Sumter Class Pilot Boat, using actual ships drawings. The construction is mostly …
Building RC Model Boats
My brother is thinking of making a model boat for his son, but wants to know what wire goes where and so on. He knows they have a sensor unit and every …
Mainsheet Sheaves for a Model Sailboat
I am building a Dumas 1:12 Lightning sailboat model for display only and want to replicate the actual mainsheet rigging. I need to make or buy several …
Weathering Model Boats
How do I start the weathering process for a model tug?
First, let’s talk about weathering – what it is and what we’re trying to achieve.
There …
