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[Colin Bishop]

I was intrigued to see the comments about Builders and Sailers on one of the other threads.  As someone who is mainly into scratch building, (although I do buy 1:1250 scale waterline models), I was interested to see the strong support for buying RTR and part completed models from those who clearly get their main enjoyment from sailing the boats.

I thought it might be illuminating to see just how the membership of the Forum get their kicks (model boating only please!) so I have devised this little poll to see if we can find out.

If you fall into more than one category just tick the one which mainly applies. I haven't tried to separate out static from working models as I think that the vast majority of posters are into working boats.

[Shipmate60]

Colin,
Unfortunately I seem to fit into most categories.
I scratch build, buy completed models, then rip apart and start refurbishing them, and have a nearly ready to run perkassa type model.
They range from 2 foot converted plastic kits to a 10 1/2 foot cruiser.
I enjoy building, but like the social interaction at the pondside, but then I can talk the hind leg of donkeys.

Bob

[Colin Bishop]

Bob,

In that case you are the perfect model boater. I take my hat off to you! (no, really!)

Colin

[tobyker]

Interesting. I'm mainly a builder, preferably of something where there is doubt as to whether it's going to work - eg sailing Thames Hoy, 1730 rule yacht. I find that as soon as there is every probability that the model will do what it says on the tin, I tend to lose interest. Though I too am in the process of building a Perkasa kit, though it won't end up as an MTB. This is purely because I've never before been able to afford the time or cash to build a fast(ish) electric boat. Next the narrow boat with the Eco Hull, and then perhaps a 1730 rule schooner - I'm wondering about a swing rig wishbone schooner. Yachts are more fun than things that just go whoosh - its fun playing with the wind and water.

[Shipmate60]

Colin,
Dont be so daft.
I just do what takes my fancy at the time. I tend to buy second hand to keep costs down so my choice tends to be limited as to what is for sale.
I have bought a new Schutze Class minesweeper ( yes that is the correct spelling!! ).
I am quite a slow builder as I spend up to 6 months a year at sea, but enjoy this one of my hobbies.

Bob

[Colin Bishop]

Dont be so daft.

Shipmate60, yes, I know I'm daft, as my wife constantly reminds me, but I am genuinely interested in what attracts people to the hobby and what they get out of it. In 1:1 scale boating you also have a differentiation between those people who enjoy fiddling about and modifying their vessels and those who just want to get out and race them. I just like to fiddle about with the boat and then find some secluded anchorage where you can watch the stars and sink a couple of bottles of wine. (Emerging unsteadily in the early hours to boost the tide!) 

[Stavros]

I must admit thta being relativly new to this wonderfull sport of our I buy s/h wrecks,wreck them a bit more and reserect.I alos scratchbuild so I suppose I am a jack of all trades and master(oh excuse the pun)of none!!

[Colin Bishop]

Maybe Stavros, but I bet you paint them beautifully!  :)

[Stavros]

WELL ??????

[Colin Bishop]

Don't be bashful  Anyway, how's the painting article coming along - or shouldn't I ask?

[tigertiger]

I am fairly new to this lark.
My first boat was a Victoria, and I do love to sail.

My second is a Mary J Ward schooner kit, but she will be modified a fair bit when I have finished. Addition of lights, topsails, extended bowsprit, additional headsail, and modified rigging. every time I spend time on it I get another idea and it is till no closer to being finished. ::)
Plus the fact I really don't know what I am doing half the time.

I also bought a plastic toy (MTB) for windless days and I will probably modify this to go faster.

I fancy doing a scratch build next, possibly a Higins boat, or another sail boat. Maybe another schooner or a Ketch.
but I am in China and getting any sort of timber is a pain. But the cost of getting stuff shiped from UK is prohibitive.

[tigertiger]

Check out this modeller

he is very keen, and wait till you hear how long it takes him to complete model now he is retired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTivX2qHW9s&mode=related&search=

[Roger in France]

I was impressed to see that there are so many scratch builders. However, I think this Forum may appeal more strongly to the "Let's try this Brigade" than to the "Buy it and sail it Boys". That is one of the many joys of this hobby, it can accommodate all interests and all skill levels.

Although I tend to build kits I do love to add my own home made accessories, such as winches, anchor recovery, fire monitors etc. I also like to make my personal version of a kit by making alterations as I go along and making superficial changes to deck layout and colour schemes. I also like to name my boats and give them a home port which is personal to me.

On balance, I probably have a greater amount of enjoyment from building than from sailing.

Roger in France.