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[Seacommander]

Interesting.....

My 12yo, wanted a model boat.

I got a crappy but complete Aerokits 'Sea Scout' of fleabay , £17 delivered and took it from there. It came with motor, prop and rudder.

I've stripped the paint, re-sprayed using paint from the Carboot at a £1 a can, the radio is old stuff lying un-used, ESC is out of a Model car at the boot as it the battery and charger. I've had to get a new coupling and do a bit of 'modelling' in the internal bit  - total cost at the moment under £40 

She's watched every step of the re-build,  and thoroughly enjoyed it

Best of luck with your challenge

Cheers

Mark   

[Mankster]

Ended up with a Robbe Dolly and Paula 4 from Germany for much cheapness compared to UK pricing. Also picked up one of those laser cut wooden kits from China off eBay. I must sat I am very impressed with the wooden kit, comes with a motor and propshaft as well for a tenner.

[TugCowboy]

Good stuff Mankster. Do a build log, it might inspire others to grab some kits for their kids.

Alex.

[Subculture]

Can't go wrong with a Silver Machine, free plan by Graham Goodchild back in about '81.

These were made from card although ply or plastic would be easy to substitute.

In the time it takes to get out the flexible friend, you could have a pair of these marked out onto some sheet stock, and trimmed out ready to glue together. Very good natured handling, but quick, no details to break off, but quite a neat look to it.

With a well stocked bits box, you can have a pair of these in the water for under a score.

[Subculture]

BTW the boat can be scaled up or down to suit. As standard they gave lively performance on a speed 400 on just 4.8 volts.

A double sized model would give you a boat just over two feet, and should go well on a speed 500 brushed or a 28mm outrunner (perfect for kids that age). Get the KV right and you can go up and down on voltages to suit their skill level.

Because the boat has a lot of freeboard, it should handle a chop fairly well . Making a boat watertight shouldn't be hard for you!