Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 09:00:16 pm

Title: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 09:00:16 pm
Hello
I am new to RC boats but have built and flown rc planes. I wanted to start with a small boat that my young son could use.
I wanted to build (rather than buy ready made) a cabin style boat about 15 to 20 inches long I would prefer a kit or cnc parts. failing that a plan with instrutions
It does not need to be very detailed more robust. Can you please give me some advice on where to start.
Many Thanks
Phil
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: wicker on January 02, 2013, 09:16:47 pm
welcome to mayhem hope you enjoy the contact with other like minded people all the best with boating--charlie
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 02, 2013, 09:35:10 pm
Hi Phil,

 Welcome to the mayhem!

 First of all, what sort of boat type appeals to you?


 Martin   :-)
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 09:47:10 pm
I wanted to build a simple model as my first boat such as a cabin cruiser or a classic wood finish speed boat. It does not need to be true scale though
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: slug on January 02, 2013, 09:48:37 pm
have a look at vintage model boats,they do cabin cruisers of the size you are looking for all the best slug
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 10:06:22 pm
Slug thanks they do look good. that is the sort of thing I am looking for (if not a little more expensive than I hoped but looking around thats about right)
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: black magic racing on January 02, 2013, 10:55:49 pm
hi.seen this,i know you wanted to start from scratch but this may be of use. ;)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Model-Boat-ideal-for-restoration-project-/121046809516?pt=UK_ToysGames_
not sure if im allowed to post this here? im sure some one will let me know,hope this helps? regards kurt :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 11:03:13 pm
BMR good idea it could save on the initial cost if the price stays low
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: pettyofficernick on January 02, 2013, 11:08:19 pm
Hi there, this may suit you, scroll down to the bottom of the page, it's the only boat there. Welcome to the madness and happy and productive boat building :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Regards,
Nick.
http://www.slecuk.com/catalogue/Kits.html
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: black magic racing on January 02, 2013, 11:12:53 pm
BMR good idea it could save on the initial cost if the price stays low
  you could always message the seller and see what he would take for it,i always do sometimes you can get a bargain, oh welcome to the house of fun, regards kurt  black magic racing :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 02, 2013, 11:18:44 pm
Hi there, this may suit you, scroll down to the bottom of the page, it's the only boat there. Welcome to the madness and happy and productive boat building :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Regards,
Nick.
http://www.slecuk.com/catalogue/Kits.html (http://www.slecuk.com/catalogue/Kits.html)
Nick I had seen that slec model befor as I use slec for some model plane parts but dismissed it as too large but having another look maybe not.
Thanks for all the replys so for it looks very much like I picked the right place
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 03, 2013, 11:21:15 am
the sea nymph is looking favorite just because it looks good and is about the right size
I do have a couple of questions
can I buy a power set ( motor,esc and battery)to suit as a set. If not can anyone reccomend a set up
and dumb question time is i drill holes in the hull for the prop shaft and rudder how do you make them water tight. I am guessing for the prop shaft it runs down a tube an the end of the tube will need to be above the water line. Is that correct and is it the same for the rudder?

http://www.vintagemodelboats.com/page17.html
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Dannypenguin on January 03, 2013, 11:54:16 am
On my paula 3 (currently building) the prop shaft sits below the waterline and is inside a tube lined with grease. Then the tube goes through a hole in the hull which is sealed by silicone. The rudder tube is sealed with a rubber waser. Hope this helps.
 
-Dan
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Guy Bagley on January 03, 2013, 12:03:03 pm
the prop shaft that passes through the hull can be sealed with epoxy adhesive, or fibreglass  resin or a multitude of products like stabilit express adhesive  etc....
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 03, 2013, 12:34:06 pm
thanks again for all the help. I had better get on and order the kit  %%
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 10, 2013, 05:37:43 pm
well I rang vintage model boat today for an update on the kit I have ordered. It seems the closed for Christmas and do not open until the 21st Jan. It looks like I will have to be patient (I was thinking I would have a large part of the model assembled by then  :(( )
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 27, 2013, 08:01:23 pm
The kit arrived yesterday and I have most of the frame complete already. I did drop it at one point ans snapped the side window off  >:-o . I am hoping some epoxy and filler will fix it

I need a motor, ESC and batter and need some advice on what to buy

I am at the point where without the above items I can not contine as the size ( of battery mainly) will dictate how I position things
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: pettyofficernick on January 27, 2013, 11:27:56 pm
Hi Phil, I reckon you won't go far wrong with the motor recommended by Vintage Model Boats, a 385, a 7.2 battery pack and an Mtronics 15 amp esc. Any photos of build yet? :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 28, 2013, 08:05:44 pm
Cheers PONick
I also saw this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X0-wynBWv4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X0-wynBWv4) that suggests a brushless set up that I already have (left over from a model plane). The plane esc has no reverse but I may get away with that on this small model
I did make a mistake on the build putting the cabin sides on inside out. they are grooved to bend the wood round the former. with mine I had the grooves inside so the wood curved around the former instead of a fold. Meaning the walls are not straight  {:-{
 
 
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on January 31, 2013, 07:21:56 am
OK silly question time

I am almost ready to add the sides on. I plan to spray paint it so it would be easier if I could spray the hull and add the deck on last but if I do how do I make the join neat.

I know if I add the deck first and overlap the sides this will look neat but will require alot of masking when painting

any suggestions?
 
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: pettyofficernick on January 31, 2013, 09:13:36 am
Good morning Phil, personally, I would follow the build sequence as set out in the instruction manual, either way ( Deck first or hull first) you are going to have to mask. In order to get a neat edge to the paintwork, you could apply a thin ( 1/16th x 3/16th for example) strip of timber around the edge of the hull a deck level, giving a good edge to finish to.
Regards,
Nick. :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 03, 2013, 04:00:19 pm
Follow the instrution manual! I had not thought of that :embarrassed:

Well I got a little more done over the weekend. I hope the motor is OK as it is glued in now.
I still am not sure if I can fit the tiller and servo in the very small space at the back of the boat
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 03, 2013, 10:48:34 pm
I will offer a few words of advise builling this boat.
Get a piece of flat plywood around 13mm thick place the hull on it draw around the edge of the deck.get a jig saw and cut out the shape.Right then now the clever bit screw both these to the rest of the plywood so you have a former.Now soak the deck edge 1/8x1/8 pices under a HOT WATER tap and gently bend this to the shape of the former,DO IT SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY,as you do this put some nails to hold them in place,do this 4 times so all the deck edging are on top on each other.Now LEAVE these to fully dry,these will be so easy to glue on to the edge of the deck otherwise if you dont do this thenn they will SPLIT.
As regards the tiller Why not do it as Mrs Stav is going to....turn the tiller arm so it is pointing toweards the front of the boat and mount a micro servo in the  side of the rear deck well.Failinng that you will have to do the same as another member on here has done...Look for the topic Mr Tom and you will see how
 
 
Dave
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 03, 2013, 11:01:04 pm
Stavros sorry but I do not understand your explanation of building a former?
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 03, 2013, 11:05:13 pm
I will take pics tomorrow of the former that Mrs stav used to bend the wood for you
 
 
Dave
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 03, 2013, 11:08:09 pm
Many Thanks  :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 03, 2013, 11:12:01 pm
A former is basically a profile of the shape you want to make which you can then bend your strips around so they take on the shape of the former. I use an old electric veg steamer to soften wood for bending. All will become clear when you see Stav's photos.....
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 03, 2013, 11:17:57 pm
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=41072.msg412531#msg412531 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=41072.msg412531#msg412531)
 
Have a look how this member has donne his steering servo
 
 
Dave
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 03, 2013, 11:27:07 pm
Phil hang on for around 10 mikns and ill put pics up just been out to shed to take pics
 
Dave
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 03, 2013, 11:40:21 pm
Right here goes
First pic is of the boat upside down on the former to get the shape of the hull
 
(http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/broomsrck/20130203_232329_zps70c69b43.jpg)
 
Nails in place ready to take the wood
 
(http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/broomsrck/20130203_232458_zps220d9310.jpg)
 
this was a scrap piece i just placed into it to show you
 
(http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/broomsrck/20130203_232544_zps61e8b0b7.jpg)
 
This is a pic of all Four of the 1/8x1/8 pieces that go around the side of the hull

 (http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/broomsrck/20121215_144823_zps984cc611.jpg)

She even cut and formed the wood herself,and has NEVER done this type of thing before
Final pic is of the hull with the wood glued on the hull and it was Mrs Stav who has built this little jem all on her own .....All I have done is to show her what to do and advised her here and there.
 
 
(http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/broomsrck/20130203_232626_zps170cfa59.jpg)
 
Dave
 
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 04, 2013, 08:48:46 am
Thanks for the photos now all is clear. I had not even though that far ahead but it is a good idea.
 
It is a good point to remember to pre shape the wood before trying to glue it in and something I will use in the future.
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 09, 2013, 09:59:01 am
well the hull sheeting is on but I'm getting obsessed with sanding it smooth  %% is this normal
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Stavros on February 09, 2013, 04:28:24 pm
Oh yes.Read what i advocate regarding painting in the paint section.
One way of doing it is  to give it a couple of caots or car laquer rub it down and then filler primer thats what Mrs Stav has done and it is now ready for undercoat.



Dave
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 17, 2013, 11:52:15 am
boat is almost done I just have the decking to do.
the paint finish is not good though. I did not get on to well with spray painting. Its either to thin or to thick and runs. I may just stick to brush painting in the future.
 
 
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 22, 2013, 12:05:09 pm
 :-)   Well I have finished my first model boat
The paint finish is quite poor but It will serve its purpose of giving me ans my lad something to share at the park
I did enjoy the build and learned some lessions. The next one will be better
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Davenotdone on February 22, 2013, 12:13:31 pm
Well Phil as somebody ( like me ) who is just messing about with allready built model boats ( converting the cheapo radio and motors etc ) i think you have done a great job, it looks superb!!!   Regards, Dave.
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: Martin (Admin) on February 22, 2013, 01:26:49 pm
Agreed, excellent job sir!  :-))
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 22, 2013, 01:27:48 pm
Don't be too critical of yourzelf. It looks great, now get to the lake with your boy and have some fun.
Title: Re: New to Boats
Post by: phil b on February 22, 2013, 03:47:13 pm
Thanks for the positive comments.  It looks better in the photos than it does up close but from a distance it looks ok. It is a little featureless but I had to keep it that way as I did not want my young son breaking of any small parts
 

It should be fine out on the water though  :}