John,
No, I do not think there is a right way to build one of these.
Looking at photos from the web, books or wherever, there does not seem to be two the same. For me, making this little boat was a job of pleasure as I am sure your's was.
I also had stuff hanging around (explained earlier) which was one of the reasons for making it. Your Puffer is very nicely done and one of the things that did come up was the fact that some of the later Puffers were painted a mid-grey all over. My one was painted purely because I liked the colour scheme which was what I had handy. I am sure this would also of applied to the owners of the time.
I am glad to see that your boat gets it's bottom wet. If it is of a similar size to mine, could you tell me what sort of electronics etc, you have in it please?
I would like to build one (a small one of a similar size to what I have built) that runs on the water.
I enclose a couple of photos of it finally finished, i.e. the propeller (ply wood and dowel, being a cheapskate!), rubbing strakes, wheel and stand.
Ron.
PS. Nice pond. Gives me an idea but one that I do think that the wife would not appreciate!!
PPS. Is part of yours made from plastic or a kit?? It looks as if the superstructure is made from this.
I prefer wood.
PPPS. That was /is not a criticism.