BUILDING A MODEL
A member of the Buffalo Model Boat Club can provide an interested person with the opportunity to meet other modelers who can help with an introduction to the hobby and to share in the group activities available to the active model boat builder. Our members are always willing to offer assistance in building or operating a boat model. In the summer, there are Club and invitational regattas that permit members and guests to compete with modelers from all over the U.S. and Canada. These regattas are held at the Muir Lake and, on occasion, at special locations such as public parks, ponds or yacht dubs. Other activities include scale and sailing regattas, fast electric races, and shows. Building a radio control model boat can be approached in several ways. The purchase of a kit is the most basic. Most kits include all the necessary parts, material and instructions on how to proceed to assemble and finish the model as shown in this example.
The more complex way is to “scratch build” by purchase of a set of plans and the building materials. This requires some knowledge of what is required in the construction of a model boat. This approach can be very challenging, rewarding and, very often, time consuming. Another approach is to purchase a “ready-to-run” (RTR) model which, in some cases, only requires adding batteries. It makes sense to begin slowly and gain experience by first starting with a kit. These kits are available on-line and at most hobby shops.
The Boats We Sail
Fast Electric Boats by Mike Carroll
Fast Electric boats are replica race boats. The hulls are deep v catamarans and hydroplanes. They are made from wood, molded plastic, fiberglass and carbon fiber. You can either purchase a kit to build your own boat or a ready to run (RTR) for which you just need a battery. There are two types of motors; the brush motor and brushless motor. Brush motors use Nicad or Alkaline batteries. They are slower and great for beginners. Brushless motors use Li-Po batteries (Lithium Polymer), are fast, and require water cooling. Purchasing a kit is the best way to personalize your boat. Dumas has older style ski boats and hydroplanes to build and run. Ready to Run boats are growing in number and are becoming more popular. There are many different styles. They are fast electric but do not run long due to the faster power. Make sure you have a good battery whether building your own or RTR. Lots of fun with fast electric boats.
The “Footy”
Build a Footy and bust the myth that a boat has to be longer than thirty inches to sail well! Footys have been proven to be a first-rate conversation starter wherever seen, because of their “cute” appearance. But don’t let their small size fool you…these are serious racing machines that are surprising people with their performance. The Footy class is a Development class (Development classes are now termed Open classes as defined by ISAF Equipment Rules of Sailing) which provides lots of flexibility for builders, since anything not specifically prohibited or restricted by the class rules is legal. So the Footy is a perfect class for beginning and experienced boat designers alike. New ideas can be developed quickly and inexpensively.
A Footy class boat must fit in a box 12″L X 12″D X 6″W. Primary rig configuration is unlimited. Radio control is two channels only. Several different hull designs have been developed, and Footys have been built with lateen rigs, gaff rigs, swing rigs, and Genoa jibs. The small size makes scratch building fun, but full kits, partial kits, and plans are available for less ambitious skippers. A Footy is a great boat for all anyone. A competitive Footy can be built for less than $100 and is easily portable, and regattas can be held in the smallest of ponds; even in your backyard swimming pool!
The “Soling“
The AMYA Soling 1 Meter Class was first sanctioned by the AMYA in 1993. Since that time it has become one of the largest classes in North America, with over 13000 kits sold, and some 4000 boats registered. As of 2022, over 70 AMYA and Canadian Clubs list the Soling 1 Meter as the one or the only boat that they support. Performance: Soling 1 Meters are great performing yachts that point high, sail fast, and resist “submarining” like some other more narrow and lighter boats. Wing-on-wing on fresh wind reaches and runs, the boat gives her skipper fully controlled, exhilarating performance. The fin keel resists snagging pond weeds- she can almost always (even if slowly) be sailed back to shore. Competition: As well, over many years the “Soling” has been a Class that offered top competition at the local, Regional, and USA as well as Canadian National Championship levels. Soling 1 Meter as a One-Design: All aspects related to performance are intended to be restricted to what can be achieved by building a Class-approved Kit straight from the manufacturer’s plans. The interior construction of the boat allows some latitude for the builder to make changes for the purpose of easier tuning or more durable construction. “Old Solings never die.” Low total cost durability: the hull and deck are vacuum formed polystyrene; the spars are aluminum or wood. The Soling uses a single sail plan that requires tuning for a wide variety of wind strengths up to over 20 MPH, and eliminates the additional costs of having multiple rigs. Sails are flat and un-paneled polyester, making sails that are durable and longer lasting, while still controlling replacement costs. Solings must be built from a kit available from a Class-approved manufacturer. As of 2022, our two approved manufacturers offer kits at several levels- unassembled or partial kits, and replacement parts for original boats. The original manufacturer’s boats made through 2019 are fully approved as well. Made in the USA: All Solings, since the first off the mold, have been made in the USA.
The “US One Meter” (US 1M)
The U.S. One Meter Class is a developmental class, with very few design restrictions. The basic dimensions include, 39.3 inch overall hull length, 14.25 inch keel depth and 600 square inch sail area. The class specifications allows the designer/builder to experiment with design, and encourages innovation. While initially home built hulls from wood were common, over the years the class has evolved to the use of high tech materials with mainly carbon fiber hulls now being the norm. Kits, or complete boats can occasionally be found from one of a very few suppliers. Used boats which are still very competitive are available and may be your best bet to enter this class. The One Meter yacht is light weight ( 6 lbs. +/-), very fast and responsive to the controls. It is a fun boat to sail. An inexpensive two channel radio is required for control of sails and rudder. The boat is easily disassembled and fits in a small size automobile, for transporting to the pond or lake. The class was originated in 1983 as an AMYA class. Full class specifications can be found at http://www.theamya.org/boats/us1m/
Method for Locating a Waterline on a Boat Model by Ron Redlinski
Brazing Application Guide
Boat Modelling Materials
