Hi Steve5! If you go to the Ships Forum you'll find a lot of great info from guys that are very willing to help.
I've built a few sailing ships, as you can see by my avatar, but I just use the material that came with the kit.
Jim 
Main WIP:
On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II
I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.