Here's one for you! A Hunk of Wood.
I will try to keep this short. How many of you have the Following? A Band saw, Table Saw, and a drill Press? Doesn't matter what size. Oh, and a bench mount Belt/Disc sander? Do you happen to have a block of wood, say Oak, Pine, whatever? About 12" long and 4" wide.
Do you like the old Woody Ski Boats from years ago? How about the Lake Washington Hydros? (Miss Bardhal, Miss Budweiser?) .Build one from scratch. You have the tools. Now get some photos.They don't have to be the greatest.
Cut to Size and Shape using the end of the bench Sander Belt roll."You can get a nice bow shape that way.! same throught9Want what's called a Barrel Back.Just roll the aft end of the deck over till you have a nice side to side tapered curve to the rear deck.
Keep tweaking and the boat will eventually "Pop" right out of that block! Now, do you like detail? You can buy it or build it and be satisfied you did your best based on the photos. Don't be afraid to use something that is not Boat related but looks good! Building a Shaft and Skeg, Prop and Rudder can be as simple as making a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich!
The Cockpits.? Well, this is where the drill press comes in. Shallow holes in four corners and a lot of digging with a small chisel. Perfect, NO, that's the Charm of something like this.I t can look great, but it 's hand made! It ain't going to be perfect, And you don't want it to be!
Seats and interior? Well cut cleanly and then sand inside(even the floor) Now get some balsa and carve into the old style semi-Sofa seats of the day! Stain and set aside after checking for fit. Now, Wheel and Instruments .
I usually size my boats close to 1/32 or 1/25. Why, Well, all those old steering wheels in your stash. Many mfgr's used car wheels because they were easy to order in bulk. Many based on the late thirties early forties Fords and Chevies of the day! The instruments? Cutouts from Boating Mags, in the right size,(can't really read them anyway, but they are there) Bezels cut from the right size plastic tube,molotowed and glued in place over them.Fill with testors Window Maker and let dry.AHA! Instruments.paint and stain and add hardware of choice and proudly display with a "I made that!" in your statement to friends and guests.
The rest is up to you! try it You'll Like it!