Welcome to my Model Boat Page.

This page is under construction as is the yacht. It will give details of a method for construction of a radio controlled model yacht in fibreglass. The method does not use a mould but uses a light framework instead thus saving on costs. The model in question is called Krispie . It was from a plan in an English magazine called 'Model Boat' around 15-20 years ago. The model is around 36 inches long and has been extended front and back from the original plan.

Step 1 Cut out and laminate the keel from 3/8th balsa. The centre piece is left out where the keel fits through.

Step 2 Cut the first and last formers from 1/4 inch balsa. The ribs are glued to these front and back

Step 3 Cut the 7 centre formers from polystyrene (about 1/4 inch thick). These were glued to the building board and the keel set in place.

Step 4 Install 1/8th square balsa ribs into notches pre-cut into the formers and glue at the ends.

Step 5 Install two laminated 1/16th x 1/4 spruce strips at the lowest edge and glue each end. (I installed and laminated at the same time.)

My Krispie after framing

The next stage according to the article in 'Model Boat' was to laminate the hull with diagonal strips of breakfast cereal packet followed by a second lamination at right angles to the first. I decided to use fibreglass instead. WARNING In my case the resin did not eat the polystyrene. Some are not compatible. You need to check before proceeding.

Step 6 Cut a nylon stocking down the leg, lay out on a suitable surface, (I used a window pane) and paint with fibreglass resin.
Once the area is evenly coated lift the stocking and lay on the hull. Stretch outwards from the centre and down the sides to keep taut.
Pin along the sides and allow to set.

Step 7 Once dry a layer of fibreglass mat and resin can be applied and allowed to set.

Step 8 A very light sanding can be done at this stage to remove any imperfections. Further layers can then be applied to give required thickness.
The hull can now be removed from the board and the formers can be removed or left in place.

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My Krispie after glassing. (Only 1 layer of fibre mat at this stage)

The next stage is to cut a slot in the hull to insert the keel. (The slot was pre-cut in the frame) This will be glued in with resin and reinforced inside and out with mat. My hull has been painted inside with resin to seal the balsa ribs. The decking will be made from the other leg of the stocking stretched over formers once the radio box/cabin details have been decided.

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