Model Boat Plans Reviewed And Explained

Model Boat Plans

If you are new to the world of model boat plans, you may not understand how difficult it is to complete this type of project. There are many concerns that individuals may have their first time, especially regarding planking or how to properly seal the boat.

People that pursue this type of project have likely given this some serious thought. Yet, without the proper strategies to use, you may not be able to build a model boat properly that will stay afloat and not sink.

That’s why it’s important to understand the overall principles of creating one, allowing you to move forward with confidence when creating your very first model ship or boat.

Let’s look at how you can begin this type of project using our model boat plans reviewed explained.

What Most Manufacturers Forget to Mention

As you look at the many different model ship-building kits on the market today, you may realize that some of their instructions are lacking in detail.

They will often skim over very important aspects of this process, providing very limited information, assuming that anyone aspiring to build a model boat has already done this before.

If you have found this to be true, as long as you understand a few basic concepts about how to create a model boat, you will be successful the first time that you try.

Important Points to Consider

The first thing that you need to understand is the concept of planking. Specifically, you need to take the right approach.

There are different levels of builders that are going to use various techniques, yet there are specific strategies that you must implement to find success the first time.

In general, you must follow the directions provided with each individual kit. Measurements are so very important, particularly as you follow along with our model boat plans reviewed and explained.

Additionally, there will be a wide variety of components and parts, all of which will be numbered per the directions. They are designed to provide you with illustration drawings and guidelines as to how to complete this project.

One thing that you need to remember is that the very first plank really does determine whether or not you will be successful. The final outcome is also based upon how you structure this below the deck gun ports.

It is recommended that you go through any training or tutorials that are provided prior to beginning. This is usually offered in the form of a DVD or written instructions. The first thing that you need to focus upon is what is called hull preparation.

An Overview of Hull Preparation

You will want to begin with using a fine rasping tool, or perhaps even course sandpaper when you start to work with the wooden blocks included in the kit.

You may also have a file in your toolbox that will be perfect for this type of preparatory step. Keep in mind that the midship frames will not require as much filing as those that are toward the stern or bow.

One strategy that you can use involves the use of a broomstick, complete with a piece of sandpaper glued to it that will help you create the best possible outcome.

To begin, you will take a plank, lay it over the frames, making sure to position it very carefully. This process, often referred to as leveling, is important as you are beginning.

The removal of hollows and bumps is imperative, which means you will need to take your time with each piece. Once this is done, you will move on to the next step which is called plank tapering.

An Overview of Plank Tapering

It is necessary to use a tape measure, or some type of ruler and string combination, as you are tapering the planks which will be much narrower on either side of the boat.

You will take a measurement from the base of the keel to the deck level, and then compare that measurement from the base of the keel to the deck level at two different positions.

In general, the largest frames will be in the center of the boat, and the tapering will cause them to be narrower as you extend from the center. Unless you are building a bluff bowed ship, this is the process with each model boat that you will build.

Keep in mind that some of these model boats will have gun ports designed to be below the deck, and they may also have multiple levels. Once you have completed this next part of the process, you will need to glue everything into position.

To do this you will use PVA glue which can work on planks with or without any type of tapering. You will then add the three midship frames, roughly the distance of halfway to the keel.

As long as both ends of the plank are properly bent and prepared, they will follow the natural course of the frames coming together. Planking screws should also be used temporarily.

This will enable you to make fine adjustments. Whether you are dealing with the top or bottom half first, just make sure that you have properly measured the distance of the planks and have completed the process of tapering them correctly.

Plank Bending Strategies

Once you have finished tapering the planks, it’s time to bend them. You can use standardized plank benders which will either be handheld or powered by electricity.

It is important to soak every plank that you are going to bend, ensuring that the boards will not break or crack as you are putting them through this process.

Depending upon the type of lumber that you are using, it can either be extremely difficult or very easy. Some of the most difficult types of wood to work with include mahogany or walnut.

You may have to wait overnight for this process to be completed. If you have followed the instructions as presented, you will start to see model boat plans reviewed explained. Once this is done, you can move on to plank fixing.

Understanding The Process of Plank Fixing

As everything is beginning to set in place, and as the glue continues to dry, you will want to use brass nails if possible or at least those that have been galvanized.

You may end up using rubber bands, or some type of clamp, as you are adjusting or fixing the planks so that they are in the proper configuration. Planking screw clamps are the easiest to use, helping any newbie complete this process much more quickly.

Overview Of Double Planking and Deck Planking

Double planking simply references doing this exact same procedure twice. It will take twice as long as you identify low and high spots as you are creating the hull of the ship.

Deck planking refers to marking a centerline, directly down the deck, placing planks to either side of that line. You can even use a knife as you are making these slight adjustments, helping you to complete this first stage of the process.

Modifying The Planks That You Are Using

Each model boat kit you will receive a specific number of planks that you can use. It is possible to shave each plank down if you want to have more planks adjacent to each other.

Some people find that this will lead to a much sturdier configuration. Additionally, you can use fewer planks if you are working with wider pieces of lumber, or if you are creating a model boat that is somewhat smaller.

By using the procedures that have been presented, it will be easy to make these adjustments and complete your model boat kit very quickly.

Caulking In Between The Planks

It is important to use proper adhesive and caulking as you are creating your model boat.

This is the material that will hold the planks together. As long as you have used your file properly, they should line up, allowing them to fit together nicely.

The adhesive that you use in between the planks could be different from the caulking or adhesive on the exterior and interior of the boat. The more that you apply, the higher the probability that you will not have any leakage.