Sailing model boats

Sailing Models

Independence.

47-1/2" (1.18m) long, 10-1/2" (27cm) wide, 80" (1.96m) from keel to masthead, about 15 lbs.

This boat was designed to be a fast boat to sail in open water. I designed her to be built from plywood using the stitch and glue technique I use for building my kayaks. I built two hulls together and have finished one for racing with a local (Darien, CT) group who sail Laser models. Being a builder, I had to build my own boat which would hold its own against the lasers. This boat is a bit faster and if I could sail as well as my competition, it would win all the time. She is a kick to sail. On her maiden sail, in 15 knot winds she would surf down the waves. Her long keel kept her sailing well even in the puffs.

I built the boat using (relatively) inexpensive 1/8" (3.5mm) poplar plywood from my local lumberyard.

Kits and Plans are available. Click here for a draft of Instructions for building the Independence

Hawthorn.

44" long, 9 1/2" wide, 64" tall, 13 lbs.

This boat is mahogany planked on a steam bent frame. She is all varnished wood, mahogany sides, oak deck and mast. She has a fin keel with about 6 lbs. of lead. She sails great and looks better.

Sailing this boat for 13 years, I have learned a lot about radio controlled sail. She uses a 2 channel radio with sail winch. The winch is a powerful servo which turns several times winding the sheets around a drum. I have had trouble with getting the sheet strings tangled in light winds. Other models use an arm type sail servo, these have less problem.

Sailing the boat that long, I have had problems with keeping the radio operating. I finally poured epoxy over the receiver to make a solid waterproof block. Of course, I cannot unplug the wires anymore but it works.

I have added internal ballast and lowered the lead keel in an effort to improve her sailing qualities in strong winds and rough seas. These were somewhat successful. Originally the Hawthorn was built with a full keel, I reworked her into a fin keel, the best improvement to date.

Plans are available, one much like this (44").

Another boat which may be of interest is one I did not build

A-Class Racer

This model was brought to me by a customer damaged but with several suits of sails and free sailing steering gear. Had she been mine, I would have taken her for a sail. At almost 6 feet long she should sail beautifully. I copied her lines so that I could one day build a replica and can offer you plans.

A-class rating information.

Updated on January 9, 2008
by Shearwater Boats
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or call (207) 386 - 0129 or write to us at:

83 Captain Perry Drive
Phippsburg, Maine 04562