Boats have been a popular aspect of R/C Modelling for many years although the hobby does seem to be in decline and is now seen almost entirely as an 'old man's hobby'. Model boats come in a variety of different styles or categories - Scale, Static, Grey, Submarines, Racing, Airboats and Sailboats. A new category has emerged recently - Combat Warships - although I don't think this has come to the UK yet. Power for all model boats may be supplied by electric motors, internal combustion engines (i.c.), gas engines or even steam engines. Construction methods vary almost as much as model styles but the majority of hulls are either wood, fibreglass, or moulded plastic.
Building boats is generally split into three categories - Scratch, Semi Scratch or Kit Built. Scratch building is usually defined as creating a model from a plan using nothing but raw materials. Semi Scratch is usually defined as building a model with a plan, a fibreglass hull and raw materials. Kit building is as it sounds, you buy a kit with all the bits included and put it together. I make it sound easy but it can still be a nightmare. If you're just starting in the hobby find your local club and ask for advice, you'll always find someone willing to talk to you. (at least you will at our club)
Much can be said about each type of constuction method but this is just a summary to be treated as a rough guide only. Scratch built wooden hulls are usually the hardest and take the most time to construct. It is probably the cheapest method of construction and, in my opinion, the most satisfying. Fibreglass hulls are preformed and require very little finishing. They are very durable and require less preparation and maintenance than wooden hulls but they can be expensive. Kits could contain a fibreglass hull or the parts necessary to make a wooden hull, it all depends on the kit. Boats preformed from ABS plastic are becoming very popular. Many can be bought as complete models in Ready to Run (RTR) or Almost Ready to Run (ARTR) form, often for less than the price of a good fibreglass hull. RTR boats require nothing more than charging before sailing - ARTR boats may require fitting of a few minor components before sailing. Usually, all running gear (motors, propshafts, props, rudders and radio gear) is already fitted.
