1/8 scale powerboats and sailboats
This group of models includes some designs from the early part of the 20th century, during the hey-day of power-boat design and engineering. Designers such as Greavette, Ditchburn, and Morris, from Canada, and Hacker, Crouch, Wood, and Mower, from the US are included.
We are always looking for new subjects for the group, so if you have an idea of what might be a good subject, please let us know!
Charles Mower Design #22
Charles Drown Mower (1875 to 1942) was a yacht designer from New York, writer, and one-time contributing author to Motor-Boating Magazine.
Most of his designs are now housed at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mower is know for a number of sailboat designs but he had a few interesting power boat designs, as well.
Our model includes internal stretchers that follow the curve of the inside of the hull, just like in the construction of a real boat. We are sure you will enjoy the construction of this model.
L.E.Fry's 1909 Suwanee
From the Antique Boat Museum website:
“Suwanee is a custom-built “light speed launch” built by L.E. Fry and Co. in 1909 for W.H. Owen of Utica, NY. The contract for her construction specified the design to be created by L.E. Fry & Co., with her length to be just within the A.P.B.A. 32-foot class limit.”
Our 48″ model includes a T-rail for construction. 3D-printed detail parts are available as a separate optional kit.
George Crouch's Baby Bootlegger
From Wikipedia:
“Baby Bootlegger is an American wooden-built speedboat. It was designed by George Crouch for Caleb Bragg in early 1924, and was built by Henry Nevins. Bragg won the APBA Gold Cup in it in both 1924 and 1925. It was fitted with a 220-horsepower converted Hispano Suiza aircraft engine dating from the First World War.”
Our 48″ model includes a T-rail to simplify construction.
Bruce Crandall's 1936 Flyer
Designed by Bruce N. Crandall approx. 1936. Flyer is the largest of the Crandall hydroplanes, Class C 135 Cu.
Note that, because of the lovely curved deck, we will not be including our usual T-rail structure for planking.
This is a future project.
Tom Greavette's 1936 Commander
Thomas Greavette (1881 – 1958) learned boat-building at Ditchburn Boats, in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Greavette Boatworks was incorporated in 1930 and built boats until 1978. Over the years, using a modified assembly line production method, Greavette Boats produced hundreds of boats including Disappearing
Propeller Boats, assembly-line utility boats as well as many
custom-built boats.
This will be a future project
1950 Greavette Streamliner
Thomas Greavette (1881 – 1958) learned boat-building at Ditchburn Boats, in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Greavette Boatworks was incorporated in 1930 and built boats until 1978. Over the years, using a modified assembly line production method, Greavette Boats produced hundreds of boats including Disappearing
Propeller Boats, assembly-line utility boats as well as many
custom-built boats.
This will be a future project
Traditional Monterey Fishing Boat
From Wikipedia:
“Known variously as a Monterey Hull, Putt-putt, Silena boat, and Lampra boat, the Monterey Clipper’s history has swung with the fortunes of the local fish industry and the paces of industrialization. The original design comes from traditional lines modified with current efficiencies. This classic boat enjoys the fame and pride of families. It also continues to this day as a popular theme for postcards, noted artists, and patient hobbyists..”
Our 48″ model includes a T-rail to simplify construction, and includes a series of canted frames in the bow and the stern, just like in a real boat.
C.C. Hanley's 1889 Catboat "Harbinger"
C.C. Hanley (1851 – 1934) was born in Maine, where he apprenticed as a blacksmith, and moved to Cape Cod in 1875, where he built his first catboat. Over the years, he built some very fast catboats for some local racers, with huge booms and very long bowsprits.
For this model, we have created a simple frame set that includes a slot for external ballast, making her stiff and fast, and quite attractive, even without a huge bowsprit.