Skippers' projects

Radio Control Boat Modeler, Jun 2003

Richard Kline, San Antonio, TX

Dumas Donzi Tournament Fisherman

The amount of time a modeler has invested in the project is readily apparent from the moment you lay eyes on it. So, it isn't a surprise that Richard's Tournament Fisherman, Lif Ricky, represents 3 1/2 years of careful labor. Built from a Dumas kit, this incredibly detailed model features genuine teakwood decks, working lights, handmade seat cushions and fishing chair, brass and stainless-steel rods and chrome-plated tower, rail, outriggers and window frames. Powered by two AstroFlight motors on two BV gel-cell batteries, the model is controlled by a Nautical Command Radio and features Prop Shop props. It's named after Richard's 3 1/2-year-old son, to whom, we've been told, the boat actually belongs. Now, that's a gift!

Patrick Day, Mechanicsville, MD

Chesapeake Bay Charter Boat

When it comes to scale model building, attention to detail is the name of the game. But no one has to tell Patrick that; we're pretty sure he has it covered. Patrick scratch-built this 52-inch-long Chesapeake Bay Charter boat from pine, spruce, balsa and fiberglass and trimmed it with a mahogany transom. The mahogany handrails, antennas, life raft, radar, tinted windows and brass rudder are all Patrick's handiwork, as well. Patrick powers his charter boat with a Traxxas .15 nitro marine engine and a Dumas prop. Nice work!

Ralph von Eppinghoven, Toronto Ontario, Canada

Miss Bardahl

A little Krylon paint, a few decals and-poof-Ralph transformed his 24-inch Fine Design Marine shovelnose hydro into a nicely done replica of the 1965 racer, Miss Bardahl. Powered by a Cordite SS1 Speed 700 motor with an AstroFlight speed control on 12 cells and an Octura X447 prop, it features a modified Williams Bros. pilot figure with hand-carved arms, hands and lower torso. Axxent Designs of Toronto supplied the custom-made decals. According to Ralph, the Miss Bardahl has been clocked at speeds of 30mph.

Mike Miller, Kennesaw, GA

Kyosho Bladerunner

Whether it's a hood ornament on the front of a flashy, high-speed sports car or a decal on the side of an RC boat doesn't seem to matter; "Ferrari" will always catch your eye. Mike's Bladerunner certainly caught ours. He equipped his boat with dual Trinity 12-turn car motors with gear drives and an AstroFlight speed control. According to Mike, it's extremely fast on 12 cells and very stable in rough water. Nice job!