Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do I need to join a club?

A. You do not need to join any club. It is to your advantage to do so. You will have the use of water, you will be insured in case your models cause damage or injury and you will have a wealth of experience to draw on.

Q. The chances of a model boat injuring someone are rather remote. Why do I need insurance?

A. This is true however, you will have great difficulty in finding water where the owner thereof does not insist on insurance. This is certainly true of local authority owned water.

Q. How can I get started in model boating? I would like to build a large battleship with working gun turrets etc.

A. This is not recommended. We suggest you start with a simple model with basic radio control. A visit to our local model shop  or a visit to Millhouses Park on a Sunday morning for a chat with club members should be your first move.

Q. I have seen the little boats that children sail. My son/grandson would like to make one of these. He is 8 years old. Is this feasible?

A. With some assistance and lots of patience this should be possible. These little boats are built from a Robbe "Dolly" kit .

Q. Boat kits I have seen advertised all seem to cost a great deal of money. Do I have to win the lottery before I can start model boating?

A. While it is true that some kits require a second mortgage to buy, there are some reasonably priced ones available. Your boat could be on the water for around £100 or just under this amount for a "Dolly" type boat with basic two function radio. An alternative to buying a kit is to build from a plan purchased from one of the model boat magazines.

Q. Do I need a knowledge of electronics to build a radio-controlled boat?

A. In theory, no. Nearly all the equipment is "plug and play". However, a little knowledge of basic electricity is useful, particularly DC circuitry.

Q. I have a boat powered by an internal combustion engine. May I sail this on Millhouses pond?

A. Sorry, internal combustion engines are not allowed.

Q. If I joined the club, could I sail at any time?

A. Yes, while ever the park is open to the public, though there are official Club times. It is a good idea not to sail alone. In the event of a malfunction there will normally be someone to carry out a rescue.

Q. Do I need a lot of tools to build a model boat?

A. No. Most kits nowadays have a great deal of pre-fabrication. You really only need a good modelling knife, a small saw, pliers/wire cutters and a drill. A small amount of soldering may be required. Some of the older club members were building boats 50 years ago with little more than a fretsaw and a razor blade.

Q. Will I be expected to enter competitions?

A. Not at all. Most of our members have no interest in competitions, preferring just to sail their boats in peace. However, we do have a number of trophies for various competitions for those who wish to enter.

Q. What magazines are available should I wish to check out the model boat world?

A. "Model Boats" and "Marine Modelling International" are the main magazines in this country. Both should be available from a good newsagent, but are becoming harder to find. WH Smith is your best bet. A subscription is recommended.