I am a long-time member of Nautical Research Guild, one of the oldest organizations in the United States dedicated to research into maritime history.  Check out the web site at www.naut-res-guild.org.

Like most model builders, I started out many years ago buying a model kit, and building the model.  However, I soon graduated to custom models, and find the challenge of thinking out how to make various components of a model, in the correct scale, as rewarding as building the model itself. 

Scratch-Built Models

Model of a Hobie 17, with measurements taken from the actual boat, built to the scale 1:24

Building from scratch involves either using existing plans, or taking lines from the actual boat and building the model from various materials.

My custom-built models include several Hobie Cats, a Nacra 5.8 NA, a crew shell, and an Essex oyster smack.

Click here to view my custom-built models.

Models from Kits

Model of the Amerigo Vespucci, from a kit by Mantua - note the captain's launch, a complete kit in itself

Many kits are available for a wide variety of boats, and like the boats themselves the kits vary enormously in quality and complexity.  The experienced model maker will usually "bash" the kit, for example using better materials than the kit supplies, or adding more detail than the kit includes.

Click here to view the kit-based models.

Half-Hull Models

                  Half hull of a Grand Soleile 46.3, to the scale of 1:24

The perfect gift for the man who has everything, including a sailboat!

Half-hull modeling is an old, traditional art, and produces a very satisfying wall decoration.

Click here to view a selection of half-hulls I have built, usually to order.