rc sailboat footy

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The Footy is a very small radio-control sailboat whose length is a mere 12 inches (30.5 cm). The hull can be made from a fiberglass mold or simply with thin sheets of plywood fitted together. Two servos are used, one to control the sail and one for the rudder. Some plans are availble for sale, some for free.

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Rose City Model Sailing Club

DESIGN RULES

The Footy can be built from scratch (both plans and kits are available) or acquired as a sail-ready model. Two servos are called for: one to control the sail, the other for the rudder, though placement is a builder decision. Hulls can be hand-cut balsa wood or molded fiberglass or carbon fiber; and sail designs include swing rigs, gaff rigs, genoa jibs, the unique unarig and more. To date there are over two dozen distinct Footy designs that have qualified for r/c model yacht racing (see our Footy Gallery ).

The rules governing the Footy design are the work of an international contingent of model yacht artisans. The official text of the most current rules may be found at their site, FOOTY Class R/C Sailboat , on the RULES page. This is the International FOOTY Class web site and is an excellent source for plans, news and  regatta schedules from both sides of the pond.

FOOTY MEASURING BOX

Two sets of plans for building the Footy measuring box are available at the International Footy Class web site at the RULES page. Pictured is a Papaya III Footy with a Footy box.

PLANS, KITS & SAIL-READY MODELS

Plans for eight classic Footys are available at   FOOTY Class R/C Sailboat: PLANS .

The US Footy Registrar is found at the AMYA   Footy Class Page .

MENTORS / BUILDING RESOURCES

To date, RCMSC members have built 20 Footys (with eight Footy designs represented)–a boatload of crafting experience. That good experience is available on build nights, Sunday sails, via email, at the pub, even online:   Footy build logs have been posted at RCMSC member Stanley Townsend’s blog. Check the Club NEWS POSTS for announcements of build nights; check the Sailing Schedule for dates of Sunday sails.

Good advice from experienced Footy builders / sailors is also available at  two discussion forums (registration is required to post comments): FOOTY USA on Yahoo and the R/C Sailing Forum: Footy Class .

The AMYA Model Yachting magazine featured the Footy in its Summer 2008 issue (available from the AMYA Ship’s Store ). Included are 13 articles addressing design, sources, crafting and sailing the Footy.

And see our LINKS page for online Footy building resources.

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Meet the Footy!

This diminutive r/c boat is easy to build and transport, and racing one is more fun than dancing barefoot..

By Nathan Titcomb

Have boat, will travel. The Footy was designed to fit inside a 12” X 6” X 12” box for easy transport, either in a compact car or aboard a boat.    © Nathan Titcomb

harbors they visited.

While most classes of R/C boats would fit aboard a 33-footer, I also had to make sure I stayed in the good graces of my mother-in-law; no points are earned if you inadvertently start a fight between your in-laws! The boat would need to be securely stored onboard without taking over the whole cabin. Fortunately the perfect solution existed in the Footy Class. My plan was to develop and build a boat in time for Christmas.

The Footy is a development class with few restrictions on hull shape, rig design or sail area. The author built this handsome Footy, which resembles a Class40. © Nathan Titcomb

are not included inside the box, but the sails must be able move through the full range of motion while the boat sits in the box.

The second rule states that the number of channels for the radio is limited to two. In essence, this limits the number of servos aboard the boat to two: one for the sails and one for the rudder. As a result of these rules, most boats are monohulls of between 12 inches and 14 inches in length (think diagonally). Due to the Footy’s small size, the cost to construct one is kept very reasonable. The most competitive boats are built out of balsa or molded plastic. While exotic materials like carbon are allowed, the weight benefits in this size range are non-existent.

My idea for this Footy was to have a removable keel. With the keel removed, the boat could fit inside a cradle situated in some sort of carrying case to protect the boat while stored aboard the Cal in the quarter berth or lazarette, and to make transport to and from sailing easy. I found a plastic toolbox from a home improvement store that fit the bill. It easily contains all the parts of the boat and everything else needed to go for a sail, including the remote control. The package worked so well that I built another one for my father for his birthday, which was taken along for a six-week cruise to Maine this past summer. I have also built a few boats for myself, which I actively race.

The Northeast is home to an active and growing Footy fleet. This photo was taken at the Region 1 Championships in Gilford, NH.    © Nathan Titcomb

secretary for the U.S. Thankfully, the former class secretary, Bill Hagerup, is not leaving the Footy class and is staying on as a terrific resource.

Bill is a prolific designer whose designs have won the AMYA Region 1 (New England) Footy Championship for the past several years. Bill has been kind enough to design the easy-to-build Footy (#434) pictured in this article. He and I have worked together to develop a package for a Footy for you to build and pack along, so the next time you are in your favorite harbor, be it Cuttyhunk, Mattiuck, or Tashmoo, you can bring out a Footy and sail. With any luck you’ll run into someone else sailing a Footy, or at the very least I am sure you will capture the interest of more than one fellow boater. For more information including plans and build instructions, class rules, news, photos and more, visit footy.rcsailing.net .

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Radio-Controlled Sailboat Kits: The Ultimate Guide

• By - Kyle Hilson
• Posted on November 14, 2023 November 15, 2023
• Posted in RC Boats

Radio-controlled sailboat kits are a popular hobby for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. These kits allow hobbyists to build their sailboats from scratch and control them remotely using a radio transmitter. The idea of radio-controlled sailboats dates back to the 1930s and has since become a popular hobby worldwide. Radio-controlled sailboat kits come in different shapes and sizes. They contain all the components necessary to build a functional sailboat, including the hull, sails, rigging, motor, and radio transmitter. RC sailboats are available in different types, including racing sailboats, yachts, and schooners. When choosing a kit, hobbyists need to consider the price, difficulty level, design, and additional features such as GPS capabilities. Building and owning a radio-controlled sailboat has many benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to learn new skills and gain knowledge about sailing. Secondly, it allows hobbyists to spend time outdoors and experience the joy of sailing. Lastly, it is a social hobby, and sailing with others is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends. Building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats can present some challenges, especially for beginners. Some of the common challenges include understanding the complex instructions, setting up the radio transmitter, and navigating the boat. However, with practice and patience, these challenges can be overcome. Beginner-friendly kits are available, and YouTube tutorials can help with the setup and sailing of the boat.

Choosing the perfect RC sailboat kit for your needs.

Radio-controlled sailboat kits come in different shapes and sizes. They allow hobbyists to build their sailboats from scratch and control them remotely using a radio transmitter. These kits contain all the components necessary to build a functional sailboat, including the hull, sails, rigging, motor, and radio transmitter. RC sailboats are available in different types, including racing sailboats, yachts, and schooners. When choosing a kit, hobbyists need to consider different factors such as price , difficulty level , design , and additional features such as GPS capabilities . Kits are available for all levels of expertise, from beginners to experts , and there are various brands that specialize in producing high-quality kits. Websites such as Amazon, eBay , and Banggood offer a wide range of radio-controlled sailboat kits that cater to different hobbyist needs.

There are different factors to consider when choosing a radio-controlled sailboat kit. One of the most important is price . Kits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity and size of the boat. Another important factor is difficulty level , as some kits are more appropriate for advanced hobbyists, while others are suitable for beginners. Hobbyists should also consider the design of the boat and the type of sailing they are interested in, such as racing or leisure sailing. Some kits even offer additional features such as GPS capabilities for location tracking and weather information.

There are different types of sailboats available in the market, including racing sailboats, yachts, catamarans, and schooners. Racing sailboats are specifically designed for high speeds and maneuverability, while yachts are ideal for leisure sailing and relaxation. Catamarans are known for their stability and efficiency, making them popular for longer voyages. Schooners are classic sailboats with two or more masts, making them ideal for those who want a traditional sailing experience.

What are the different types of sailboats available in the market?

The different types of sailboats available in the market include dinghies, daysailers, keelboats, cruisers, racing sailboats, and catamarans.

Benefits, Skills and Social Aspects of Radio-Controlled Sailboat Kits

Building and owning a radio-controlled sailboat has many benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to learn new skills and gain knowledge about sailing. Secondly, it allows hobbyists to spend time outdoors and experience the joy of sailing. Thirdly, it is a social hobby, and sailing with others is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends. Some interesting facts about RC sailboats are that the World Sailing Model Competition happens every two years and has been held since 1972. The most recent competition was held in 2019 and saw participants from 13 countries.

A table comparing different RC sailboat kits and their features can be found below.

What are some popular websites to purchase radio-controlled sailboat kits and compare different products?

Some popular websites to purchase radio-controlled sailboat kits and compare different products are Amazon, HobbyKing, Tower Hobbies, and Horizon Hobby.

Overcoming Challenges in RC Sailboat Kits

Building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats can present some challenges, especially for beginners . One of the biggest challenges is understanding the complex instructions. Moreover, setting up the radio transmitter can also be daunting as it requires technical skills. Additionally, navigating the boat can be difficult as the wind and water conditions can affect its movement. However, with practice and patience, these challenges can be overcome.

What are some resources for beginners to learn about building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats?

Some resources for beginners to learn about building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats are online forums such as RC Groups, sailboat kit manufacturers like Dumas Products, and instructional videos on YouTube.

Radio-controlled sailboat kits are a fantastic way to combine the creativity of building with the thrill of remote control. They allow hobbyists to learn new skills while enjoying the fresh air and gentle breeze. With radio-controlled sailboat kits, enthusiasts can create their own sailboats from scratch with the freedom to customize the design and features according to their preference. Furthermore, sailing with others adds to the social aspect of the hobby and can be a great way to make new friends.

In conclusion, radio-controlled sailboat kits offer a unique and exciting hobby option for individuals of all ages. While there are inherent challenges in building and sailing the boats, the potential rewards are well worth the effort. The creativity and knowledge gained from creating and operating these boats are invaluable. With various resources, including online forums, tutorials, and classes, beginners can overcome the challenges and become skilled radio-controlled sailboat enthusiasts. If you are interested in this hobby, start by researching the different types of radio-controlled sailboat kits available and find one that suits your skill level and budget. Once you have your kit, get building and enjoy the serene and thrilling experience of radio-controlled sailboat sailing.

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Model ship clubs of the usa.

• Updated on: 24th January 2021
• Written by Gary Renshaw

Model Ship building is a craft that has been around since water transport first began. Every boat ever built has a unique story to tell. The model ship clubs of the United States have an important part to play in continuing the skills and tradition of the art of model ship building. Here we have compiled a list of the model ships clubs that are situated across the United States.

California Model Ship Clubs

Ship modelers association.

The Ship Modelers Association (SMA) is the largest ship modeling club in California, and one of the largest in the nation. They seek to foster research and interest in the nautical heritage of the United States by researching and building scale ship models. 

Sacramento Mo del Shipwrights

The Sacramento Model Shipwrights, are a club of radio-control model ship enthusiasts, who sail at the lake in Elk Grove Regional Park in Elk Grove, California. They are known for building civilian and military models, which are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or sail.

South Bay Model Shipwrights

The South Bay Model Shipwrights is a club to learn and share info on shipbuilding techniques using a variety of materials.  Member’s projects include model ships from plastic and wood from commercial kits and scratch built vessels in resin and wood. 

Club members have built ships ranging from 3’ to 56” in Over All length.  Members have built vessels from all timeframes in human history.  This includes rafts, Viking Ships, Galleons, Clipper Ships, Japanese and Chinese Sailing ships, Steam Ferry Boats, and modern era combat ships.

At club meetings they discuss maritime construction, current events, history, and archaeology.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Ship Model Guild

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum sponsors a Ship Model Guild, an active club of local model builders, who meet once a month at the Museum.  The public is welcome to the monthly meetings, third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM and all are welcome to join the Guild.

Learn Maritime history by building models of ships that made history.  Techniques for wood, plastic or metal construction are addressed at the meetings.  Every meeting is different as members discuss their progress during the “show and tell” sessions.  Interesting bits of information are exchanged about the ships of adventure on the high seas. 

Inland Nautical Society

Inland Nautical Society is a club for Radio Controlled Model Boaters. The club have beginners who have never built a model before, to the experienced modelers who have built museum quality models. The club has a reputation of friendly and knowledgeable members who are eager to share a wealth of their knowledge and expertise of radio controlled modeling.

San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild

The San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild welcomes people of all ages with an interest in preserving maritime history through the art of ship modeling. Membership ranges from new ship modelers to experienced master modelers. Ship model projects include period sailing ships through to contemporary steel navy.

Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights

The Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights are associated with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service, and have a model shop aboard the historic ferryboat Eureka berthed at the Hyde Street Pier.

Anyone interested in model shipbuilding is welcome to attend their meetings. Members can offer advice and support on all stages of model shipbuilding, from selecting a kit for your first model to advanced layout and scratch building.

San Francisco Model Yacht Club

Colorado model ship clubs, rocky mountain shipwrights.

The Rocky Mountain Shipwrights group of model ship builders in Colorado dedicated to promoting, developing, and furthering scale model shipbuilding. With about 50 members, building many types and sizes of model ships – from Egyptian barges to WWII destroyers, ships in bottles to all-paper models, miniature liners to four-foot men of war. Several members and their creations have won national and regional awards, and some have built models now on display at maritime museums nationwide.

But they are not all expert modelers. Some members are working on their first models. They get advice and encouragement from those who are more experienced, and the goal is for everyone to enjoy the hobby of building model ships and to get the satisfaction of completing and displaying their work.

Connecticut Model Ship Clubs

Connecticut marine model society.

Connecticut Marine Model Society are a group of enthusiastic ship model builders from Connecticut. They meet on the second Saturday of the month from September to June in West Haven, Ct. They build models from scratch or from kits; both wood and plastic. The subjects range from wooden sailing ship to present day ships of steel.

Florida Model Ship Clubs

Southwest florida shipmodeler’s guild.

The Southwest Florida Shipmodeler’s Guild purpose is to provide and promote a forum from which its members can share their model ship building knowledge, skills and techniques, personal experiences, nautical history and any other related maritime interests that might benefit its membership. Their goal is to learn and grow in competence in pursuing the construction of ship models in an atmosphere of constructive fellowship, assistance, and active participation.

Their members come from all walks of life and represent all levels of ship modeling skill from novice to expert. Meeting in a friendly and informal environment at the beautiful Fort Myers Riverside Community Center.

Tampa Bay Ship Model Society

The Tampa Bay Ship Model Society brings together model ship builders, both newcomers and veteran builders, for the mutual benefit of expanding their knowledge of ships, research, techniques, and further develop their abilities in all areas relevant to ship model building and maritime history.

Members model in all materials; wood, metal, paper and polymers, from plans only, or commercial kits, vessels from every era and purpose; Exploration, Steel Navy, Submarines, Yachts, Tugs, Commercial, Fishing, Liners, Working Small Craft, Coast Guard, River/Paddle Wheel, Racing Power and Sail.

Georgia Model Ship Clubs

Atlanta model shipwrights.

Atlanta Model Shipwrights aim to educate and promote model shipbuilding through fellowship mentoring and instruction in a non-competitive environment. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Illinois Model Ship Clubs

The north shore deadeyes.

The North Shore Deadeyes primarily focused on static scale ship models with an emphasis on the Great Age of Sail, but builders of models from all eras and at all levels of skill welcome.

Midwest Model Shipwrights

The Midwest Model Shipwrights was formed in 1982 by individuals who had a common interest in model ship building and maritime history. Goals of the club are to discuss and share modeling ideas and concepts while making new friends.

Vessels built by the Shipwrights represent a variety of types and eras. Sizes range from miniatures a few inches in length to radio control warships over five feet long, and from basic to amazingly complex. Their membership includes beginning through to advanced modelers, some of whose works can be found in museums, galleries and private collections.

In spite of all these accomplishments, the organization’s primary focus remains the interaction between expert, intermediate and novice.

Indiana Model Ship Clubs

Admirals of indianapolis.

Admirals of Indianapolis club’s members build and operate scale merchant ships, pleasure craft, work boats, military ships, sailboats, and just about anything that floats or submerges (in the case of submarine models). Many boats are built from kits and some are scratch-built from plans and photographs. The models are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or wind power in the case of sailboats.

Kansas Model Ship Clubs

Kansas city square riggers modeling association.

The Kansas City Square Riggers Club are a model ship-building enthusiasts club based out of the greater Kansas City area. They welcome builders of all skill levels and interests. If you are into naval research and model building they would love to hear from you.

Massachusetts Model Ship Clubs

Uss constitution model shipwright guild.

The USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild is the largest model ship association on the East Coast. Meetings overlooking Old Ironsides at the USS Constitution Museum are well attended.  In addition to monthly meetings, the Guild takes part in the annual meeting of model clubs from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They also attend the annual Salem Maritime Festival and the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, as well as the biennial Woods Hole Model Boat Show.

Novices and experienced model builders alike can have fun developing resources, experiences, and skills by joining us. SS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild

U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group

The US Vintage Model Yacht Group is a Special Interest Group of the American Model Yachting Association. Their organizational goals are the preservation, building, and sailing of older model yacht designs and the study of the history of the sport of model yachting.

“Vintage” primarily means any older model sailboats no longer sailed (or never raced) in serious competition. These encompass free-sailing model yachts, older designs converted to R/C and pre-1970s R/C sailing models. This includes class racing yachts, non-class sailing models, and commercially-built toys of the past. There are also replica models built to the older designs and new designs recreating older sailboat styles.

The group also support those who sail traditional sailing craft models, such as Schooners, Skipjacks, and other scale models. The hulls are generally made of wood, with some fiberglass models, and range in length from 1 to 6 ft. The rigs are usually constructed from wood or aluminum, with cotton or dacron sails.

Marine Modelers Club of New England

The Marine Modelers Club of New England have about 50 members, based in the greater Boston area.  They meet monthly, usually pond-side, when the weather allows it.  Meetings are rather informal, with little time spent on business, and lots of time talking about RC boats. 

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of models at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors.  

Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club  

The Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club are an enthusiastic and friendly group of model ship makers who share a particular interest in the naval history of Newburyport, and the Merrimack River Valley area.

Maryland Model Ship Clubs

CBMM’s volunteer Maritime Model Guild supports the curatorial needs of CBMM with exhibition models and building kits that are available for purchase  online  and at the Museum Store. In addition, the Guild offers classes for building scratch models, and the annual  Maritime Model Expo  featuring “live” steamboat models, skipjacks with working sails, speedboats, tugs, and other radio-controlled miniatures.

The group also hosts children’s model-making activities at CBMM’s signature events and other outreach and educational programs throughout the year. 

Washington Ship Model Society

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its members from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th-century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media. 

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly. 

Maine Model Ship Clubs

Down east ship modelers guild.

The Down East Ship Modelers Guild is an active group of static and R/C modelers, ranging from novice to experienced. They meet on the second Thursday of each month from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Legion Hall in Bath, Maine. The group has a long history of association with the Maine Maritime Museum , also in Bath, ME.

Michigan Model Ship Clubs

Great lakes nautical society.

The Great Lakes Nautical Society is a club consisting of model shipbuilders, who are interested in persevering Great Lakes history through model ship building, the model ship shows and educational seminars put on by the club members. The club is open to anyone with an interest in model shipbuilding and the Great Lakes.

Minnesota Model Ship Clubs

The state of Minnesota currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Missouri Model Ship Clubs

St. louis admirals model boat club.

The St. Louis Admirals R/C Model Boat Club is a group of hobbyists dedicated to sharing the knowledge and fun of the R/C model boat hobby. The depth and breadth of experience the club offers, combined with its laid-back atmosphere, attract the beginner modeler and master builders alike.

Nevada Model Ship Clubs

The state of Nevada currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

New Hampshire Model Ship Clubs

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of model at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors. 

New Jersey Model Ship Clubs

The ship model society of new jersey.

The Ship Model Society of New Jersey is dedicated to the pursuit and enjoyment of ship model building in all its forms. They welcome those who enjoy or would like to learn more about this fascinating hobby. Membership spans all skill levels, from novice or highly accomplished and from gadget guru to historical recreator.  Meetings aim to share collective wisdom and resources, and provide the opportunity to enjoy the company of other modelers. 

South Orange Seaport Society

South Orange Seaport Society is a group of folks of all ages who like model boating. They have boats from kits and scratch builds, electric and steam-driven, quite a few fun electric race boats, and some eccentric things. A group of people from all walks of life who like RC boating. 

New Mexico Model Ship Clubs

The state of New Mexico currently has no model ship clubs listed.

New York Model Ship Clubs

Buffalo model boat club.

Radio Controlled model boating is a fascinating hobby that can be as simple or as complex as one wants and can be enjoyed by all age groups. There are as many types of model boats as there are full sizes: enough to satisfy all tastes and interests. Those who enjoy the excitement of speed will find plenty of thrills and competition in the fast electric field. Sailing enthusiasts will find that the racing of radio-controlled sailboats offers all the challenge and exhilaration of the full-sized yachts. Builders of exact scale models get the added satisfaction of operating their craft under full radio control. 

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York

Upon a chance introduction at the Military History Society of Rochester New York in 2015 several like-minded individuals, working through the Nautical Research Guild, were able to form our group.  They quickly realized they were an enthusiastic collection of ship modelers and researchers interested in the history and preservation of our maritime legacy in the age of sail and more.

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York brings together members from near and far;  Rochester NY, Syracuse NY, Buffalo NY and even Lisbon Portugal. From all walks of life, experience, endeavours with varied nautical interests making for a very dynamic group.

They draw in subject matter experts to enlighten the club meetings on the historical nature of the naval and maritime craft, and their accurate modeling.

Empire State Model Mariners

The Empire State Model Mariners club was founded in 1988, by a group of model boat enthusiasts. The club is a non-profit organization aimed at recreational RC boating and building, with emphasis placed on helping each other and welcoming new members.

We welcome all classes of modelers, from beginners to experts. Boats can be ready to runs, semi kits, kits and scratch built. Whatever your passion is, pleasure crafts, speedboats, workboats, fishing vessels or military replicas.

North Carolina Model Ship Clubs

Carolina maritime society.

The Carolina Maritime Model Society exists to promote the production of high-quality ship models and encourage members and the public to participate in this craft that is as old as shipbuilding itself. 

The society is the only such organization in the entire state and has become a major vehicle for widening public interest in North Carolina’s maritime history and culture.

Ohio Model Ship Clubs

Shipwrights of ohio.

The Shipwrights of Ohio is a club dedicated to model shipbuilding. All types of ships and boats: sailing to steel navy, wood, resin, plastic, kits to scratch built, static to radio control. for all ages – young to retirees, and all skill levels – beginner to expert. Members share their skills, ideas and expertise.

The Shipwrights of Ohio were founded in 2004. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious and not-so-serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and skill knowledge. Skills range from beginners to those who build museum quality models.

Oklahoma Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oklahoma currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Oregon Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oregon currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Pennsylvania Model Ship Clubs

Philadelphia ship model society.

The Ship Model Shack is the home of the  Philadelphia Ship Model Society , the oldest ship modeling society in America. The Museum is home to over 50 ship models, but this is the only place to see them being created right before your eyes. Have a seat, and watch a model come together while talking with the modelers. 

Rhode Island Model Ship Clubs

Tennessee model ship clubs.

The state of Tennessee currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Texas Model Ship Clubs

Gulf coast ship modelers society.

The Gulf Coast Ship Model Society is a welcoming group of amateur and professional ship modelers who enjoy sharing their work and discussing tips and tricks of the trade.

Meetings are held on the second Saturday every odd month from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Houston Maritime Museum. Members are encouraged to bring models they are working on for a ‘show & tell’ discussion.

Utah Model Ship Clubs

Utah State currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Virginia Model Ship Clubs

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious shipmodelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its membership from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media.

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly.

Hampton Roads Ship Model Society

The Hampton Roads Ship Model Society, founded in 1967, is an association of individuals who are interested in pursuing the art of ship model building and the exploration of maritime history. The primary purpose of the society is to bring together persons interested in building quality ship models so that they may have the opportunity to exchange views and improve their skills. Members are people representing a wide range of ages who come from many varied occupations and backgrounds. Members come from as far north as the Northern Neck, as far west as western suburbs of Richmond and as far south as the border of North Carolina. Honorary members hail from such dispersed locations as Annapolis, Maryland and Toronto, Canada.

The interests of our members runs full spectrum, from the historical (photos and records), artistic (painting), decorative (pond yachts/half hulls), radio-controlled (RC) models, to highly detailed and historically accurate scale reproductions of all ship types. The skill level of members runs the full gamut from complete novices to highly skilled experts who have won top awards in highly regarded competitions both in the United States and abroad. Models built by past and present members of the Society can be found in many of our nation’s premier museums. Model builders of all skill levels are always welcome. The Society is dedicated to helping ship model builders new to the craft learn new skills while giving experienced builders the opportunity to perfect their abilities. Even the most highly-skilled members are always seeking to improve their techniques with the help and advice of other Society members.

Washington Model Ship Clubs

The state of Washington currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Wisconsin Model Ship Clubs

Wisconsin scale boating association.

The Wisconsin Scale Boating Association is about promoting and enjoying the model shipbuilding hobby. 

They are a “scale” model club.  Models are representative of an actual boat or type of boat, either static or operational.  Radio-Controlled models attempt to recreate authentic operation and look like a full size boat. 

The club participates in several events throughout the year.  Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the model boating hobby.​

KNOW A MODEL SHIP CLUB NOT ON THIS LIST?

If you know of a model ship club that is not on this list of United States Model Ship Clubs please let us know  here

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October 2012 : Peter Henderson (UK) sends us this link to information about the "1299" model Footy: http://www.beam.to/bmyc . Click on "Footy Plans" to see a comprehensive PDF including detailed assembly instructions and purchasing info for their pre-molded hull. Well worth a look, even if you don't plan to build this particular boat. As of August 2012 Andrew Cook has updated the GoSpectre.com website for his "Footy 507". It features a molded hull with built in servo mountings, carbon fiber rig, kevlar/carbon fibre matrix sails, servo arms and waterproof switch. Our Gallery has some older pictures here . Flavio Faloci has two of his designs available at the WoodenBoat store (search for ' Brando ' and ' Presto '). Presto is available in kit, plan, or book form! Mike Mayhew in the UK has started making vacu-formed components for Footy Chinese Junks. He has drawings and instructions made up and can also supply electronic components. Email Mike at [email protected] for details. Click the photo at the right to see more in the Photos section. Victor Models is offering their V-12 A Footy kit for $229. The boat looks nice and the kit sounds like it's quite complete. Dennis Desprois is offering fiberglass hulls, decks and even completed boats at his RC Boats & Walrus Sails website. McAllister Models & Design (formerly ScaleSailing) offers a new Footy kit called the Banshee . Banshee uses the foam core system as made popular on Graham's earlier kits. Banshee is available as a hull kit and a separate sail/rig kit. Their new web address is i www.mcallistermodels.com .