Boats are a subject of interest for many people. Although everyone may not be able to afford them, almost anyone can make a miniature replica of their favorite. This can even be a project the entire family can work on together. Building miniature replicas are great little surprises for children to play with outside, on a trip, or even while they are bathing or in the pool. Here is how you can build your favorite miniature model of a sailboat. Continue reading.
Procedure:
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You’ll Need:
- 2-by-4-inch piece of balsa wood, 8 inches long
- Drill with ¼-inch drill bit
- Sandpaper
- polyurethane foam sheeting for sale
- Waterproof glue
- Wood dowel, ¼-inch diameter
- Scissors
- Canvas, cotton sheeting or paper (to use for sail)
- Staple gun
- Box cutter
- Hand saw
Step 1
The first task is to shape the hull of the boat. Do this by shaving the balsa wood to create the shape you desire. Use a box cutter to trim off wood pieces. Form a point at the end of the wood. Work on the sides of your sailboat. Create an angle shaped bottom my shearing off the wood forming what will be the bottom of your model sailboat.
Step 2
Sand the sides of your sailboat’s hull using sandpaper. Sand the point smooth defining the shape as you move along. Also, sand the angled bottom. This will create a rounded edge.
Step 3
Drill a hole into the model to place your mast in. Center the hole in the bow of the boat hull. Make the whole a minimum of ½ inch deep.
Step 4
Use the hand saw to trim the dowel to a length of 6 inches. Make your cut even and straight.
Step 5
Sand the dowel smooth. There should be no splinters or rough parts to the touch.
Step 6
Install the mast of the ship. Secure the mast with a good amount of glue. Place the glue in the hole of the hull. Now, insert the dowel mast. If glue comes out of the hole, wipe it off with a cloth. Allow the glue to dry for 20 minutes to 24 hours. Create the custom sail while you wait for the mast to dry.
Step 7
Cut a 4 inch canvas in the shape of a triangle.
Step 8
Apply a dab of glue to the mast and attach the canvas around the dowel in a wrapping motion.
Step 9
Create your sailboat’s rigging by gluing a string to the side of the sail that is attached to the mast. Use a staple gun to secure the string to the hull.
