Requesting first boat suggestions.

[mode1]

Daughter wants me to build a boat. I don't mind the idea either. Built airplanes for many years. Never a boat/ship.
Would like: Scale or semi-scale looking. Should look good in the water or on a shelf in the house. Electric powered radio control. Buildable with common hobby tools. Fairly easy for newbe to set up. Will spend around $150.00 or less (not including radio/running gear) if possible. I have no idea of a good brand by reputation. Any suggestions appreciated

[Aerominded]

Hate to say this but it really depends on the kind of scale boat you want!

If you are indifferent as to type, for a first scale boat, I would reccomend something like the Midwest Lobster boat- while I have not built that particular model myself, I have built a few midwest boats and am familiar their kit engineering which is straight forward and nicely executed. Another option would be the Dumas line of Chris Crafts with the "Racing Runabout" being perhaps the best to start with- Pat Tritle did a good build thread on that about a year ago, check that out to get an idea of how that goes together.

Having plane building experience will serve you well whichever boat you choose!

When you do decide, please start a build thread here! :)

[martin richards]

With your experience in planes, you should be able to keep costs down by building from plans. I'd suggest something like a cabin cruiser about 24" - 30" with balsa and ply, though for electrics, I'd imagine depron might be interesting as well.
There are quite a few good general building hints on the scale section.

[LtDoc]

mode1,
Also sort of depends on if you want to build from 'scratch' or a kit. In the kit versions, one that I've found which had the best instructions and was dang near complete (except for the electronics) is the "Paula III" by Robbe. All plastic, extremely modifiable, not a bad boat if you like this sort of thing (work boat). Probably not the 'best' model in the world, and your daughter probably wont like a 'work boat', but ...
- 'Doc

[ol'guy]

Not sure if you want sporty boat or work type. If work, a great first boat kit is the Vac-U-Tug http://www.vac-u-boat.com it even comes with glue clamps and sandpaper. You can download the instructions and see if it's something you want to do, plus Phil is great at helping, if you need it. Be sure to check out the photo page to see how detailed some of these boats can be. Oh yah, it will keep you within budget too.

[Ghost 2501]

Graupner's neptun and Pollux are aimed at the starters :) they sail well as well

[DanL]

The Pollux is only 14" long - kind of small for anything but VERY calm sheltered water. The VacUTug is 24" long and can take rough water and rough handling (has a rubber bump rail all around). I'd suggest the VacUTug as a first boat because of completeness of kit (includes everything but batteries and radio), excellent instructions, big enough for open water (some weeds, wind and waves) and tough enough for kids to run. Only $80 - I think it's a great deal. Also, you can build the basic hull per directions and customize the superstructure to your hearts content. Take a look at their website.

[mode1]

Thanks to all that posted suggestions. We are looking/considering several choices. However, Tower does not carry many of the choices and we do not know good places to shop for kits. Did a google search. Found hundreds.

[Jeff G]

Vacuboat is good I hear, dont try anything too small, that was my mistake. Have fun