Twister

Richard, I'm fairly new to this forum and have just come across your fabulous build log - Endeavour is arguably one of the most beautiful yachts ever built and is most definitely a firm favourite of mine. I had the privilege of going aboard her sometime in the late '70's (before her purchase by Elizabeth Meyer and subsequent initial restoration) when she was owned by some friends of my father. Their dream had been to restore her but unfortunately money was the determining factor with progress. If memory serves, the hull plating and frames had been repaired but she was unballasted (other than temporary concrete) and even back then the lead was just too prohibitively expensive. Having scratch built a J class plug in the past (to produce a GRP hull for fitting out with r/c) I am well aware how difficult these hull forms are to plank and you really have made a superb job of it so many congratulations! As and when time permits I'll definitely be logging on to follow your progress - many thanks for sharing this build. Regards, Row

Michael, It's been a while since I was last able to check in and wow, phenomenal progress!! Looking at the mk1 & mk2 cockpit coaming, the mk2 looks infinitely better and far more realistic. For finishing, I think a rounded capping piece would really make it. It's worth noting that most production boats (and poor restorations) fit the wrong shape of capping - they tend to be flat topped with radiused edges but should have a slight radius over the top to assist with shedding water. Where the original coaming has been removed I'd be inclined to try re-sanding the deck to colour match before trying any oils. As usual, excellent, nay, stunning work!! I really must make / find more time to keep up with your progress - the same applies to my own build (little or no physical progress but a modicum of thinking about sail winch servo positions). Keep up the amazing craftsmanship, Regards, Row

Michael, My professional link with boats comes from working on various privately owned and charter yachts, although this sadly had to come to an early and almost rude end after 30 years behind the wheel (although IIRC, the first 5 years or so were spent carrying out the tasks that more senior crew members had no desire to do!) owing to a rather unpleasant back injury. In a somewhat long winded way, what I'm trying to say is that yes, I know the 'correct' way to bolt one together, what I lack is the ability and to a greater degree, the confidence to give it ago - at least from a PoF perspective. My 'on-going' project at the moment is 1/28th scale model of the J Class yacht 'Enterprise'. I never could watch 'StarTrek' as a child, 'Enterprise' could only ever have been a yacht which first raced in 1930!! The rest were only ever seen as young pretenders! I will endeavour to bring a log to this site - I'm slowly reaching the stage where the expertise contained within the collective minds of these forumites will undoubtedly prove beneficial. My only hope is that I'll be able to maintain a 'quid pro quo' and be of some use to all other members whose work,like yours, I'm in complete awe of. .(How many times have I said that already?) Anyway, for those who maybe interested, my current build log may be found at (from the beginning): http://www.rcsailing.net/forum1/showthread.php?6264-1-28-J-Class-Enterprise-build-log Do feel free to have a nose around and any comments and/or suggestions will be much appreciated. I implore that you go easy on me, in my defence this is my first scratch built boat - I don't even posess a set of construction drawings (although would that not then make it a 'Kit?!!). Prior to this I did attempt a 'vintage style' Marblehead, although I should point out that it was actually my father who carried out the most practically demanding aspects. Maybe she'll hit the water some day! Ok, that's it for now, my fingers & thumbs are beginning to ache - actually it's just the index finger of my right hand, so I'll draw this first missive to a conclusion by wishing all and sundry a good night (depending on your time zone - for those not headed that way perhaps a simple adieu will suffice?). Either way, all that remains from me to be said is, Regards, Row

Firstly, an admission of guilt, I've been 'lurking' on this forum for many, many months and am utterly blown away by the skill and ingenuity shown here. I have been especially taken with this build as the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters are, in my opinion, some of the most beautiful yachts ever built. As to the building skills of Mr Michael Mott, well, all I can say is that if I'm able to develop just 10% of his extraordinary skills/abilities then I shall indeed be a very happy man!! Michael, if I'm not mistaken, I believe you're originally from my part of the world (Cornwall, UK) - I just wish you were still here so that I may see the products of your undoubted talent 'in the flesh' so to speak.... Having read (& re-read!) this thread I understand that it's your intention to make this yacht radio controlled. Out of interest, what sort of make/specification of sail winch servo do you plan on using? In the meantime, very many congratulations on achieving a truly phenomenal piece of work, I remain in awe! Regards, Row