Fiberglass alternative for Radio model?

[Macey40060]

Hello all! I'm new to the forums but have been trying my hand at ship modeling for a few years now. I like on the Chesapeake Bay and would love to build an RC model but am not so good with fiberglassing. I was hoping I could get some tips on alternatives to fiberglassing.

 

-Mike

[captainbob]

Welcome aboard.  Fiberglass is used to waterproof the RC boat. Without it the wood will swell and shrink as it goes in and out of the water.  But unless you are using the boat as a ram you don't need anything that strong.  I used to use old nylon stockings instead of glass fiber.  It's much easier to work with.  And I would thin the epoxy half and half with alcohol before applying it.  Now I'm not even sure that epoxy is necessary.  If I were still building RC boats, I would paint a couple of layers of nylon on with a good spar varnish or marine paint.  The main thing you need to worry about is keeping the seems between the planks from opening. 

 

Bob

[Macey40060]

Thanks Bob! The stocking and epoxy is a great idea. Fiberglassing has always been the hardest part for me as I am very good with the small detailing and woodworking but when it came to the fiberglass I struggled.