Classic Model Power Boats is a title that I have used for many years to describe the group of model boats that most interest me and that I remember seeing (and sometimes owning) in the 1950’s- 1970’s time period when this type of model was probably at its peak.

Many of these models came from kits produced by the like of Aerokits, Veron, HHM, NorStar, Yeoman, LesRo, Stirling and many others, but some came from plans drawn up by Vic Smeed and others from this same time period.

Models both before and after this era are also included in this category if they are of the same type - ie, a model of boat powered by a motor which was (back in those days) most often a glow plug engine, diesel engine or a petrol engine, although some were powered by electric motors such as those from Taycol or the smaller types from Mabuchi.

These days, most Classic Model Power Boats are powered by electric motors, not always by choice, but often because the use of ic motors is generally frowned upon and is banned from many waters due to the risk of pollution.

Electric motors can be thought of as being comparatively soulless and are quietly very efficient - but lack the noise and smells that accompanied the whole procedure of fuelling-up and starting our power boats back then.

Restoring and building Classic Model Power Boats has been my main interest for several decades now and I am pleased to see a revival in interest in this type of model boat….although in real life, they’re never actually went away!

I am hoping that this blog will attract fellow enthusiasts of this type of model boat to contribute with their pictures and share their experiences of building and operating their Classic Model Power Boats.

Those that currently collect Classic Model Power Boats (and plans) with a view to building and /or restoring them all one day and those who are just generally interested in them may like to contribute too?

Bob.

Anyone fancy an inexpensive restoration project?

This LesRo Rapier is currently listed for sale on Facebook for £10.

There are some other pictures of the boat that has no cabin tops, but for a tenner it has to be worth a look if you live anywhere near Exeter (Devon) where the boat currently resides.

Bob.

There has been a lot of really good and interesting pictures contributed to this thread since it was first started (404 comments before this one), but they appear to have been lost?

I wanted to check back on some of them as they made good intersting reading in a subject that I find the most interesting - Classic Model Power Boats.

Hopefully this is just a “glitch” so I will try again on another day on my computer when I get home, but my attempt to look back at them this morning on my iPad failed.

Bob.

Curlew.

This rather nice looking Curlew Classic Model Power Boat was seen on the Southport lake today.

It’s current custodian is Eddie from the SMBC who was gently cruising it around the lake today.

This is another boat that was picked-up from one of the clubs “open days” sales when several local boats tend to change hands.

A little work was needed to bring this model up to the standard seen here - all part of the fun of owning and operating a Classic Model Power Boat…..

Bob.

Classic Model Power Boat - what is it?

As I pulled-up in the car park at the Southport Model Boat Club this morning, I was asked to go and help a new member identify a Classic Model Power Boat that he was going to restore for a relative.

Unfortunately, whilst the shape of this approximate 35” long boat did “ring a few bells” in the few remaining old brain cells, I was not able to identify it, but I did offer to show it on this thread in the hope that somebody else can .

It does look a bit like a Vic Smeed design from the 1960’s, and the distinctive Ariel Mast shape was also somewhat familiar.

Can anyone identify this Classic Model Power Boat for us please?

Bob.

One of our local club members (Eddie) bought another nice Classic Model Power Boat whilst at the club last week and it looks to be in very nice condition.

The boat was being given its first run “under new ownership” at the club yesterday and it was running very nicely - but can anyone identify exactly what it is please?

I do recognise it as being made from a 1960/70’s kit (?) but at this moment in time my poor memory is not allowing me to positively identify it.

The boat is another model in the most popular length of around 30” or so (maybe slightly longer) so it is a good size for sailing all year.

Bob.

This lovely lifeboat was built from a plan by a fellow Southport Club member ianpat using a double planked hull construction.

Although a heavy model it does drive very nicely and produces an impressive wake.

Bob.

Sprite “Swamp Buggy”.

I saw this original LesRo Sprite for sale on eBay.

It had been converted into a “swamp buggy” by fitting an ENYA aero engine mounted onto a frame that had been added to the rear deck area.

Although it looks a bit “rough”, I am hoping that this “loft find” will not take too much work to restore it back to it’s original (and quite rare) form.

An original LesRo Sprite had been missing from my collection of Classic Model Power Boats for some time, so hopefully I can return this one to it’s intended format with the addition of a prop shaft and rudder and powered by a small brushless motor.

A set of plan drawings to refer to would be very helpful. If anyone has a set of drawings they would like to sell and post to me, please contact me by PM or email so I can arrange payment.

I know that the PDF for this model is readily available, but I don’t get on too well with digital copies and would prefer to buy a full size printed plan if I can find one.

Bob.

A Sea Nymph has been missing from my Aerokits collection - something that has now been taken care of.

The original kit has been on eBay for some time, and I spotted it again today and made an offer for it.

My offer was accepted and this gap in my collection has been taken care of 👍

Bob.