Thanks for that Dave, as luck would have it I had two sheets of birch ply 1200mm x 300mm x 1.6mm came today along with some other bits and pieces from Cornwall boats came today. I will use this as a deck measurement as per plans then when I get to the point I need to lay the deck boards I will use it for that as a substraight under the boards.

Cheers Jon.

Hi Jon
Sorry I sometimes forget that many on this site are not past or present model aircraft fliers. Mirror ply was used for strength and lightness and any good model supplies shop would carry stock. You could go and select whatever type and quality of wood and I'm sure this is where I learnt.
Thin ply is still sold as Lite Ply and Howes stock a selection from 0.8mm (1/32) upwards. The 1.5mm (1/16) may be a better choice for your model and will provide a good solid flat base on which to plank.
https://howesmodels.co.uk/product-category/tools-glues-mater...
Make sure you use the grain running from stem to stern to help keep flat and to help allow for any deck camber.
I usually cover all my wood below decks with a sealant such as sanding sealer or layup resin if fibreglassing or nowadays polyurethane (G20 Pond Sealer). I do not cover any wood that is a glue joint.
Do make sure there is a good continuous glue joint to the deck rails along the bulwarks, any small pin prick holes will allow water penetration off the deck and can be very difficult to fix later on, trust me.😊
Cheers
Dave

https://howesmodels.co.uk/product-category/tools-glues-materials/plywood/

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Hi Ron Thanks for the info on those you tube videos they will come in Handy and very interesting, I wish to purchase the real one in my dreams i think. My Boat is based on another real Bristol pilot cutter called Breeze and that one is worth a look as that has been rebuilt to a very high standard. I did decide to fit a motor and yes it is brushed and has a speed controller when i get round to fitting it, eventually it will also have a external removeable ballast weight bolted to the keel that i can remove while on show.

Cheers Jon

Here is a full size Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter which is for sale. You will get many good references from viewing the posted photos. There are even six drawings showing everything from rigging to interior. Be sure to see this website.
https://www.devalk.nl/en/yachtbrokerage/610024/BRISTOL-CHANN...

Plus this model resembles another model “Jolie Brise” is featured on YouTube videos.There are other builders who have videos where they go through the building of their model. Those could be a good source of reference as you build your model. Here are some:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjlHKLJXdkg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f93MWmfWSeg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bhjtyhku5Q I know Emma is not a Bristle Pilot Cutter, but this video is still very informative. Give it a view, much to learn here since your model includes no instructions.


Ron

https://www.devalk.nl/en/yachtbrokerage/610024/BRISTOL-CHANNEL--PILOT-CUTTER.html

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjlHKLJXdkg

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f93MWmfWSeg

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bhjtyhku5Q

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Hi Ron you have the right kit information I am sure it says somewhere on there you can scale it down to a smaller scale but I am not it is full 1/12th scale I am building. Anything else I help you with I would more than happy to advise. I am off to a Rugby union game in five minutes but speak again late.

Jon.

https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/katie-gaff-rig-pilot-cu...

Is this the kit? I do not see it showing a motor? You have decided to add a motor, speed control to it? I sure hope it is a brushed and not a brushless motor.

There are several views of the finished model on this website.

Something I had not mentioned in my earlier post, is that I add fiberglass to my models’ deck to seal them.

https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/katie-gaff-rig-pilot-cutter-by-david-alderton/

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Hi Dave, Excuse my ignorance but what is mirror ply, Google gives no Definition.

Cheers Jon

Hi Ron, To be honest the plans have no written instruction so i cannot be guided by it. As a first build of a scale sailing boat i probably i should have built a smaller boat first but i will not be beaten and i will finish Her even with help from the kind folk on this Website.

Kindest regards Jon

Hi Dave I had not even thought about Caulking as yet but i thought some thing has to go on first before the decking so i am glad i asked. I still have a way to go yet before that happens so i will put that question before i start. Thanks for the information much appreciated.

Cheers Jon

Hi Jon
I use mirror ply over my formers, then lay the planks and caulking over the ply. One advantage is that you can level out any unevenness on the deck before you plank. 👍
How are you intending to simulate the caulking? You need to have a plan before you lay any planks. I suggest you practice on some scraps before you commence if you have not attempted this before. Hopefully your plans/instructions give guidance, if not please ask as there are several methods that may be used.😊

You are asking all the correct questions before you go too far so just keep moving along slowly and asking for guidance, there are plenty of members who have lots of experience to share and are more than happy to help.👍
Cheers
Dave